Experimental investigation on compressive strength and environmental performance of paving blocks using fly ash as a substitute for cement and sand

The current exploratory research delves into the compression strength and environmental performance of concrete paving blocks (CB) produced by integrating fly ash (FA) as a substitution for portland cement and natural sand. The results discovered that the compression strength of CB with 20% and 30% FA met the criteria for parking areas and pedestrian paths. The addition of FA as a replacement for Portland cement and natural sand decreased the environmental impact in terms of abiotic depletion potential (ADP), global warming potential (GWP), ozone depletion potential (ODP), photochemical ozone creation potential (POCP), acidification potential (AP), and eutrophication potential (EP). The increase in compressive strength of CB mixtures containing FA was associated with increased density, better pore filling, and pozzolanic reaction between FA and calcium hydroxide. The use of FA in CB contributed to reducing embodied energy and reducing fly ash by-products, thus making it sustainable and promoting environmental balance.