Materials Today: Proceedings 46 (2021) 116–123

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Use of zeolite and industrial waste materials in high strength

concrete – A review
Gowram Iswarya ⇑, Beulah M
Christ (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru 560074, India

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: Concrete is widely used in construction material by the construction industry. It is considered as a vital
Received 3 June 2020 material because of its properties. Different grades of concrete (M10, M20, M30, M40, M50, M60 and M70) are
Accepted 16 June 2020 used in construction and are chosen based on the requirements. Higher grade concrete requires cement of
Available online 23 July 2020
different properties. The manufacturing process of cement, releases a huge amount of Carbon footprints.
To reduce the emission of CO2, usage of virgin cement can be minimized by partially replacing with poz-
Keywords: zolanic materials or industrial wastes like zeolite, metakaolin, silica fume and fly ash. These materials
Concrete
improve the durability and strength of concrete by filling the pores and reduce the porosity and perme-
Fly ash
Industrial waste
ability of the concrete without compromising on the desired properties. For sustainable development and
Metakaolin protecting the environment, enormous research has been done on concrete by using various industrial
Silica fume waste materials. This article is a state-of-the-art review of research on the use of industrial waste mate-
Zeolite rials to produce High Strength Concrete (HSC). Different materials were studied to prepare HSC by using
distinct methods. Different experimental tests were conducted on concrete when cement is partially
replaced with industrial waste materials and are compared with conventional concrete. It is observed
that the partial replacement of cement with zeolite, metakaolin, fly ash, and silica fume, the properties
of concrete increases up to certain age and mixing proportions when compared to conventional concrete.
It is observed that there is limited research was done on zeolite with the combination of industrial waste
materials for health analysis of the structures at different w/c ratios for large production. So, further
investigation is needed on the technical, environmental, economic aspects and educating the public
through the use of industrial waste materials as a sustainable approach.
Ó 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 2nd International Con-
ference on Manufacturing Material Science and Engineering.

1. Introduction exceed 60 MPa when cured with water immersion method for
28 days. The compressive, tensile, and flexural strength of hardened
For decades in the construction industry, concrete and its con- concrete were tested [10–12].
stituents are widely used. Though there is much significance of con-
struction materials, but it shows the potential challenges as well as 2. Review of research on the utilization of industrial waste
consequences by overuse of these concrete materials [1,2]. The main materials to produce concrete
challenges are lack of availability of aggregates, cost-effectiveness,
CO2 emission impact on the environment due to cement production The extensive research on the utilization of cementitious mate-
and waste generation by demolition. So, research on concrete when rials [13,14] to prepare concrete can be divided into different cat-
cement is partially replaced with silica fume, zeolite [3], fly ash [4– egories based on the material used: metakaolin [15–18], zeolite
6], and metakaolin [7] was done. The concrete mix proportions of [19], silica fume, fly ash and as detailed below.
high strength concrete were designed according to the ACI method
and the guidelines provided in ACI 211.1 (ACI, 1991) [8,9]. Concrete 2.1. Preparing concrete by partial replacement of cement with
mix proportions were designed to reach compressive strengths that metakaolin

⇑ Corresponding author. To reduce the usage of OPC, it is replaced with zeolite and meta-
E-mail address: gowram.iswarya@res.christuniversity.in (G. Iswarya). kaolin [20–22] which are naturally available in nature. These min-

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2020.06.329
2214-7853/Ó 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 2nd International Conference on Manufacturing Material Science and Engineering.
 G. Iswarya, M Beulah / Materials Today: Proceedings 46 (2021) 116–123 117

