Sustainable Innovations in Construction: Enhancing Slag-Based Materials through Recycled Concrete Fines
Unegbu, H., YAWAS, D., Dan-asabe, B., Alabi, A. (2025). Sustainable Innovations in Construction: Enhancing Slag-Based Materials through Recycled Concrete Fines. EKB Journal Management System, 5(1), 69-81. doi: 10.21608/sej.2024.321331.1065
Hyginus C.O Unegbu; Danjuma S. YAWAS; Bashar Dan-asabe; Abdulmumin Akoredeley Alabi. "Sustainable Innovations in Construction: Enhancing Slag-Based Materials through Recycled Concrete Fines". EKB Journal Management System, 5, 1, 2025, 69-81. doi: 10.21608/sej.2024.321331.1065
Unegbu, H., YAWAS, D., Dan-asabe, B., Alabi, A. (2025). 'Sustainable Innovations in Construction: Enhancing Slag-Based Materials through Recycled Concrete Fines', EKB Journal Management System, 5(1), pp. 69-81. doi: 10.21608/sej.2024.321331.1065
Unegbu, H., YAWAS, D., Dan-asabe, B., Alabi, A. Sustainable Innovations in Construction: Enhancing Slag-Based Materials through Recycled Concrete Fines. EKB Journal Management System, 2025; 5(1): 69-81. doi: 10.21608/sej.2024.321331.1065

Sustainable Innovations in Construction: Enhancing Slag-Based Materials through Recycled Concrete Fines

Sohag Engineering Journal
Volume 5, Issue 1, March 2025, Page 69-81  XML PDF (420.16 K)
Document Type: Original Article
DOI: 10.21608/sej.2024.321331.1065
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Authors
Hyginus C.O Unegbu email 1; Danjuma S. YAWAS2; Bashar Dan-asabe3; Abdulmumin Akoredeley Alabi4
1Ahmadu Bello University Nigeria
2Department of Mechanical Engineering Ahmadu Bello University Zaria Nigeria
3Ahmadu Bello University Zaria Ahmadu Bello University Zaria
4Ahmadu Bello University Zaria Nigeria
Abstract
This study investigates the performance of slag-based materials enhanced with Recycled Concrete Fines (RCF) as a sustainable construction solution. The primary goal was to assess the mechanical properties, durability, and environmental advantages of these materials at varying RCF replacement levels (5%, 10%, and 20%) compared to a control group with no RCF. Compressive and flexural strength tests revealed that a 5% RCF replacement provided optimal results, increasing compressive strength to 44.5 MPa—a 5% improvement over the control—while maintaining good flexural strength. It was also discovered that higher RCF content (10% and 20%) caused strength reductions due to increased water demand and porosity. Durability tests, including freeze-thaw resistance and sulfate exposure, further demonstrated the benefits of 5% RCF, which improved material longevity under harsh environmental conditions. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed that 5% RCF contributed to a denser microstructure by filling voids and reducing porosity. In contrast, higher RCF levels led to micro-cracks and compromised the matrix’s integrity. The Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) highlighted significant environmental benefits, showing up to a 12% reduction in carbon emissions and substantial waste diversion, with approximately 200 kg of construction debris repurposed per cubic meter of concrete. Economically, RCF inclusion reduced material costs by 8%, making it not only environmentally beneficial but also cost-effective. These findings position slag-RCF composites as a promising material for sustainable construction, with clear environmental and economic advantages. However, further research is recommended to optimize RCF content and explore the long-term durability of these materials in diverse real-world environments. footprint.
Keywords
Carbon emissions; circular economy; durability; recycled concrete fines
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