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CIBV-2022 IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering 1283 (2023) 012007 doi:10.1088/1757-899X/1283/1/012007

Eco-concrete for obtaining “green” construction elements

B I Luca1, A Panțiru1, A Timu1, M Bărbuță1, L I Diaconu1, M Rujanu1 and

A C Diaconu2
1
“Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi, Faculty of Civil Engineering and
Building Services, Iasi, Romania
2
Romanian Association of Earthquake Engineering, Romania

* livia-ingrid.diaconu@academic.tuiasi.ro

Abstract. The building materials branch of the construction industry is continuously

developing due to occurrence of new products which seek to improve the “green” character of
buildings by using different types of wastes. Prefabricated products of different sizes such as
blocks, panels, beams and other spatial elements can now be obtained with eco-materials.
Concrete is the most used material in the building industry and thus it is necessary to diminish
its environmental pollution. There are different ways for improving the “green” character of
concrete, such as the addition of waste products of different types (fly ash, silica fume, slag,
shredded tyre rubber, agricultural powder wastes, etc.) or by replacing some of the components
(i.e. cement, aggregates) with eco-materials. Materials with pozzolanic properties (fly ash,
silica fume, banana leaves powder, volcanic tuff, etc.) can, in certain proportions, replace the
cement. In order to replace the aggregates, the substitution materials are obtained with sizes
which are corresponding to the aggregate sort (polystyrene granules, shredded plastic
recipients, agricultural wastes, etc). In the current article, the experimental results obtained on
types of eco-concrete used for producing reinforced concrete beams are presented. The eco -
concrete used for pouring the reinforced concrete beams contains the following materials: fly
ash as replacement for the cement, metalic fibers, polyester fibers and hemp fibers. The beams
models were tested in two point bending. The strength capacity and type of failure were
analysed and compared as a function of the type of eco-concrete.

1. Introduction
The innovative elements refer to the carrying out of several tests of concrete recipes with different
additions in accordance with the subsequent possibilities that the same work protocol can be applied
on a large scale by companies specialized in the field of concrete production and construction materials
[1-3]. The most common modern cement mixture, known as Portland cement has been used for near
200 years, but it is not very friendly to the environment as cement production led in 2021 to 7% of
emissions of carbon dioxide, worldwide.
The main objective of the experimental research in this paper is the analysis of the physical-
mechanical properties of some types of concrete that want to be ecological, using fly ash as a substitute
for cement and different fibers [4].
The concrete with waste used for obtain reinforced concrete beams presented the characteristics
closed to that of a regular concrete of class C20/25 and was presented in [5].

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CIBV-2022 IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering 1283 (2023) 012007 doi:10.1088/1757-899X/1283/1/012007

This study focuses on improving and add to the current level of knowledge in the field of
construction materials, especially concrete by analyzing the behavior of some concretes and concrete
elements made with ecological recipes by using renewable natural additives with the aim of reducing
the production cost and obtaining a material more effective from the point of view of the physical-
mechanical characteristics than those of the classic concrete studied up to now.
The topic of this paper is well documented in the specialty literature, the published papers have
explored a wide range of topics related to eco-concrete, including material properties, its impact on the
environment, and its potential applications in the construction industry. Some papers have focused on
the use of recycled materials and their effects on the strength and durability of the materials, other
papers have looked at the thermal performance of eco-concrete and its potential to reduce energy
consumption in buildings [6-8].
Eco-concrete is a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete that aims to reduce the
environmental impact of construction. It is made by incorporating recycled materials, such as fly ash,
metalic fibers, polyester fibers and hemp fibers, into he concrete mixture, which reduce the amount of
cement required and results in lower carbon emissions. Eco-concrete also has the potential to improve
the thermal performance of buildings and reduce energy consumption. From a sustainability
perspective, eco-concrete has the potential to reduce the carbon footprint of construction, conserve
natural resources, and contribute to a more sustainable build enviroment. As the construction industry
seeks to reduce its environmental impact, eco-concrete is emerging as an important tool for echiving
these goals.

