Abstract
In developing countries, cement is one of the most consumed materials, which leads to a huge quantity of emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas into the atmosphere. Cement could be replaced with materials that have pozzolanic properties and filler ability such as wheat straw ash (WSA). The focus of the present research is to substitute cement with WSA and fine aggregate with waste marble powder (WMP) in different doses ranging from 0% to 20% and 0% to 30% with 1.5% hooked end steel fibers in concrete. To evaluate different characteristics of concrete made with WSA, WMP and steel fibers, tests such as compressive, split tensile and flexural strength, sorptivity, water absorption and microstructural analysis were performed, From the lab results, it was revealed that the optimum dosage for concrete with improved properties was 15% WSA, 30% WMP, and 1.5% steel fibers. An improvement of 43.5%, 59%, and 45.96% was observed in compressive, split tensile, and flexural strength. Water absorption and sorptivity were reduced by 15.9% and 29% with the addition of WSA and WMP and hooked end steel fibers. Microstructural analysis showed that both WSA are WMP are feasible to be used in concrete to improve its performance. The utilization of WSA and WMP leads to the economy and because of the micro filling effect it improves the concrete strength. Assessment of the environmental effect of WSA and WMP in concrete showed that sustainable development in the concrete industry can be achieved by utilizing waste/recycled materials like WSA and WMP, and this concrete can be successfully utilized in structural applications, and it will have a positive effect in reducing environmental pollution, which will lead to a cleaner and sustainable environment.