Innovative Utilization of Fly Ash and Hydrated Lime In Paving Blocks: A Sustainable And Cost-Effective Alternative To Cement–Based Construction Materials

International Journal of Civil Engineering

© 2025 by SSRG - IJCE Journal

Volume 12 Issue 6

Year of Publication : 2025

Authors : Rosalie Grace S. De La Cruz

10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V12I6P101

How to Cite?

Rosalie Grace S. De La Cruz, "Innovative Utilization of Fly Ash and Hydrated Lime In Paving Blocks: A Sustainable And Cost-Effective Alternative To Cement–Based Construction Materials," SSRG International Journal of Civil Engineering, vol. 12,  no. 6, pp. 1-15, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V12I6P101

Abstract:

The objective of this study was to ascertain the suitability of using fly ash, lime, and sand as partial replacements for conventional cement materials such as paving blocks. Five (5) mix designs were also proposed and analysed for their compressive strength, economics, and possible environmental benefits, with one (1) control (M4); the most promising mixes were carried forward to the next stage of this study. The developed paving blocks achieved compressive strengths of 593.67 Psi -1703.67 Psi after 28 days of curing. Significantly, the composition that provided the highest compressive strength was 80% fly ash, 10% hydrated lime, and 10% sand. Besides satisfying regular construction needs, the comparative study indicated that the estimated material costs of these alternative pavers could be lowered by 30% compared to conventional cemented pavers. Meanwhile, the blocks' environmental performance was upgraded by adding fly ash, a ubiquitous industrial waste, with CO2 emissions much lower than the cement-based heritage material. This research may contribute to reducing environmental pollution and help utilize industrial waste as a resource for sustainable building construction worldwide. Paving blocks, which can be made with fly ash and lime, at a large scale can help revolutionize the construction industry by reducing the dependence on cement, construction costs, and the environmental implications of its further development and generalization.

Keywords:

Cost-effective, Fly ash, Hydrated lime, Industrial waste, Paving block.

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