Mechanical Performance of Structural Concrete Utilising Porcelain Insulator Ceramic Waste as Partial Replacement for Coarse Aggregates

Abstract:

The increasing environmental impact of natural aggregate extraction and the growingaccumulation of ceramic waste have prompted the search for sustainable construction materials.This study investigates the feasibility of using ceramic waste from waste electric insulators aspartial replacement for natural coarse aggregates in concrete production. The ceramic waste fromwaste electric insulators termed here as porcelain insulator ceramic waste (PICW) sourced fromlocal dumpsites was processed and incorporated into concrete mixes at replacement levels of 0%,15%, 30%, 50% and 75%. Coarse aggregates of maximum size 20 mm were used in this study.The ceramic waste from waste electricity insulators was crushed using a hammer up to size 20 mm as indicated in the particle size distribution. Grade 25 of concrete was designed for in the mixdesign. Laboratory tests, including sieve analysis, moisture content, specific gravity, waterabsorption, workability (via slump testing), and compressive strength were conducted to assess themechanical and physical properties of both fresh and hardened concrete at curing intervals of 7,14, and 28 days. The findings indicate that concrete containing up to 30% ceramic waste exhibitshighest cempressive strength and workability comparable to conventional concrete withoutcompromising its durability and workability, demonstrating its potential as a viable and ecofriendlyalternative. The highest compressive strengths were recorded with 15% and 30% at 25.7and 25.5 MPa respectively. Conversely, tensile strength declines with increasing PICWreplacement at 28 days thus 3.32, 3.16, 2.99, 2.31 MPa. The study underscores the dual benefitsof reducing construction costs and promoting sustainable waste management, making ceramicwaste a promising material in the pursuit of green construction practices i.e., sustainableconstruction by mitigating environmental degradation and promoting circular waste utilization.The study offers valuable insights for future standards development and large-scale industrialapplications.

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volume 1042)
• Pages: 95-103
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-Q2jDan
• Online since: February 2026
• Authors: Kabiru Usman Rogo*, Abbas Usman, Hassan Aliyu, Derick Muhindo
• Keywords: Ceramic Porcelain Electric Insulator Waste, Ceramic Tile Waste, Ceramic Waste Aggregate, Grade 25 Concrete, Structural Concrete

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