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This study focusses on understanding the influence of processed granulated blast furnace (PGBS) slag on fresh and hardened state properties of concrete. Nowadays, metallurgical slags are being explored as alternative materials to natural virgin aggregates in concrete. Before using any such material in concrete, it is important to understand its influence on properties of concrete. In this study an attempt has been made to use granulated blast furnace slag from a local steel plant as a substitute to natural sand in normal concrete. The study mainly focusses on understanding the influence of different replacement ratios and suitability of slag replacement ratios higher than 50% in normal concrete. The blast furnace slag used in the present study was processed using a vertical shaft impactor to modify the particle shape and enhance its aggregate properties. The replacement was done at 50%, 75% and 100% by mass of natural sand in the concrete mix. The concrete properties such as slump, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and flexural strength, were studied at all the replacement ratios.

This paper focuses on certain issues pertaining to energy, carbon emissions and sustainability of building construction with particular reference to the Indian construction industry. Use of sustainable natural materials in the past, related durability issues, and the implications of currently used energy-intensive materials on carbon emissions and sustainability are discussed. Some statistics on the Indian construction sector regarding materials produced in bulk quantities and the energy implications are discussed. Examples of low embodied energy materials are provided. An analysis of total embodied energy in conventional and alternative building systems shows nearly 50% reduction in embodied energy of buildings. Potential uses for solid wastes for building materials are presented.

Stabilised soil blocks (SSBs) are energy efficient and low embodied carbon alternative materials for structural masonry. there is an upsurge of interest among building professionals in utilising low embodied carbon materials. This chapter deals with various aspects of SSBs applicable to structural masonry. A brief outline of soil classification and developments in SSB technology is provided. different methods of soil stabilisation and production techniques for SSBs are discussed in detail. The influence of soil composition on SSB characteristics and optimum soil grading for the production of SSBs are discussed. the role of block density, moulding moisture content and stabilisers on various SSB characteristics including durability aspects is illustrated. The chapter ends with a discussion of the behaviour of SSB masonry, guidelines for SSB masonry design and some short case studies.