Evaluating the impact of spent coffee grounds on concrete's workability and mechanical properties using response surface methodology
摘要
The decomposition process of organic waste in landfills results in the generation of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that possesses a global warming potential 21 times higher than that of carbon dioxide. Among the various components comprising this waste, spent coffee grounds emerge as a substantial contributor, emphasizing the critical need for innovative recycling solutions aimed at repurposing them into valuable resources. In addressing this challenge, the concrete industry emerges as a promising sector for enhancing the rate of recycling spent coffee grounds. Despite this potential, the organic nature of spent coffee grounds presents a hurdle, as they are unsuitable for direct inclusion in structural concrete applications. To explore a viable approach, this study delves into the feasibility of utilizing raw spent coffee grounds as a partial replacement for fine aggregates within concrete mixes, investigating replacement ratios spanning from 0 to 5.8% by volume. Response surface methodology was used for designing concrete mixes, optimization and obtaining statistical models for predicting the properties of concrete. Employing advanced analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy facilitates a meticulous examination of the properties and influence of spent coffee grounds on concrete composites. Initial findings indicate that integrating spent coffee grounds at 5.65 replacement of fine aggregates, with water-to-cement ratio of 0.42 and desirability of 74.16% offering a sustainable path that minimally impacts the mechanical characteristics of concrete.