Executive Summary : | Construction of structures with conventional materials, particularly in coastal areas, can deteriorate due to erosion and corrosion. To combat this issue, researchers are studying the life cycle assessment and microstructural characterization of cement-free concrete with quartz sand as fine aggregate and artificial aggregate made from fly ash, granulate ground blast furnace slag (GGBS), and thermosetting polymer as coarse aggregate. The construction industry contributes to 22% of India's annual CO2 emissions, and the production of conventional concrete depletes natural resources and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. The demand for concrete increases due to infrastructure development projects, leading to large quantities of cement production, extensive sand mining, and stone quarrying. The greenhouse gas emissions from buildings are expected to double by 2035 due to massive growth in new construction and inefficiencies in building stocks. The project aims to 100% reduce cement usage and replace aggregate with industrial by-products and waste materials. Secondary materials used in new age concrete include fly ash, GGBS, and bottom ash as source materials, and quartz sand as filler material. Advantages of this new age concrete include reduced greenhouse gas emissions, high strength-to-weight ratio, reduced mixing and curing water, resistance to chloride attack, and acceptability in shape and size. The research will focus on mechanical properties, durability, material characteristics, leaching behaviors, and environmental performance using life cycle analysis. |