Experimental and numerical study of flexural behavior of reinforced concrete slabs containing recycled slurry micropowder as cement replacement

Reusing slurry waste from ready-mixed concrete production as recycled waste slurry powder (RSP) for partial cement replacement offers a sustainable path toward low-carbon materials. However, its impact on structural performance remains unclear. This study systematically evaluates the flexural performance of RSP concrete slabs through experimental and numerical simulations. Compressive tests on concrete and flexural tests on slab members were conducted at different RSP replacement ratios, with SEM analysis revealing the underlying microstructural mechanisms. Concurrently, an ABAQUS numerical model was established and parameterized to quantify flexural response at varying RSP replacement levels. Results indicate that RSP replacement reduces compressive strength and flexural capacity; however, at a 10 % replacement rate, performance degradation is minimal, demonstrating its potential for sustainable construction. Higher replacement rates require balancing environmental benefits against structural performance. This study establishes an integrated experimental–numerical framework for RSP, providing a scientific basis and practical reference for performance optimization and engineering applications, extendable to other cement replacement materials.