Enhancing Concrete Performance Using Sustainable Ternary Blended Mix with Metakaolin, Rice Husk Ash, and Deccan Basalt Manufactured Sand

Researchers are consistently exploring innovative materials to enhance concrete properties, reduce costs, and mitigate environmental impacts. The rising demand for concrete has intensified resource exploitation and increased carbon emissions. This study aims to reduce the environmental footprint of cement production by partially substituting ordinary Portland cement (OPC) with rice husk ash (RHA) and metakaolin (MK). Additionally, it replaces river sand with basalt-manufactured sand (M-sand), a finely crushed aggregate sourced from the basalt rocks of India’s Deccan region, providing a sustainable alternative that helps preserve river ecosystems. The findings demonstrate that triple-blend concrete, utilizing Deccan basalt M-sand as fine aggregate and incorporating RHA and MK as partial cement replacements, significantly enhances mechanical properties. The highest strength is obtained with a combination of 20% RHA and 15% MK, alongside the full replacement of river sand with M-sand. Durability tests show that the concrete mix containing 20% RHA and 10% MK with M-sand as the fine aggregate experiences minimal strength and weight loss due to acid attacks, compared to conventional concrete. The resulting concrete, using 100% M-sand and replacing 40% OPC with these mineral admixtures, is environmentally friendly and gives comparable results to conventional concrete. This approach yields durable, and sustainable concrete, promoting efficient resource utilization in concrete production.