Sustainable construction materials performance evaluation of PMSWA-enhanced solid blocks through response modeling

The growing generation of solid waste due to industrialisation, urbanisation and changing lifestyles has significantly aggravated the environmental burden. According to a 2016 estimate, approximately 2.01 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste (MSW) were generated worldwide in 2016, with an estimated 3.40 billion tonnes by 2050 at the current trend. Beyond the conventional use of industrial by-product fly ash, this study highlights a new pathway for sustainable construction through the high-level replacement of fly ash with Processed Municipal Solid Waste Ash (PMSWA). This research study predominantly focused on the substitution of the fine aggregate with different proportions ranging from 0% to 50% of Processed Municipal Solid Waste Ash (PMSWA) in the Solid Blocks (CM 1:5) in terms of its weight. The specimen has been cast and tested for its mechanical & durability properties to determine the optimum replacement percentage of PMSWA based on strength and serviceability criteria. Load-carrying capacity (LCC) plays a crucial role in block design, serving as a partition wall in framed structures and the main structure in compound walls, basements, foundations, etc. LCC is determined by the compressive strength of the blocks, which reaches its maximum strength. Based on both strength and durability requirements (water absorption ≤ 10%), an optimum replacement level of 30% PMSWA in the solid block has been determined. The replacement is 40% of the OEM and this is at the minimum strength level, but it also has a water absorption rate of more than 10%, so it is not recommended for use in applications where durability is critical. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to model and analyze the interactions between replacement level and curing period. The morphological attribute has been examined using SEM analysis to confirm the composition and behaviour of the particle in the PMSWA solid blocks.