Eco-efficient structural concrete: Mechanical and durability properties of mixes with cashew nutshell ash and waste foundry sand

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Research article
Eco-efficient structural concrete: Mechanical and durability properties of
mixes with cashew nutshell ash and waste foundry sand
S. Nagaraju a
, R. Sudha
a, ⁎
, S. Durgalakshmi b

, P. Rajeshc

, S. Kayashrini c

, M. Pavithra d
a Department of Chemistry, School of Basic sciences, Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies (VISTAS), Pallavaram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600117, India
b Department of civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies (VISTAS), Pallavaram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600117,
India
c Department of Physics, School of Basic Science, Vels Institute of Science and Technology & Advanced Studies, Pallavaram, Chennain, Tamilnadu 600117, India
d Department of Condensed Matter Physics, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu 602105,
India

ARTICLE INFO
Keywords:
Agricultural waste
Industrial by-products
Cashew nutshell ash
Waste foundry sand
Microstructure
TGA
SEM

AB ST RA CT
The construction industry is facing rising issues related to sustainability and resource depletion, mostly due to

the extensive use of conventional materials such as cement and fine aggregates. Cement manufacture emits a sub-
stantial amount of carbon, and mining natural aggregates can be harmful to the environment. This study investi-
gates the use of Cashew Nutshell Ash (CNA) and Waste Foundry Sand (WFS) as partial substitutes for cement and

fine aggregates in concrete, with the objective of increasing sustainability. In this study, cement was replaced
with CNA at varied percentages of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%, while fine aggregate was replaced with WFS at

0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%. The mechanical, durability, and microstructural properties of the modified con-
crete were evaluated. The tests involved assessing compressive strength, flexural strength, split tensile strength,

acid resistance, water absorption, and chloride ion penetration. The study looked at the combined effect of CNA's
pozzolanic activity and WFS's packing efficiency. The results revealed that the combination with 10% CNA and

20% WFS (C10%W20%) had the greatest results, with a 12% improvement in compressive strength, a 15% in-
crease in flexural strength, and a 10.5% increase in split tensile strength compared to the control mix

(C0%W0%). Durability tests found that the material is more resistant to acid assaults, has lower water absorp-
tion, and has less chloride ion penetration. Finally, the study concludes that CNA and WFS are effective sustain-
able options for concrete manufacturing, improving both performance and environmental sustainability.