DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.176250.3 ISSN: 2046-1402

Sustainable RC Beams with Agricultural Waste Fine Aggregate and Glass Powder: Structural Evaluation under Bending

Ziadoon M. Ali, Sheelan Mahmoud Hama, Nahla Hilal, Nebras M. Mhedi, Zouaoui R. Harrat
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Background This study investigates the structural behavior of sustainable reinforced concrete (RC) beams incorporating walnut shell fine aggregate (WFA) and 15% powdered waste glass (PWG) under shear and flexural loading conditions. Method Walnut shell and 15% PWG were respectively used to partially replace natural fine aggregate and cement in all the beam samples, so they can be tested for compressive strength, density, shear behaviour, and flexural behavior. Results it can see that 10% WFA replacement enhanced compressive strength by 3–5%, flexural capacity by ~6%, and ductility by 64%, while reducing density by 6–8%. Higher WFA content reduced stiffness and ultimate load capacity; but, it improved crack distribution, deformability, and energy absorption. In shear-dominated beams, higher WFA contents reduced shear strength because of weaker aggregate interlock, although a more gradual failure response was observed. In addition, the incorporation of PWG contributed to matrix densification and improved crack control. Conclusions The findings demonstrate that moderate WFA replacement combined with PWG can produce eco-efficient RC beams with improved ductility and reduced dead load while maintaining acceptable structural performance. It is recommended that future investigation should be extended to full-scale structural members with varying PWG replacement levels, and the development of analytical prediction models for such sustainable RC beam.

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