International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 11 | Nov 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
EVALUATION OF WORKABILITY PARAMETERS OF SELF-COMPACTING CONCRETE USING GGBS, FLY ASH AND SPENT COFFEE GROUNDS BIOCHAR AS FINE AGGREGATE SUBSTITUTE MAHAMMADRIZWAN S KOPPAL1, AJAY KUMAR2, Dr. ARUN B R3. MAHAMMADRIZWAN S KOPPAL AJAY KUMAR
Professor Dr ARUN B R Dept. of Civil Engineering, Dr. Ambedkar Institute of Technology, Karnataka, India. ---------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract - Self-compacting concrete (SCC) exhibits
additive in concrete. Workability tests demonstrated that biochar at low dosages improved flow due to its micro-filling effect, while higher dosages adversely affected slump and discharge times in V-funnel tests. The biochar’s high surface area increased water demand, reducing spread diameter unless compensated with admixtures. The study highlighted that biochar-modified mixes exhibit improved sustainability but require optimized dosages to prevent workability loss.
excellent deformability and filling ability without mechanical vibration. This study evaluates the influence of spent coffee grounds (SCG) biochar—pyrolyzed at 350°C and 400°C—as a fine aggregate replacement at 3%, 6%, and 9% on SCC workability parameters. Workability tests performed according to EFNARC guidelines include slump flow, T50 time, V-funnel, L-box, and J-ring tests. Results show that SCC mixes containing SCG pyrolyzed at 400°C consistently deliver improved flow characteristics, reduced viscosity, and superior passing ability compared to 350°C. The optimum replacement level was identified as 3% SCG at 400°C, achieving slump flow values within 680 mm, T50 time of 2.2 seconds, V-funnel flow time of 9.2 seconds, L-box ratio of 0.93, and J-ring spread difference of 9 mm. Higher replacement levels (6% and 9%) resulted in reduced flowability, increased obstruction, and higher viscosity. The results confirm that SCG biochar can be incorporated sustainably into SCC without compromising fresh properties when used in controlled proportions.
Almeida et al. (2023) [2] This study evaluates sand concrete with natural sand which is partially replaced by 5% of spent coffee grounds. Compressive strength testing demonstrated slight improvement due to finding denser particle packing and reduced voids in microstructure level. At this dosage of spent coffee grounds, the material retained its mechanical integrity and strength while reducing reliance on natural sand, offering both sustainability and efficiency benefits for industry and sustainability. Charai et al. (2022) [3] In this study investigated by replacing cement with pyrolyzed ash derived from spent coffee grounds in mortar. Thermal and mechanical performance assessments showed that a 5% substitution achieved the best balance in mixes and composures, lowering thermal conductivity by far more than 70% while preserving acceptable good strength. Beyond this proportion of mixes, thermal conductivity benefits continued but strength dropped notably by further.
Key Words: SCC, Workability, Biochar, SCG, Slump Flow, VFunnel, L-Box, J-Ring
1.INTRODUCTION SCC is designed to flow under its own weight, requiring carefully optimized fresh concrete properties. Workability parameters such as filling ability, passing ability, and viscosity control determine the suitability of SCC mixes for structural applications. This study incorporates sustainable waste-derived material— spent coffee grounds (SCG) biochar—processed via pyrolysis at two temperatures. The reference guidelines used in this work align with EFNARC specifications. Test results are evaluated based on acceptance ranges and compared with standard SCC performance.
Lachheb et al. (2019) [4] This study explains and examined plaster material composites where fine aggregate sand was replaced by 2 and 6% by spent coffee grounds. Testing thermal conductivity and energy demand for the mix showed conductivity and decreased from 0.50 to 0.31 W/m·K at 6% in addition. This translated into a 20% reduction in heating and cooling loads, with minor compromise to structural behavior of the concrete. Senol (2024) [5] This study explores mortars with cement partially substituted by incinerated coffee waste at 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5%. Workability and strength tests were conducted and evaluations revealed that 2.5% replacement preserved adequate satisfying performance, but higher percentages sharp suddenly reduced mechanical properties. The study
1.1 LITERATURE REVIEW Roychand et al. (2023) (1) This research focused on converting
spent coffee grounds into biochar and using it as a fine
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