The permeability characteristics of concrete incorporating waste basalt powder (WBP)

In this study, the issue of limited application areas due to the high unit weight and carbon footprint of concrete is addressed by investigating the use of waste basalt powder (WBP) as a cement replacement material. WBP is a fine-grained industrial by-product generated during the crushing or grinding of basalt stone. The study explores the potential of WBP to reduce both the carbon footprint and the unit weight of concrete without significantly affecting its mechanical properties. Given the high energy consumption and carbon emissions associated with cement production, the utilization of alternative materials such as WBP has become increasingly important. In this context, concrete mixtures were prepared by replacing cement with WBP at rates of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. Fresh concrete samples were subjected to unit weight and workability tests (slump and flow table), while hardened concrete specimens were cured in water for 28 days and then tested for unit weight, water permeability under pressure, splitting tensile strength, and compressive strength.The results indicated that WBP replacement up to 20% led to only an 8.17% reduction in compressive strength, while achieving a 1.98% decrease in unit weight. Furthermore, the lower carbon footprint of WBP compared to cement demonstrates the feasibility of producing more environmentally friendly concrete. However, it was also observed that the water absorption under pressure increased with higher replacement ratios, suggesting that WBP-containing concrete may not be suitable for structures exposed to constant water contact. To quantify the effects of cement and WBP replacement ratios on compressive strength and water absorption, linear regression models were developed. These formulations allow for the observation of how different replacement levels influence performance outcomes. As a result, this study provides valuable insights for future research and contributes to the development of more sustainable and lightweight concrete materials. Key Words: Waste basalt powder (WBP), Cement replacement, Concrete strength, Permeability, Linear regression analysis