ECO-FRIENDLY BUILDING SOLUTIONS: INTEGRATING MAHALLAT'S TRAVERTINE SLUDGE IN CONCRETE PRODUCTION

The global population growth and the subsequent surge in housing demand have inevitably led to an increase in the demand for concrete, and consequently, cement. This has posed environmental challenges, as cement factories are significant contributors to carbon dioxide emissions. One promising solution is to incorporate pozzolanic materials into concrete production. This study investigates the effects of using travertine sludge as a partial substitute for cement. Seven different mix designs, along with a control mix, were created and compared. The primary variable was the ratio of travertine sludge to cement weight, considered in intervals of ۱۰%, ۱۵%, ۲۰%, ۲۵%, ۳۰%, ۳۵%, and ۴۰% of the cement's weight. Various tests were conducted, including compressive strength and flexural strength at ages of ۷, ۲۸, and ۹۰ days, as well as a permeability test at ۲۸ days. The findings revealed interesting patterns. At the ۷-day mark, as the percentage of travertine sludge increased, there was a decrease in compressive strength. However, by the ۲۸-day mark, the concrete displayed a varied behavior: using up to ۳۰% travertine sludge by weight reduced the strength, but exceeding ۳۰% resulted in increased strength. At the ۹۰-day mark, an overall increase in strength was observed with the rise in travertine sludge percentage. Such pozzolanic effects on compressive strength were somewhat predictable. Additionally, based on the flexural strength tests, travertine sludge can be deemed a viable substitute for a certain percentage of cement by weight. This research underscores the potential of sustainable alternatives in the construction industry, promoting both professional development and personal branding for those engaged in eco-friendly practices.

کلیدواژه ها:

Sustainable construction ، travertine sludge utilization ، cement substitution ، concrete permeability ، eco-friendly building materials ، Mahallat's environmental impact.