Performance Evaluation of Reinforced Concrete Beams Made With Low-Carbon Micro Concrete Incorporating Scms
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Abstract
Cement production is a key source of carbon emissions in the construction sector, creating a need for more sustainable alternatives. One promising approach is the use of micro concrete blended with Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) such as fly ash, Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS), and silica fume. Despite their environmental advantages, their structural performance in reinforced concrete beams requires further investigation.In this study, reinforced concrete beams were cast using micro concrete with partial replacement of cement by SCMs at 20%, 30%, and 40%. Specimens measuring 150 mm × 200 mm × 1200 mm were cured for 28 days and tested under two-point loading. Key responses including ultimate load, deflection characteristics, crack formation, and failure behavior were recorded and evaluated.Beams with 20–30% SCM replacement demonstrated performance equal to or better than conventional concrete in terms of load capacity and ductility. Crack patterns were finer and more uniformly distributed, indicating improved resistance to crack propagation. A slight decline in strength was observed at 40% replacement. The use of SCMs also contributed to a reduction in carbon emissions by approximately 30%.The findings suggest that incorporating SCMs in micro concrete is an effective strategy for producing sustainable structural elements. An optimal replacement range of 20–30% provides a good balance between mechanical efficiency and environmental impact, making it suitable for practical reinforced concrete applications
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