Published Paper Details:

With the rising depletion of natural river sand and growing environmental concerns, artificial sand (AS) has gained attention as a sustainable replacement in concrete production. This study investigates how Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) and Steel Fibers (SFs) can work together to enhance the mechanical properties of high-performance concrete made entirely with artificial sand. Concrete samples were prepared using CNTs at 1%, 2%, and 3% by weight of cement, alongside a fixed 5% volume of steel fibers. Standard tests for compressive, flexural, and splitting tensile strength were conducted to evaluate performance. The results revealed a notable improvement in strength and post-cracking behaviour due to the hybrid reinforcement. The mix containing 2% CNTs offered the most consistent improvement across all metrics. However, at 3% CNTs, reduced workability and strength gains were observed, likely due to nanoparticle agglomeration. Steel fibers played a key role in improving crack resistance and enhancing flexural toughness across all concrete batches. Overall, the combination of CNTs and SFs proved to be a promising solution for developing sustainable, high-performance concrete using artificial sand.