Performance of Self-Compacting Concrete by Amalgamating Waste Materials Using Absolute Volume Method

The growing emphasis on sustainable construction practices has led to the evolution of advanced concrete technologies, among which Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) stands out due to its unique ability to flow and compact under its own weight without the need for mechanical vibration. While SCC offers superior workability and surface finish, its traditional composition heavily depends on cement and river sand, both of which have significant environmental implications, particularly due to high energy consumption, CO₂ emissions, and depletion of natural resources. In this study, an attempt has been made to partially replace natural fine aggregate (Bhandara sand) with various industrial and construction waste materials such as stone dust, brick powder, and glass powder, thereby improving the environmental profile of SCC while maintaining or enhancing its mechanical performance. The materials were used individually and in hybrid combinations, and the mixes were designed using the Absolute Volume Method (AVM), a rational mix design approach that ensures optimal volumetric proportions. Cube specimens were cast in standard molds and tested for compressive strength after 7 and 28 days of water curing. The results showed that replacing 25–35% of Bhandara sand with stone dust improved compressive strength, with a maximum of 33.51 N/mm² at 35% replacement after 28 days. Brick powder replacement, however, showed reduced strength values compared to conventional SCC, indicating limitations in its use as a sole replacement material. A hybrid mix comprising 25% stone dust, 25% brick powder, and 5% glass powder demonstrated moderate strength, suggesting potential for multi-material optimization. This study confirms that industrial by-products and construction waste can be effectively used in SCC to enhance sustainability while maintaining acceptable strength characteristics. The findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of construction materials and promoting circular economy principles in concrete technology.