Design Of Reinforced Light Weight Concrete Hollow Blocks Using Shredded Card Board As Fine Aggregate with Steel Fiber

Abstract

With approximately 24 million tons of cardboard thrown away annually, the need for cardboard as a packing material has made it the single largest waste product (by weight) in the trash. The researchers are worried about cardboard recycling to lessen the impact of trash for both environmental and financial reasons. The capacity of waste cardboard to be utilized as a construction material as a partial replacement of aggregates up to a certain level and check its capability to hold certain required compressive strength of a Concrete Sample has thus been the subject of specific research. This study includes the Trial mix of 3 different mixture percentages of Shredded cardboard (1:2:5,1:3:4 and 1:4:3) as partial replacement to fine aggregates with 50 grams steel fiber reinforcement for every 1 cement ratio and to conduct compressive strength test, water absorption, and moisture content on concrete cured for 7,14-, and 28-Days hollow blocks to know the performance of the concrete. Overall, the 1:2:5 cement, cardboard pulps, and sand mixture—which is the ideal ratio for producing hollow blocks—was found to have the highest compressive strength and lowest absorption percentage. The 1:2:5 mix of cement, cardboard pulps, and sand results in high compressive strength because it combines the strength of cement, the fibrous reinforcement provided by the pulps, and the filler and binding capabilities of the sand. The lowest absorption rate is also present in this mix ratio. This means that the finished concrete block will be the least likely to collect moisture or water, which is essential for the block's durability. When freezing and thawing cycles are occurring, concrete blocks that have absorbed water may be more susceptible to cracking, weakening, and even disintegration. Finally, it has been found that using a 1:2:5 ratio of cement, cardboard pulps, and sand for making hollow blocks is the ideal option because it produces the necessary strength, durability, and low water absorption attributes while still being economical and practical.