Optimizing mechanical properties of concrete with waste ceramic tiles and coconut shell charcoal as fine aggregate replacements: A Taguchi approach

ABSTRACT This study explores the potential use of leftover ceramic tiles and coconut shell charcoal as substitutes for fine particles in concrete. Five different mixtures were tested under different water/cement proportions by replacing different amounts of M Sand with waste ceramic tiles and coconut shell charcoal. These mixtures were M1 (100% M), M2 (90% M + 5% T + 5% C), M3 (80% M + 10% T + 10% C), M4 (70% M + 15% T + 15% C), and M5 (60% M + 20% T + 20% C) under different water/cement (0.45, 0.46, 0.47, 0.48, and 0.49). Using an L25 orthogonal array designed with Minitab software, the Taguchi-based grey relational analysis method was used to optimize the mechanical properties of the concrete mix. The results of the experiment showed that adding waste ceramic tiles and coconut shell charcoal enhanced the sustainability of concrete production while lowering reliance on natural resources, and the best mix designs were found. This study shows that recycling waste materials into high-performance concrete is feasible and has the potential to be a sustainable building material. The findings not only address waste management issues but also offer a way forward toward resource-efficient and ecologically friendly concrete production.