Ceramic waste powder as a cement replacement in concrete paving blocks: mechanical properties and environmental assessment

In the quest for eco-friendly alternatives to ordinary Portland cement, a material extensively used in the manufacture of concrete paving blocks, this study explores the potential of ceramic waste powder. Towards this, a parametric investigation is conducted into the effects of substituting cement with ceramic waste powder on the mechanical properties and durability performance of mass-produced pressed concrete blocks. The findings reveal that the incorporation of ceramic waste powder as a partial cement replacement can markedly enhance the strength and durability of the paving blocks. Specifically, mixtures, containing 20% and 30% ceramic waste powder, demonstrated an increase in compressive and tensile strength by 30% and 19%, respectively, compared to their control counterparts. In addition, the modified blocks exhibited a decrease in water absorption and weight loss after undergoing freezing and thawing cycles by 8% and 40%, respectively. A life cycle assessment corroborates the environmental viability of ceramic waste powder as a cement substitute, indicating reductions across all environmental impact categories, with notable improvements. This research paves the way for more sustainable solutions in pedestrian pavement construction, underscoring the potential of ceramic waste powder as a significant contributor to global sustainability efforts in the construction industry.