Feasibility of Modified Recycled Coarse Aggregates with Graphene Oxide Powder as Sustainable Structural Concrete: An Experimental Study for Agra, UP, India.

Abstract

Introduction: In the face of growing environmental concerns related to construction and demolition waste management, and the diminishing availability of fresh coarse aggregates, the reuse of recycled coarse aggregates poses both challenges and opportunities.

Objectives: This study investigates the potential of utilizing modified recycled coarse aggregates collected from a site at agra and from lab waste, UP in combination with graphene oxide as a sustainable substitute for fresh coarse aggregates in concrete production. A series of experimental investigations were conducted to evaluate the feasibility and performance of modified recycled coarse aggregates concrete mixtures with and without Graphene oxide powder.

Methods: Tests included assessments of compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, and poisons ratio after 28 days of curing. Various levels of replacement (e.g., 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) and treatment methods (e.g., thermal, mechanical, combined) were applied with and without graphene.

Results: The results revealed that the inclusion of graphene oxide powder with mechanical plus thermal modified recycled coarse aggregate significantly improved the compressive strength, with optimal performance observed at 52 % replacement level. Additional enhancements were observed in modulus of elasticity indicating better structural behavior.

Conclusions: These findings support the potential of using modified RCA with GO as a viable solution for sustainable, high-performance concrete in structural applications. It can offer an effective and environmentally friendly solution for construction and demolition waste management.