Assessment of durability and thermal stability in cementitious composites with Coal Washery Rejects
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Full Text |
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Author |
Shashidhar Reddy G. and Ramesh B.
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e-ISSN |
1819-6608 |
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On Pages
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2054-2066
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Volume No. |
20
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Issue No. |
24
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Issue Date |
February 20, 2026
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DOI |
https://doi.org/10.59018/1225228
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Keywords |
coal washery rejects (CWR), durability, microstructure, cost-benefit, and sustainable concrete.
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Abstract
The current study is designed to evaluate the durability, microstructural behaviour, and economic feasibility of incorporating Coal Washery Rejects (CWR) as a partial coarse aggregate replacement in concrete. Four mixes (0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% CWR) were assessed for water absorption, drying shrinkage, chloride permeability, sulphate resistance, and compressive strength. Results showed that water absorption increased from 1.22% to 1.70% and chloride permeability from 1755 to 2315 Coulombs as CWR content rose. Microstructural analysis confirmed the inert nature of CWR via XRD (dominant phases: Quartz, Alumina, Hematite), and SEM revealed increased porosity and weaker ITZ in higher CWR mixes, particularly M50. Despite minor reductions in durability, economic analysis indicated net savings of ₹850/m³ for M50 and over ₹1000/m³ for M75, along with up to 23.8% reduction in embodied CO₂. The M50 mix achieved the best balance between performance and sustainability, validating the potential of CWR as a sustainable, cost-effective alternative for low to moderate strength applications.
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