eral admixtures are blended and replaced with cement up to 20% national problem with financial, severe environmental and social
and a concrete mix was prepared to study strength and durability. consequences [40]. When fly ash is replaced by Portland cement
The water/cement ratio is kept constant for all the mix designs. The and water it produces a product that is similar to the product
results showed that there are beneficial effects of mineral admix- formed by cement hydration but it has a denser microstructure
tures when replaced with cement and produce environmental- that is of less permeable. According to ACI Committee 211 2008,
friendly green concrete [23]. Metakaolin has a great impact on con- fly ash replacement level is 15–25% recommended for high
crete to resist the penetration of chloride ions due to the chloride strength concrete whereas 50% for normal strength concrete as a
binding capacity of cementitious materials [24]. The combination total binder [41,42]. Accelerated rebar corrosion tests and high-
of 10% zeolite and 10% metakaolin when mixed with 100% micro temperature test experiments were carried out to obtain the dura-
nanobubbles of water is the best design that increased compres- bility performance of different blended cements. The results were
sive strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength. At the age of obtained from microstructure analysis where it showed that, under
28 days it was observed that water absorption was decreased at the effect of high temperature the performance of fly ash is better
30 mins, 24-hr, and also chloride permeability when compared than other mineral additives used in the study [43]. Though fly ash
with the control sample [25]. slower the hardening of concrete but it proved that it is the most
economical among all these choices [44]. High-volume fly ash
2.2. Preparing concrete by partial replacement of cement with zeolite (HVFA) concrete with 50% or more than that is replaced by fly
ash with cement and is studied extensively. High-volume fly ash
In China, blended cement is produced by mixing cement with often used to achieve a good slump for self-compacting concrete
natural pozzolanic material [26] like zeolite. This mineral admix- [45,46].
ture helps in enhancing the properties of concrete. Natural zeolite
is widely used in the cement industry as a cement blending mate-
2.4. Preparing concrete by partial replacement of cement with silica
rial because it is a type of mineralogical material which contains
fume
large quantities of reactive SiO2 and Al2O3 [27,28]. Zeolite con-
tributes to the strength of concrete mainly by the pozzolanic reac-
Along with zeolite [47–50] other mineral admixtures like silica
tion with Ca(OH)2 like any other pozzolanic materials. The
fume ash also helps the concrete to enhance the performance. High
reactivity of zeolite material in comparison with other pozzolans
strength concrete is being widely produced as an appropriate sub-
is of much interest [29]. The properties of concrete can be
stitute for the normal strength concrete to produce HSC lower W/C
improved by replacing cement with zeolite. This mineral admix-
and higher binder content is needed [51–53]. As a result, high-
ture reduced the porosity of the blended cement paste thus
range water-reducing admixtures (HRWRA) are required to
improved interfacial microstructure properties between the aggre-
achieve the needed workability. To improve the mechanical prop-
gate and blended cement paste in prepared concrete [30]. Replace-
erties and durability of HSC, silica fume is being used [54,55].
ment of cement with zeolite gives strength to the concrete which is
When properly designed for low water/binder ratio, the presence
equal to conventional concrete when mixed with designed mixing
of silica fume explains that the mechanical performance of the high
proportions. Zeolite usage in concrete does not harm the environ-
strength concrete. This silica fume provides good particle packing
ment because of the natural availability [31]. Two types of con-
and increases the resistance of the concrete to aggressive environ-
crete’s hygrothermal behavior were studied i.e. reference
ments because of its strong pozzolanic property [56]. When com-
concrete (without any admixtures) and natural zeolite concrete
pared with other pozzolanic materials silica fume has a high
by 40% cement replacement [32]. Using the computer simulation
specific surface area, thus improve the strength of concrete more
tool HEMOT, the computations were performed that process input
effectively [57–66].
parameters by the finite element method. The simulation was
Chemical compositions of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC),
assumed under the dynamic climatic conditions of Prague. The
zeolite, silica fume, metakaolin and fly ash are given in Table 1.
results obtained by computational simulations showed that natu-
Physical properties of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), zeolite,
ral zeolite was not found related (any positive effect on freeze/
silica fume, metakaolin, fly ash are given in Table 2.
thaw resistance) to unprotected building envelope but the
hygrothermal performance of zeolite concrete will be considerate
to external layers and hence extend their service life [33,34]. The 3. Test on concrete
mechanical properties of the concrete sample that contains natural
zeolite were investigated in many works and durability properties Concrete is tested most commonly by the compressive strength
with blended Portland cement-zeolite binders were analyzed [35]. test. The reason behind this is to understand the fact that this test
is relatively inexpensive and easy too. From the past many decades’
2.3. Preparing concrete by partial replacement of cement with fly ash concrete technology made many changes in bringing HSC which
has been started using for new construction material. Different
For long service life in aggressive environments, the durability tests can be conducted on hardened concrete like compressive
of concrete is a major factor that has to be considered. Concrete strength test for cube, split tensile test for cylinders, and flexural
includes a large amount of natural resources in the form of aggre- test for beams where single point load, two-point load, three-
gates, cement, and water [36]. About 7% of the total greenhouse gas point loading can be applied based on the research requirement
emission in this world is produced by Cement production by con- [10,27,67–69]. There are different standard cube moulds, cylinder
suming huge energy. To increase the durability and sustainability moulds and beam moulds are available in the market. The relation-
of concrete, supplementary cementitious materials like fly ash, sil- ship for strength between cylinder and cube is based on fracture
ica fume, and slag are used in large amounts from the last few dec- mechanics theories. The shape of the specimen influences the crack
ades [37,38]. In the production of high-strength concrete [39] there pattern. The strength obtained from concrete cylinders and cubes
requires a high volume of industrial by-products that are tested in are obtained by the standard relationship between them [30].
the laboratory. High-calcium fly ash and ladle furnace slag as bin- By conducting experimental tests like compressive strength,
der i.e. partial replacement of cement and electric arc furnace slag water permeability, water absorption, electrical resistivity, rapid
as aggregates are the by-products used. This is because of the chloride permeability, and carbonation test at different ages, the
increase in natural resource consumption has led to a major inter- role of zeolite in concrete can be identified [36]. For this replace-
118 G. Iswarya, M Beulah / Materials Today: Proceedings 46 (2021) 116–123

