Published Paper Details:

The increasing demand for sustainable construction materials has led to the exploration of industrial waste as potential alternatives in concrete production. This study investigates the feasibility of using red mud, a by-product of the aluminium industry, as a partial replacement for cement in concrete, along with hydrated lime to enhance workability and strength characteristics. Various concrete mixes were prepared by replacing cement with red mud at proportions of 5%, 10%, 15% by weight, with a constant percentage of hydrated lime. Comprehensive tests were conducted to evaluate the workability, compressive strength, split tensile strength, and durability of the mixes at different curing periods. The results indicate that the incorporation of red mud up to an optimal percentage, in combination with hydrated lime, can significantly enhance the mechanical properties of concrete while promoting the reuse of industrial waste. This experimental study demonstrates the potential of red mud as a sustainable material in cementitious applications, contributing to environmental conservation and resource efficiency in the construction sector. The rapid growth of the constructi"n industry has significantly increased the demand for cement, contributing to environmental challenges such as high energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and depletion of natural resources. In response, this study explores the use of red mud--a highly alkaline industrial waste generated during the Bayer process of alumina extraction--as a partial replacement for cement in concrete. In addition, hydrated lime is incorporated to improve the pozzolanic reactivity and binding properties of the mix. This experimental investigation involves the preparation of concrete specimens in which Pozzolanic Portland cement (PPC) is partially replaced with red mud in varying proportions: 0% (control mix), 5%, 10%, 15% by weight. A constant percentage of hydrated lime (typically 5%) is added to all mixes containing red mud. The mechanical and durability properties of the concrete are evaluated through standardized tests, including slump test for workability, compressive strength test, split tensile strength test, and water absorption test at 7 and 28 days of curing. The results reveal that red mud ca" be effectively utilized as a supplementary cementitious material up to an optimum replacement level--typically around 10-15%--without compromising, and in some cases even enhancing, the strength and durability of concrete. The addition of hydrated lime contributes to improved binding and densification of the matrix, helping mitigate the reduction in early strength that can occur with red mud alone. Beyond the optimal percentage, however, further replacement leads to reduced mechanical performance due to increased porosity and lower cement content. Overall, this research demonstrates that red mud, when used in combination with hydrated lime, offers a viable and eco-friendly alternative to partial cement replacement. This approach not only reduces the environmental burden associated with red mud disposal but also contributes to sustainable construction practices by lowering the carbon footprint of concrete production.