The Workability and Compressive Strength of Concrete using Textile Mill Sludge and Plasticizer

Abstract

Growing population and life quality, both lead to higher consumption of resources. High rate of consumption of resources generate a lot of waste material. Improper management of waste material causes various environmental problems. Textile Industries play an important role in the economy of a nation, but on the other hand it generates a lot of waste material through various processes. The waste produced by textile industry is known as Textile Mill Sludge (TMS) from Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP). This sludge is very hazardous in nature and causes various negative impacts on our Environment. In the present study, attempts are made to find an alternative way to reuse this sludge waste rather than dispose it into landfills. It will help us to find an eco-friendly material and another possible solution of sludge management. In this study, the workability and compressive strength of concrete with various percentages are found. Testing of all the materials was done according to the Bureau of Indian Standards. Fine aggregates were replaced with TMS in various percentages in M20 grade concrete and plasticizer was used 1% @ by weight of cement. Experiments were conducted to find the workability and compressive strength of concrete. It is concluded that the increase in quantity of Textile Sludge causes reduction in strength properties and workability of concrete. When fine aggregates were replaced by Textile Mill Sludge beyond 35% along with an estimated quantity of plasticizer in concrete, the compressive strength and workability decreases. The utilization of Textile Mill Sludge of concrete as a substitute will helps us to reduce negative impacts of sludge waste and its safe disposal to save our Environment.