2. Experimental program

2.1. Mixes composition

For the preparation of the eco-concrete, a witness mix (CCI) was used, containing the following
materials:
• cement type CEM II 42.5 - 360 kg/m3 ;
• river aggregates: sand sort 0 – 4 mm – 803.16 kg/m3 ;
• sand sort 4 - 8 mm – 384.12 kg/m3 ;
• sand sort 8 - 16 mm – 558.72 kg/m3 ;
• water 180 l;
• Master Glenium SKY 617 superplasticizer / water reducing additive in a dosage of 1% from
cement’s amount
In the experimental program, a series of cement concrete mixes were prepared, where the cement
was replaced with 10% (BC10) till 40% (BC40) with fly ash (FA) from CET Holboca Iassy. The
receipts are presented in table 1.
Table 1. Witnesses’ receipts BC and BC10-BC40 with thermo power plant ash.
Receipt Cement Water Thermo Sand Aggregate Aggregate Additive
[kg/m3] [l/m3] power [kg/m3] [kg/m3] [kg/m3] [kg/m3]
plant
ash
[kg/m3]
BC 360 180 0 803 384 558 3.6
BC10 324 180 36 803 384 558 3.24
BC15 306 180 54 803 384 558 3.06
BC20 288 180 72 803 384 558 2.88
BC30 252 180 108 803 384 558 2.52
BC40 216 180 144 803 384 558 2.16

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CIBV-2022 IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering 1283 (2023) 012007 doi:10.1088/1757-899X/1283/1/012007

2.2. Experimental set up

During the research, several types of recycled materials were studied in different dosages to determine
the physical and mechanical characteristics of the concrete obtained with each of the materials used
for each dosage separately, in order to compare the results, thus aiming to create an ecological concrete,
with costs of lower production than ordinary concrete, with a less negative impact on the environment,
but with strengths comparable to those of ordinary concrete, then trying to use the concrete obtained
in structural elements [9,10].
The concrete compositions studied in order to determine the compressive strength; fc was:
• Concrete with fly ash and hemp fibers BFC. The concrete compositions were prepared as
follows:
- fly ash replaced 10% to 40% of the cement dosage;
- hemp fibers used in proportion of 0.25% with a length of 30 mm.
• Concrete with fly ash and PES fibers BPES30. The concrete compositions were prepared as
follows:
- fly ash replaced 10% to 40% of the cement dosage;
- polyester fibers used in proportion of 0.25% with a length of 30 mm.
• Concrete with fly ash and metallic fibers BFAFM. The concrete compositions were prepared
as follows:
- fly ash replaced 10% to 40% of the cement dosage;
- metallic fibers used in proportion of 1% with a length of 50 mm.
After 28 days the compressive strength was determined according to [11] on cubes of 150 mm
sizes. The results are presented in table 2.
Table 2. Compressive strengths of mixes with fibers.
Mix Dosage fc
N/mm2
Concrete with hemp 10% 28.36
fibers 15% 27.12
20% 23.70
30% 21.10
40% 17.42
Concrete with Pes 10% 29.8
fibers 15% 24.14
20% 27.16
30% 20.93
40% 18.24
Concrete with FM 10% 30.72
fibers 15% 27.05
20% 30.56
30% 30.12
40% 22.08

For the reduced scale reinforced concrete beams obtained with each of the recycled materials, the
following compositions were used:

3
CIBV-2022 IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering 1283 (2023) 012007 doi:10.1088/1757-899X/1283/1/012007

• BFC- Concrete with 10% fly ash as a substitute for cement and hemp fibers in a proportion of
0.25%, with a length of 30 mm;
• B PES30 - Concrete with 10% fly ash as a substitute for cement and polyester fibers (PES) in
a proportion of 0.25%, with a length of 30 mm;
• BFAFM - Concrete with 10% fly ash as a substitute for cement and metallic fibers in
proportion of 1%, with a length of 50 mm.

