Eco-Friendly Rigid Pavement Construction Using Alternative Cementitious Waste Materials

The present study focuses on promoting eco-friendly approaches in rigid pavement construction by exploring the use of alternative cementitious waste materials as partial replacements for Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). With increasing awareness of the environmental and health hazards caused by large-scale cement production including greenhouse gas emissions, air and water pollution, and respiratory diseases there is a pressing need to identify sustainable alternatives. Various industrial and agricultural waste materials such as Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS), Ladle Furnace Slag (LFS), and Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SCBA) have shown promising potential as substitutes due to their similar chemical composition and binding properties. This study evaluates the physical, chemical, and mechanical performance of concrete incorporating these waste materials in varying proportions (5% to 50%) for rigid pavement applications. The objective is to achieve a balance between environmental sustainability, economic feasibility, and structural performance. The research aims to raise awareness among engineers and researchers about the benefits of using green concrete for highway infrastructure, thereby contributing to more sustainable construction practices.