Table 1
Chemical compositions of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), zeolite, silica fume, metakaolin and fly ash.

Material Cement Zeolite Silica Fume Metakaolin Fly Ash

CaO 63.00–66.80 1.68–3.67 0.20–1.68 0.02–3.32 0.65–42.10
SiO2 18.30–34.00 62.78–75.34 86.46–97.00 47.64–74.20 32.60–64.24
Al2O3 2.40–5.55 8.77–15.28 0.20–1.13 17.60–50.22 10.60–31.60
Fe2O3 2.30–6.70 0.40–4.20 0.50–4.63 0.24–4.28 2.80–13.77
MgO 0.90–3.91 0.48–1.19 0.40–1.80 0.05–0.34 0.28–5.88
Na2O 0.10–1.65 0.35–2.04 0.10–1.00 0.09–0.45 0.18–2.44
K2O 0.40–1.75 0.74–3.60 0.45–1.25 0.10–0.60 0.65–1.73
SO3 1.24–3.21 0.02–0.52 0.05–0.87 0.00–0.43 0.10–4.60
TiO2 – 0.14–0.20 <=0.01 0.20–0.55 –
Reference [3,5–8,13,20,29,31,32,40] [9,23,28,29,31,32,46] [4–6,24,30,37,69] [11,12,16–18,20,50] [7–9,13,39,69]

Table 2
Physical properties of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), zeolite, silica fume, metakaolin, fly ash.

Material Specific surface area Specific gravity Density Fineness Initial setting time Reference
Cement 3519 – 3.15 – – [3]
355 (m2/kg) 3.1 – – – [6]
0.962 (m2/g) – 3140 (Kg/m3) 11% 125 (min) [7]
– 2.67 – 6.45% – [13]
3520 (cm2/g) 3.15 – – – [18]
339 (m2/kg) 3.15 – – 105 (min) [39]
3807 (cm2/g) 3.14 – 8.98% 141 (min) [40]
Zeolite 3980 – 2.91 – – [3]
750 (m2/kg) 2.16 – – – [6]
10000 (cm2/g) 2.2 – – – [28]
Silica Fume – – 2.29/g cm 3- – – [4]
2*104 (m2/kg) 2.2 – – – [6]
20,000 (m2/kg) – 2.2 – – [30]
Metakaolin 12,680 (cm2/g) 2.62 – – – [18]
Fly Ash 0.938 (m2/g) – 2420 (Kg/m3) 19% 145 (min) [7]
– 2.59 – 2.57% – [13]