2.2.1. Framework, reinforcement and casting of reduced scale reinforced concrete beams. For the
formwork, reinforcement and casting of concrete elements with recycled materials, the provisions of
the norms in force were taken into account. The shape and reinforcement model of the beams made of
the concretes with additions of ecological waste are shown (Figure. 1) below. The samples to be tested
are made in patterns of specified shape, dimensions and tolerances [12]. After the re-homogenization
of the fresh concrete sample, the prepared frameworks are filled, the concrete is compacted, the surface
leveled and their visible marking is completed (figure. 2). The number of layers of concrete applied to
fill the patterns, as well as the compaction method, is chosen depending on the consistency of the
concrete.
The preparation and preservation of the samples for resistance tests was done according to the
standard: SR EN 12390 - part 2. [13].

Figure 1. Shape and reinforcement of concrete beams with additions of recycled materials.

Figure 2. Mounting the reinforcement in the formwork (left), freshly poured concrete beam (right).

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CIBV-2022 IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering 1283 (2023) 012007 doi:10.1088/1757-899X/1283/1/012007

After the preparation, casting and storage of these compositions for 28 days, at a temperature of
(20±2)℃, until the required resistances are obtained, the mechanical characteristics will be determined
[3].

2.2.2. Bending behavior of beams determination. Once poured, dried, and removed from the formwork
the small beams reinforced transversely with OB37 stirrups and longitudinally with PC52 can be
subjected to mechanical tests to determine the strength and bearing capacity of each element made
with each concrete recipe with the addition of recycled materials [14,15].
In order to be able to simulate the deformation, the mode of yielding and breaking of the beams
with the help of calculation programs with numerical methods, at the time of the tests, electronic
witnesses will be installed to record the displacements.
Thus, the first type of concrete tested in bending on a reinforced beam was BFAFM – concrete with
fly ash used in a proportion of 10% of the cement dosage and metal fibers with a length of 50 mm used
in a proportion of 1% of the mix weight.

Figure 3. Bending testing of the samples BFAFM simply supported beam loaded with two
symmetrically arranged concentrated forces.

The second type of concrete tested in bending on the reinforced beam was BCPES – concrete with
fly ash used in a proportion of 10% of the cement dosage and PES fibers with a length of 30 mm used
in a proportion of 0.25%.

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CIBV-2022 IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering 1283 (2023) 012007 doi:10.1088/1757-899X/1283/1/012007

Figure 4. Bending testing of the samples BCPES simply supported beam loaded with two
symmetrically arranged concentrated forces.

The third type of concrete tested in bending on the reinforced beam was BFC – concrete with fly
ash used in a proportion of 10% of the cement dosage and hemp fibers with a length of 30 mm used in
a proportion of 0.25%.

Figure 5. Bending testing of the samples BFC simply supported beam loaded with two
symmetrically arranged concentrated forces.

3. Results and discussion

3.1. Influence of recycled materials on Framework, reinforcement and casting of reduced scale
reinforced concrete beams
• From the point of view of the execution technology and the way of making the small-sized
beams made of concrete with waste additions, no difficulties were encountered, they were
made in the same way as well as those made of ordinary concrete.
• Although during the mixing of the component materials, the fibers of PES, tended to form
lumps, making it difficult to disperse uniformly in the mass of the composite, at the moment
of casting into the mold and putting the material into work, they dispersed, the finished
products being approximately homogeneous.
• The vibration of the concrete poured into the beams was done manually, the weight of a beam
with formwork and reinforcement exceeding the maximum capacity of the vibrating table.

3.2. Bending tests on concrete elements with additions of recycled materials

• The maximum force applied on the beam made of BFAFM – concrete with fly ash used as a
substitute in a proportion of 10% of the cement dosage and metal fibers with a length of 50

