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Vaibhav Raj Sharma
Anil Kumar Sharma
Keywords:
Silica Fume; Rice Husk Ash; Iron Slag; Sustainable Concrete; Supplementary Cementitious Materials; Partial Cement Replacement; Pozzolanic Materials; Mechanical Properties; Durability; Waste Utilization
Abstract:
The increasing demand for concrete in residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure development has resulted in significant consumption of Portland cement, whose production is associated with high energy demand and carbon dioxide emissions. The utilization of industrial and agricultural by-products as supplementary cementitious materials offers a promising approach for reducing cement consumption while improving the sustainability and performance of concrete. This review presents a comprehensive assessment of silica fume (SF), rice husk ash (RHA), and iron slag as partial replacements for cement in concrete. The review discusses their origin, composition, pozzolanic and cementitious characteristics, effects on hydration and microstructure, and influence on the mechanical and durability properties of concrete. Silica fume, owing to its highly reactive amorphous silica and very fine particle size, contributes to matrix densification and the formation of additional calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gel. RHA, derived from controlled combustion of rice husk, provides a silica-rich agricultural waste material with significant pozzolanic potential, while iron slag represents an industrial by-product that can contribute to cementitious reactions and sustainable waste utilization. Recent studies indicate that the performance of these materials strongly depends on their processing conditions, chemical characteristics, particle size, replacement level, and compatibility with other concrete constituents. The review further highlights the potential of combined and optimized use of mineral additives to achieve improved strength, durability, and environmental performance. However, challenges related to material standardization, processing, optimum replacement levels, long-term durability, and large-scale field application remain. Overall, SF, RHA, and iron slag demonstrate considerable potential for developing sustainable concrete while simultaneously addressing industrial and agricultural waste-management challenges.
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International Journal of Recent Research and Review
ISSN: 2277-8322
Vol. XIX, Issue 3
September 2026
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PUBLISHED
September 2026
ISSUE
Vol. XIX, Issue 3
SECTION
Articles
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