Effect of waste ceramic sanitary ware as partial replacement of aggregates and cement in concrete

This research aims at deriving the mechanical properties of concrete containing waste ceramic sanitary ware as coarse aggregate, fine aggregate and ceramic powder as a partial replacement against natural coarse aggregate, natural river sand and Portland cement, respectively. Various physical and chemical properties of these materials were obtained to ensure the physical and chemical feasibility of the proposed replacement study. The replacement percentage of coarse ceramic aggregate (Acc) varied between 10–100% and the optimal replacement percentage was designated with respect to the strength of Plain Concrete (PC). Then the replacement percentage of fine ceramic aggregate (Afc) varied between 10–30% keeping Acc optimal percentage constant. Thereafter, the replacement percentage of ceramic powder (Cc) varied between 10–20% keeping both Acc and Afc optimal percentages constant. Finally, Waste Ceramic Optimal Concrete (WCOC) was obtained based on the compressive strength of cubes. Further, 1% straight steel fibres were incorporated in WCOC, and the compressive strength of Waste Ceramic Fibre Concrete (WCFC) was determined. A total of 225 cube specimens were cast for the present research. Lastly, 27 beams were cast to determine and compare the flexural strength of PC, WCOC and WCFC beams. An excellent enhancement of about 5.3% and 6.6% in compressive strength of WCOC and WCFC, respectively, was found compared to PC whereas; in the case of flexure satisfactory results were observed.