Integrating biomedical and fly ash waste in concrete: A strength-based comparative study for sustainable construction
Abstract
This study investigates the feasibility of using biomedical waste incineration ash (BWIA) and fly ash (FA) as partial replacements for cement (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%) in M25 grade concrete. Comprehensive testing was conducted to evaluate the compressive strength and weight of concrete with varying percentages of BWIA and FA. A total of 36 concrete cubes were prepared and tested for compressive strength after 7, 14, 28, and 56 days of curing. Leachate analysis was also conducted to assess the environmental impact of the prepared concrete. The results revealed that optimal compressive strength was achieved at 28 days with a 20% replacement of both ashes, yielding strengths of 25.11 MPa for BWIA and 24.57 MPa for FA. Beyond 20% ash replacement, compressive strength declined, and increasing ash percentages led to lighter concrete. Furthermore, leachate analysis confirmed no release of heavy metals, ensuring environmental safety. This research demonstrates the potential for utilization of BWIA and FA as sustainable materials in concrete, addressing waste disposal challenges while contributing to green construction practices. By determining optimal replacement levels and application ranges, the study supports the development of eco-friendly concrete production and promotes sustainability in the construction industry.
Keywords
Supporting Institution
Not Applicable
Project Number
Not Applicable
Ethical Statement
Not Applicable
Thanks
Not Applicable
References
- R. Sharma and R.N. Yadav, “Fly Ash Generation-Utilization, Government Initiatives In India And Other Diverse Applications: A Review,” Journal of Advanced Scientific Research, vol. 12(1), pp. 9–20, 2021, doi: 10.55218/JASR.202112102.
- A. Suresh Kumar, M. Muthukannan, R. Kanniga Devi, K. Arunkumar, and A. Chithambar Ganesh, “Reduction of hazardous incinerated bio-medical waste ash and its environmental strain by utilizing in green concrete,” Water Science Technology, vol. 84(10-11), pp. 2780–2792, 2021, doi: 10.2166/wst.2021.239.
- K.K. Padmanabhan and D. Barik, “Health Hazards of Medical Waste and its Disposal,” Energy from Toxic Organic Waste for Heat and Power Generation, pp. 99–118, 2019, doi: 10.1016/B978-0-08-102528-4.00008-0.
- E.M.R. Fairbairn, B.B. Americano, G.C. Cordeiro, T.P. Paula, R.D. Toledo Filho, and M.M. Silvoso, “Cement replacement by sugar cane bagasse ash: CO2 emissions reduction and potential for carbon credits,” Journal of Environmental Management, vol. 91(9), pp. 1864–1871, 2010, doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2010.04.008.
- R.M. Andrew, “Global CO2 emissions from cement production,” Earth System Science Data, vol. 10(1), pp. 195–217, 2018, doi: 10.5194/essd-10-195-2018.
- M.C. Nataraja, N. Chakravarthy H.G., R. Shivaprasad, and S.R. Naganna, “Self-compacting concrete incorporating incinerated biomedical waste ash: a performance assessment,” Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, vol. 70(1), 2023, doi: 10.1186/s44147-023-00191-y.
- M. Abushad and M.D. Sabri, “Comparative Study of Compressive Strength of Concrete with Fly Ash Replacement by Cement,” International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology, vol. 4(7), pp. 2627–2630, 2017.
- V.K.S.R, A.M. Arer, B.K. Sangeetha, S.U. Pateela, and S.C. Patil, “Cement Concrete Hollow Blocks To Replacing Cement By Fly Ash,” International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology, vol. 5(5), pp. 157–160, 2018.
Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Waste Management, Reduction, Reuse and Recycling
Journal Section
Research Article
Early Pub Date
November 18, 2025
Publication Date
December 31, 2025
Submission Date
September 25, 2024
Acceptance Date
January 14, 2025
Published in Issue
Year 2025 Volume: 8 Number: 4
APA
Brahmbhatt, A., & Patel, B. (2025). Integrating biomedical and fly ash waste in concrete: A strength-based comparative study for sustainable construction. Environmental Research and Technology, 8(4), 887-899. https://doi.org/10.35208/ert.1555389
AMA
1.Brahmbhatt A, Patel B. Integrating biomedical and fly ash waste in concrete: A strength-based comparative study for sustainable construction. ERT. 2025;8(4):887-899. doi:10.35208/ert.1555389
Chicago
Brahmbhatt, Arpita, and Bina Patel. 2025. “Integrating Biomedical and Fly Ash Waste in Concrete: A Strength-Based Comparative Study for Sustainable Construction”. Environmental Research and Technology 8 (4): 887-99. https://doi.org/10.35208/ert.1555389.
EndNote
Brahmbhatt A, Patel B (December 1, 2025) Integrating biomedical and fly ash waste in concrete: A strength-based comparative study for sustainable construction. Environmental Research and Technology 8 4 887–899.
IEEE
[1]A. Brahmbhatt and B. Patel, “Integrating biomedical and fly ash waste in concrete: A strength-based comparative study for sustainable construction”, ERT, vol. 8, no. 4, pp. 887–899, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.35208/ert.1555389.
ISNAD
Brahmbhatt, Arpita - Patel, Bina. “Integrating Biomedical and Fly Ash Waste in Concrete: A Strength-Based Comparative Study for Sustainable Construction”. Environmental Research and Technology 8/4 (December 1, 2025): 887-899. https://doi.org/10.35208/ert.1555389.
JAMA
1.Brahmbhatt A, Patel B. Integrating biomedical and fly ash waste in concrete: A strength-based comparative study for sustainable construction. ERT. 2025;8:887–899.
MLA
Brahmbhatt, Arpita, and Bina Patel. “Integrating Biomedical and Fly Ash Waste in Concrete: A Strength-Based Comparative Study for Sustainable Construction”. Environmental Research and Technology, vol. 8, no. 4, Dec. 2025, pp. 887-99, doi:10.35208/ert.1555389.
Vancouver
1.Arpita Brahmbhatt, Bina Patel. Integrating biomedical and fly ash waste in concrete: A strength-based comparative study for sustainable construction. ERT. 2025 Dec. 1;8(4):887-99. doi:10.35208/ert.1555389