ment of cement, the compressive strength, effective fracture concrete is highly influenced by environment and storage condi-
toughness, bending strength, and specific fracture energy were tions that are treated with or without (sprinkling) water indoor
worse when compared to reference Portland-cement concrete or outdoor [72].
whereas frost resistance, de-icing salt-resistance, and chemical By using X-ray diffraction, hydration products of plain cement,
resistance for MgCl2, NH4Cl, Na2SO4, and HCl are improved. For complex binder containing 15% Fly ash microsphere and a complex
hardened concrete mix which contains 20% zeolite, hygrothermal binder containing 15% silica fume at 90 days were mineralogically
performance, water vapor diffusion coefficient, water absorption determined. To obtain yield stress and viscosity values, all paste
coefficient, water vapor sorption isotherms, specific heat capacity samples were subjected to the rheometer test. Hardened concrete
and thermal conductivity are satisfactory [67,70]. samples with dimensions 100*100*100 mm were cast and these
X-ray diffraction analysis helps in determining the active com- samples were cured at room temperature of 20 ± 1 °C and
ponents of the zeolite; SEM helps in determining the particle form 95 ± 5% relative humidity. The compressive strengths test was con-
and size. 5 batches of specimens were made with the zeolite con- ducted at the age of 3, 7, 28 and 90 days. Fly ash microsphere can
tent ranging from 0 to 10% in replacement of cement. The density improve pore structure at late ages which is similar to silica fume.
of concrete, ultrasonic pulse velocity and compressive strength of In addition to this Fly ash microsphere can improve late-age
the concrete is increased. Modified concretes have lower water strength, flowability, and permeability to chloride ions by decreas-
absorption and higher closed porosity, subsequently, both improve ing early-age autogenous shrinkage of concrete [73]. The first part
the freeze–thaw resistance of concrete, it is a very important prop- is the Physico-chemical characterization of zeolite and the second
erty for concrete applications [71]. part assesses its potential as a pozzolan in structural concrete. The
XRD analysis of zeolite is shown in Fig. 1(a) is from [9] and density of clinoptilolite zeolite is determined by a pycnometer and
image of microstructure of zeolite admixture from ALF3 waste found as 2.13 g/cm3. Specific surface and Granulometry distribu-
(50,000 and 20,000 times magnification) is shown in Fig. 1(b) are tion are calculated. The chemical composition of the zeolite is
from [68]. XRD analysis of fly ash is shown in Fig. 2(a) from [9], determined by FRX using Rigaku FX2000 equipment (LOI: loss of
XRD analysis of OPC, Metakaolin, Silica fume is shown in Fig. 2 ignition). Two series of concrete were designed were the first
(b) from [10]. design mix contain normal Portland cement which is replaced with
The high strength concrete properties are highly influenced by 5, 10, 15, and 20% and the second design mix contain compound
environmental conditions and the duration of the curing method. Portland cement which is replaced with 5, 10, 15, and 20%. Other
Thirty years ago it is said that HSC had a compressive strength of concrete ingredients are collected from the parts of Argentina.
40 MPa. Concrete strength obtained by the reaction between The W/BM (water - binder material) ratio remained constant at
cement compounds and water. The concrete properties are 0.41. Fresh state of concrete was texted with Abram’s cone. The
improved with age by curing conditions by the internal moisture hardened concrete was tested using a compression test for 7, 28,
content of cement which is above 80%. The types of samples, type 90, 180 days. The concrete mixture containing 10% zeolite was pre-
of curing, duration of curing, and environmental conditions are the sented the least resistance to traction, resistance increased gradu-
basis on which the efficiency of curing depends. The strength of ally [74,75].
 G. Iswarya, M Beulah / Materials Today: Proceedings 46 (2021) 116–123 119

Fig. 1. (a) XRD Analysis of Zeolite [9]; (b) Microstructure of zeolite admixture from ALF3 waste (50,000 and 20,000 times magnification) [68].

Fig. 2. XRD Analysis of fly ash [9]; XRD Analysis of OPC Metakaolin, Silica fume [10].

To save cost and time, accurate estimation is needed. To predict 4. Discussion

the compressive strength of HSC extreme learning machine (ELM)
was used. It is a new method for training artificial neural networks From the study it was observed that, natural zeolite and various
(ANN) where the best generalization performance and fast learning industrial waste materials can be used as an alternative material
speed in many applications. Using 324 data records this model was for the replacement of cement.
developed and all records were obtained from laboratory experi- The following Table 3 shows the summary of types of materials
ments [76]. High strength concrete is tested for strength and dura- – replacement of cement in percentage of weight – tests conducted
bility based on the descriptive-analytical method. Easy on concrete – effect on concrete by using the material-number of
communication with different programming languages can be curing days of concrete in previous research works.
done using MATLAB software [77,78].
Table 3

