Multi-criteria optimization of concrete mixes incorporating cenosphere waste and multi-minerals. (20th September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Yating; Sun, Xiangwei; Zhu, Xingyi; Xiao, Jianzhuang
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 367(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-09-20
• Subjects: Cenosphere waste -- Multi-minerals -- Concrete -- Mechanical performance -- Environmental sustainability -- Multi-criteria optimization; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.133102
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: Following the requirements of sustainable development, this paper aims to develop a sustainable concrete mix by replacing part of the cement with cenosphere waste and multi-minerals. The cenosphere was chemically treated to provide internal curing effect to enhance concrete performance. The sensitivity of cenospheres and multi-minerals on concrete strengths, microstructures, economic benefits and environmental sustainability were evaluated. To simultaneously consider these factors, concrete mixes were optimized using TOPSIS, a multi-criteria optimization method. Results show that the surface-treated cenosphere offers a good internal curing effect to improve the mechanical properties of concrete. A more considerable amount of minerals, i.e., 40%, is observed to have sound performance since the additional curing water provided by the treated cenospheres can accelerate the hydration of cement and minerals, contributing to a densified microstructure with abundant hydrates. Additionally, the addition of cenosphere and multi-minerals also brings a noticeable decline in the direct cost given a maximum decrease of 7.6%, and a significant advantageous effect on environmental sustainability given a maximum decrease of 37.4%, 34.0% and 6.34% in CO2 emissions, energy consumption and raw material ratio, respectively. Furthermore, mixture G11 with 20% cenosphere, 6% MK and 14% GGBS is suggested when an equal priority is determined for mechanical properties, cost and environmental sustainability. Highlights: Sustainable concrete mixes with significant amounts of multi-minerals are designed. The surface-etched cenosphere can be used as an internally-cured binding material. A positive composite effect of cenosphere and multi-minerals is identified. Adding cenosphere and minerals is beneficial to cost saving and environmental sustainability. Mixture with 20% cenosphere, 6% MK and 14% GGBS is the optimum concrete mix.