Performance and Mechanical Properties of Environmentally Engineered Cementitious Composites Produced from Local Waste

Abstract Each year, a significant quantity of date palm waste is produced, placing strain on the ecosystem and necessitating an urgent disposal solution. This research is distinctive as it utilizes easily available waste materials from industrial and agricultural sources in Iraq. This experiment used Iron filing waste (IF) as a complete substitute for silica sand and date seed ash (DSA) at replacement ratios of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of fly ash, compared to a reference standard ECC. This study investigates the fresh and mechanical properties (compressive strength, flexural tensile strength, and compressive strain behavior) of environmentally friendly concrete (ECC) using waste materials from the surrounding region. The results indicated that IF and DSA were acceptable choices for ECC composite base materials. ECC fluidity and bleeding prevention were improved by replacing silica sand with waste iron filing (IF). Fly ash and date seed ash (DSA) substitution ratios of 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% reduced ECC mixed workability efficiency within the permit. Flexural strength initially increased with a 50% date seed ash (DSA) replacement ratio but eventually decreased. All ECC combinations had compressive properties more strain rate-sensitive than the reference mixture. Instead of fly ash, 50% date seed ash (DSA) enhanced strain capacity by 17% and preserved load-bearing capacity.