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CIBV-2022 IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering 1283 (2023) 012007 doi:10.1088/1757-899X/1283/1/012007

mm used in a proportion of 1% of the weight of the mix with dimensions 1500 x 120 x 90 mm,
was 24200 N = 24.2 kN.
• The failure of the beam occurred through the opening of cracks in the stretched zone and the
degradation of the concrete in the compressed zone. The cracks in the stretched area were
predominantly vertical and grouped in the bending moment area, which indicates bending
failure, the stretching efforts from the shear force being better taken over by the stirrups and
the dispersed metal reinforcement. The cracks are developed much vertically, the compression
zone being reduced in height.
• The maximum force applied on the beam made of BCPES – concrete with fly ash used in a
proportion of 10% used as a substitute of the cement dosage and pes fibers with a length of 30
mm used in a proportion of 0.25% with dimensions of 1500 x 120 x 90 mm was 23600 N =
23.6 kN.
• The bending failure of the beam occurred through the development of cracks in the tension
zone and the degradation of the concrete in the compressed zone. The cracks in the extended
area are predominantly vertical, towards the bearing areas they have a slight inclination,
resulting in the failure occurring due to the combined effect of bending moment and shear
force. In the case of dispersed reinforcement with PES fibers, the effect of these fibers is no
longer as significant as in the case of metallic fibers. The cracks in the central area are smaller
in height compared to those in the metal fiber beam. The compressed area is more degraded
and develops on a larger surface of the beam.
• The maximum force applied on the beam made of BFC – concrete with fly ash used in a
proportion of 10% used as a substitute of the cement dosage and hemp fibers with a length of
30 mm used in a proportion of 0.25% with dimensions of 1500 x 120 x 90 mm was 23900 N
= 23.9 kN.
• The failure of the beam occurred through the opening of cracks in the stretched zone and the
degradation of the concrete in the compressed zone. The cracks in the extended area are
predominantly vertical, towards the bearing areas they have a slight inclination, resulting in
the failure occurring due to the combined effect of bending moment and shear force.
• In order to be able to establish the qualities and to outline a clear field of use of the elements
made of concrete with recycled materials, tests are necessary on all types of concrete studied
in each of the forms used.

4. Conclusions
There is a pressing need for sustainable construction practices, as natural resources are depleting and
the cost of materials is increasing. The use of waste materials in construction through the adoption of
eco-concrete technology can address this issue and contribute to a more sustainable build environment.
Eco-concrete has the potential to reduce the environment impact of the concrete industry by a
reduction in carbon emissions, additionally the use of waste materials can increase the industry’s use
of waste further contributing to a circular economy.
By adopting eco-concrete technology, the construction industry can achieve sustainable
construction practices while also reducing environmental problems and protecting natural resources
for future generations.
The tests carried out so far have highlighted the fact that some concrete recipes with wastes have
obtained results comparable to those of ordinary concretes and deserve further study in order to make
the recipe and the production technology more efficient. In the continuation of the research, tests will
be carried out on other types of elements (such as blocks, masonry blocks and beams) made with other
types of concrete with wastes.

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CIBV-2022 IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering 1283 (2023) 012007 doi:10.1088/1757-899X/1283/1/012007

Materials 125 946–95

[2] Elie Awwada, Mounir Mabsout, Bilal Hamad, Mohamad Talal Farran and Helmi Khatib 2012
Studies on fiber-reinforced concrete using industrial hemp fibers Constr Build Mater 35 710–
717
[3] Nhamo Chaukuraa, Willis Gwenzib, Tavengwa Bunhuc, Deborah T. and Ruziwad 2016
Innocent Pumuree Potential uses and value-added products derived from waste polystyrene
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[4] Ioniuc, I., Diaconu, L.I., et.al. 2016 The flying ash taken by wet process from cet holboca Iassy–
major pollution source The 9th International Conference INTER-ENG 2015Procedia
Technology 22 pp. 413-418 Tîrgu Mureș, România
[5] Alexandru Timu and Marinela Barbuta 2018 Green concrete with fly ash and plastic waste
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[8] Valliyappan T, Siva C, Shanmuga Priyan B, Meganathan K and Manoj Kumar V 2019
Experimental study on eco- friendly concrete International Journal of Scientific &
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[9] Bărbuta, M., Bucur, R.,et.al. 2016 Combined effect of fly ash and fibers on properties of cement
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[11] SR EN 12390-4: Testing Hardened Concrete Part 4 - Compressive Strength - Specification For
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Testing Machines