Published Paper Details:

Concrete remains the backbone of modern infrastructure, but conventional cement production is a notable contributor to global carbon emissions and energy consumption. As sustainable construction practices gain prominence, there is a pressing need to explore eco friendly alternatives that reduce cement dependency without compromising structural performance. This research investigates the feasibility of substituting a portion of cement with Light Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA), a thermally treated, lightweight, porous material known for its low density, good strength to weight ratio, and internal curing benefits due to its high water absorption capacity. Concrete mixes were prepared with 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% cement replacement by weight with LECA, maintaining workability and mix consistency. Standard specimens were cast and subjected to compressive, split tensile, and flexural strength tests at 7 and 28 days, following relevant Indian Standard testing procedures. Results demonstrate that partial cement replacement up to 20% yields mechanical properties comparable to conventional concrete, with acceptable reductions in strength and a notable decrease in concrete density. Although 30% replacement exhibited a more marked reduction in mechanical performance, all mixes met criteria suitable for specific structural and non structural applications. The findings suggest that LECA can serve as a viable sustainable material for partially replacing cement in concrete, optimizing both environmental impact and mechanical efficiency.