120
Summary of usage of zeolite and industrial waste materials in concrete.

S. Material % replaced with cement Tests conducted Effects on concrete by using material Number of Reference
No days
1 Cement 100% R–e curve, size effect, crack pattern In cubes, the formation of cracks throughout the hardened specimen 6 months [2]
is denser than cylinders
2 Zeolite 0%, 15%, 25% Compressive strength, degree of reaction of zeolite, porosity of Zeolite cement pastes with a low w/c ratio have more strength. The 3, 7, 28, [3]
pastes. porosity of the paste reduces when 15% zeolite is added. 90,
180 days
3 Silica fume 10% Compressive strength, bending strength, the pore size distribution High bending strength of 30 Mpa regardless of curing temperature. 7 days [4]
of specimens. The pore size distribution for hardened concrete depends on curing
temperature
4 Silica fume 0%, 6%, and 10% The compressive strength at a temperature of 200c to 100, 200, and The optimum values of concrete containing SF and w/c are 6% and 7, 28 days [5]
3000c. 0.35 at low w/c at high temperatures in comparison with the OPC
concrete
5 Zeolite 5%, 10%, 15%, 30% Compressive strength, slump, initial surface absorption, chloride Increase in compressive strength for all the three materials from 5% 7 and [6]
Pulverized fuel 5%, 10%, 15%, 30% diffusion. till 30%, and chloride diffusion and initial surface absorption 28 days
ash 5%, 10%, 15%, 30% improves with the permeation characteristics of the concrete

G. Iswarya, M Beulah / Materials Today: Proceedings 46 (2021) 116–123

Silica fume (10 ± 60 min)
6 High-calcium fly 50% Strength of concrete, fracture toughness, durability characteristics High strength concrete with >70 Mpa at 28-days compressive 28 days [7]
ash (HFCA) 30% of concrete strength using 50% HCFA and EAF (electric arc furnace slag) as
ladle furnace slag aggregates
7 Fly ash 30% and 40% The compressive strength, sorptivity, drying shrinkage and rapid The durability properties of concrete increases. At 28 days, sorptivity 3, 7, 28, [8]
chloride permeability and chloride ion permeation reduces 56, 91 and
210 days
8 Natural zeolite, fly 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 45%, Chemical and mineralogical analyses, compressive strength, 28, 180 days compressive strength increases. The durability of 2, 7, 28, [9]
ash, ground 5% limestone 3% gypsum corrosion resistance concrete increases. 180 days
granulated blast
furnace slag
9 Zeolite, fly ash 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%, 1.0%, 2.5% Concrete strength, sorptivity property, permeability of concrete Zeolite is more effective when used with fly ash in concrete. 8, 90, [10]
180 days
10 Silica fume and 10% and 15% Resistance to chloride ion penetration, freezing and thawing cycles, Due to the increase in silica fume and metakaolin, chloride ion 1, 3, 7, 28, [11]
metakaolin carbonation, acid attack penetration reduces 56,
91 days
11 Ground 25%, 50%, and 100% Sulphate attack, chloride attack, compression test By replacing GGBS and MK, the strength of concrete and durability 7, 28, and [12]
granulated blast properties increases 56 days
furnace slag,
metakaolin
12 Fly ash 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, Strength tests, rapid chloride penetration tests, water permeability Fly ash concrete is less permeable and achieved great strength 3, 7, 28, [13]
60%, 70% test, tensile strength 56, 90,
180,
365 days
13 Metakaolin, Slag, 0
8, 1
0, 1
2, 1
4, 1
8 Compressive strength test, durability test With the results, silicon dioxide/ sodium oxide molar ratio 1
0 1, 2, 3 days [16]
Calcium (silicon dioxide/ sodium produced high durability
aluminate cement oxide molar ratio) of the
alkaline solution
14 Metakaolin 5%, 10%, and 15% Expansion of concrete prisms, compressive strength, sulfate attack, Sulfate resistance of metakaolin concrete for W/B ratio 0.5 found 3, 7, [17]
visual inspection of concrete specimens for cracks higher than the W/B ratio of 0.6. 28 days
15 Metakaolin 5%, 10%, 20% A kinetic reaction model, reaction degrees of cement and Coefficients of the hydration model, chloride penetrability, and 500, 1000, [18]
metakaolin, gel-space ratio, compressive strength strength model do not vary for different curing ages and mixing 1500,
proportions 2000 h
16 Metakaolin 5%, 10% and 15% Compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, elastic modulus, At 10% replacement, compressive strength of 106 Mpa, splitting 3, 7, 28 [20]
durability tests tensile strength and elastic modulus followed the trend. and
90 days
17 Metakaolin 7.5%, 15%, 22.5% High strength self-compacting concrete fresh and mechanical At higher replacement of metakaolin, the autogenous shrinkage of 28, 56, [21]
properties the concrete reduced considerably 90 days
18 Metakaolin 5%, 10% and 15% Compressive strength, durability of chloride penetration, freeze– SCC at 28 days with 15% MK reached a compressive strength of 70 7, 28 and [22]
thaw test, alkali-silica reactivity test Mpa 180 days
Table 3 (continued)

