Eco-engineered concrete incorporating ground bottom ash and E-waste fibers for enhanced strength and durability through waste valorization

A crucial objective for mitigating the global environmental footprint of the construction sector is the imperative to develop sustainable and ecological concrete alternatives. This investigation presents a novel strategy that utilizes ground bottom ash (GBA) as a cement substitute and integrates electronic waste fibers (E-fibers) for structural reinforcement. Concrete mixes were formulated by substituting cement with GBA in partial amounts (10%–30%) and adding E-fibers (3%–30% by cement mass). The resulting fresh properties, critical mechanical parameters, and durability characteristics were subsequently assessed. Data revealed that escalating both the GBA substitution rate and the E-fiber volume systematically diminished the slump. Structurally, the optimal blend (10% GBA and 3% E-fibers) achieved peak performance; specifically, compared to all other mixtures, it exhibited increases of 16.38% in compressive strength, 22.66% in flexural strength, and 7.62% in the elastic modulus. Regarding durability, while water absorption increased slightly with fiber inclusion, the 10% GBA/3% E-fiber combination significantly enhanced resistance to chloride ion penetration. These outcomes validate the capacity of GBA and E-fibers to yield a high-performance, green concrete, thereby establishing an inventive and feasible route for responsible resource stewardship in building materials. • GBA used as a sustainable pozzolanic cement substitute in concrete. • E-waste fibers introduced as structural reinforcement for enhanced performance. • Optimum 10% GBA–3% E-fibers maximized strength and stiffness properties. • Excess GBA or E-fibers reduced workability and mechanical efficiency. • Optimal mix significantly improved resistance to chloride ion ingress.