Feasibility assessment for partial replacement of fine aggregate to attain cleaner production perspective in concrete: A review

The rapid rate of solid waste generation has led to a huge quantum of unattended wastes posing a major threat to the ecosystem. Over the years, concrete industry has acquired the credentials of being one of the largest consumers of some of the most vital natural resources. The cost of production of concrete has observed a sustained rise over a period of time and there has been an increasing shortage of fine aggregates, thus aggravating the situation further. Some serious concerns have been raised repeatedly over the detrimental effects of reckless extraction of fine aggregate from river beds. Cleaner production, which is a completely sustainable production process seems to be the calling of the hour, which on one hand aims a the eco-friendly disposal of this huge quantum of industrial waste and on the other hand provides an economical and viable source of raw material for concrete industry. The paper reviews the feasibility of a wide variety of industrial by-products such as bottom ash, waste foundry sand, copper slag, plastic waste, recycled rubber waste, crushed glass aggregate etc., as a potential replacement for fine aggregate in the concrete manufacturing process in terms of strength and durability characteristics. A framework for further research has been proposed to attain reliable, robust, eco-friendly and economic concrete as the end product.