S. Material % replaced with cement Tests conducted Effects on concrete by using material Number of Reference
No days
19 Metakaolin, silica 5%, 10%, and 15% Compressive strength tests The estimated strengths at the age of 28 days and above (97% are 1, 3, 7, 28, [24]
fume within 5% of the original value). 56, 90, and
180 days
20 Natural zeolite 7.5%, 15%, 22.5%, 30% Compressive strength, flexural strength, depth of penetration of Zeolite with 22% indicated a very significant increase to resist water 7, 28 and [27]
water penetration 90 days
21 Natural zeolite 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% Compressive strength, tensile splitting strength test, water By the use of zeolite, there was a modification in the transition zone 28, 90, [28]
permeability, capillary absorption, chloride penetrability, electrical and the quality of pastes. 270 days
resistivity, carbonation, microstructure study of the paste, the
microstructure of transition zone,
22 Natural zeolite 10% Mechanical properties, water absorption and water penetration, Good results are observed for zeolite concrete for water penetration, 1, 28, 56, [29]
freeze–thaw resistance, drying shrinkage, freeze–thaw resistance, and drying shrinkage of concretes. 90,
180 days
23 Natural zeolite, 10%, 15%, 20% Chloride diffusion Activation energy value of zeolite concrete was observed higher 450 days [30]
silica fume 5%, 10%, 12.5% when compared to silica fume concrete
24 Natural zeolite 0%, 8%, 16%, 24%, 32%, 40% XRF analysis for chemical composition of zeolite concrete For the composite mix design application of natural zeolite gives a 28 days [31]

