Enhancing Sustainability and Economics of Concrete Production through Silica Fume: A Systematic Review

This review article addresses the problems associated with the carbon footprint of the cement industry. The PRISMA framework methodology was for data extraction from published studies. In-depth research has been done in the literature on using silica fume as a cement replacement in concrete production, considering environmental, engineering, and economic (EEE) factors. The strength, durability, and economic parameters results revealed a positive variation of up to 5-20% substitution of silica fume. However, most past studies reported the threshold at a 10% replacement ratio. A novel benefit-cost ratio analysis was also done in this review study. The benefit-cost ratio analysis reveals the economically beneficial effects that can be achieved in sustainable silica fume-based concrete with a (5-20%) silica fume combination. The benefit-cost ratio showed positive effects, up to 20% cement replacement with silica fume. Hence, the higher cement replacement with silica fume is also beneficial in terms of the benefit-cost ratio. Further research has been proposed based on the findings of this review study.