G. Iswarya, M Beulah / Materials Today: Proceedings 46 (2021) 116–123

good potential.
25 Silica fume, 10%, 7.5% Fresh concrete evaluation, compressive strength, electrical The partial replacement of cement with silica fume by 7.5% 14, 28, 56 [32]
zeolite resistivity, capillary water absorption, bulk water absorption, rapid compensates for the compressive strength loss due to the addition of and
chloride migration test, microstructure analysis cs. 120 days
26 Pumice and 10% and 15% Fresh state, compressive strength, pozzolanic by Chapelle test, The compressive strength of concrete was not a good indicator of its 1, 3, 7, 14, [33]
zeolite analysis by SEM, degradation test in sulfuric acid, marine resistance to the acid attack of H2SO4 initially. 28, 90, 180
environment test, accelerated carbonation test, electrical resistivity, and
natural carbonation 365 days
27 Zeolite 5% Water absorption, abrasion resistance, tensile splitting strength, Zeolite obtained from aluminum fluoride during production, used in 7, 28 days [34]
freeze–thaw the topmost layer of concrete in paving blocks increases the
durability also increases the lifetime of the blocks.
28 Zeolite 0%, 14%, 22% Density and strength at compression The efficiency in using the developed ultra disperse modified zeolite- 7 days [35]
based additive
29 Fly ash 50, 60 and 70% Self compacted concrete compressive strength, volume of 60 Mpa of high strength is observed during the compressive strength 3, 7, 28 [36]
silica fume permeable pore space, water absorption, and density. test. and
90 days
30 Fly ash 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, Concrete compressive strength Compressive strength of concrete is observed more in 15% of SF 7, 28 days [37]
silica fume 35%, 40%, 50% when compared to 30% of fly ash for a curing period of 28 days.
10%, 15%, 20%
31 Palm oil fuel ash, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% Concrete strength At 7, 28 days the compression test values showed that for 15% silica 1, 3, 7, [38]
silica fume fume replacement has the highest strength when compared with 28 days
other mixes.
32 Fly ash, silica 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% Properties of fresh concrete, compressive strength, splitting tensile 10% silica fume addition showed a positive effect on concrete in both 7, 28, 56, [39]
fume strength, modulus of elasticity, freeze–thaw resistance, chloride ion fresh and hardened state. 90 days
penetration
33 Silica fume 5%, 10%, 15% Compressive strength of concrete for different curing conditions For 28 days highest compressive strength was shown by the 3, 7, [40]
fly ash 25%, 40%, 55% concrete containing 15% silica fume. Air curing caused loss of 28 days
compressive strength for all groups
34 Silica fume 5%, 10%, 15% Flowability tests, mechanical strength tests, sorptivity test, porosity, 10% replacement of fly ash showed the highest flexural strength with 7, 28, [41]
fly ash 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% density, total water absorption tests, strength activity index 10.21 Mpa at 180 days. Compressive and flexural strengths of mortar 180 days
containing silica fume and fly ash reached about 86.14 Mpa and
10.50 Mpa respectively.
35 Zeolite 10%, 15% Compressive strength, water absorption, chloride diffusion, The replacement of cement and sand at 10% zeolite and 15% tuff 28, 90, [46]
resistance to acid attacks showed the highest positive values. 236 days
36 Metakaolin 10% Compressive strength, indirect tensile strength test, flexural 10% zeolite in the hardened concrete showed an increase in 28, [50]
Zeolite 10%, 20% strength, water absorption test, electrical strength, chloride compressive strength and flexural strength. 90 days
permeability test, SEM electron microscopy test, ph testing.
37 Zeolite 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% Compressive strength, water absorption, oxygen permeability, In some cases, concrete containing different percentages of zeolite 3, 7, 28, [52]
silica fume 5%, 10%, 12.5% chloride diffusion, electrical resistivity. showed better results compared to concrete containing silica fume. 90 days
38 Zeolite 10%, 20%, 40%, 60% Physical characteristics, mechanical, fracture-mechanics properties, Concrete containing 20% of zeolite showed positive values for the 28, 90, [67]

121
(continued on next page)
 122 G. Iswarya, M Beulah / Materials Today: Proceedings 46 (2021) 116–123

5. Conclusion
Reference

In brief, these studies summarized the possible usage of a vari-

[68]

[69] ety of alternative materials for cement in concrete. Although the

use of zeolite, fly ash, metakaolin, and silica fume materials indi-
Number of

11, 28, 42,

vidually as partial replacement of cement could increase strength

360 days
28 days

90 days

and durability till certain percentage replacement but further mix-

days

ing leads to a reduction in some properties of concrete like work-

Note: OPC – Ordinary Portland Cement, NZ – Natural Zeolite, SF – Silica Fume, FA – Fly Ash, GGBS – Ground Granulated Blast Furnace, HSC – High Strength Concrete, SCC – Self Compacted Concrete.

ability, water penetration, freeze–thaw resistance and drying

To increase the durability, synthetic zeolite obtained from aluminum

For a 25% replacement of cement, it is observed that the compressive

strength decreases at 42 and 90 days. It is observed that the water

shrinkage of concrete. As mentioned by the researchers, the dosage

can be based on the findings in this review to reach better concrete
fluoride by low temperature can be used as a supplementary

performance. In comparison with pozzolanic materials however

zeolite is expensive, but it is more environmentally friendly as it
absorbs CO2 where other materials fail. In addition to that, if proper
curing and selection of materials are chosen as a binder in different
mixing proportions and with different W/C ratios it gives much
better mechanical properties and durability. Therefore, the produc-
penetration depth of concrete increases.

tion of green concrete which increases the positive impact on the

Effects on concrete by using material

environment and the use of industrial waste materials by reducing

the negative effect can lead to the production of sustainable con-
crete for construction.
cementitious material.

Declaration of Competing Interest

The authors declare that they have no known competing finan-

design mix

cial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared

to influence the work reported in this paper.

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