Evaluating E-Waste as a Partial Coarse Aggregate Substitute in M25 Concrete- A Sustainability Perspective

Global electronic waste generation is accelerating at 3% to 4% annually with forecasts indicating volumes near 55 million tons per year by 2025. Managing e-waste disposal grants substantial challenges due to harmful constituents and storage restrictions. This investigation assesses electronic waste capability as a coarse aggregate substitute in M25 grade concrete. Testing was conducted on the M25 grade concrete specimens where natural coarse aggregate was replaced with electronic waste at 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% of replacement levels. E-waste particles measured 20mm in size. Slump tests and compressive strength assessments were performed for each replacement level for 7 day and 28 day curing periods. Results specify that concrete workability gradually weakened as e-waste content increased. Compressive strength revealed enhancement up to 10% substitution with decrease happening at higher percentages. Sample weight reduced by 100 to 300g per 5% e-waste addition. 10% being the optimum coarse aggregate replacement level demonstrating pertinence in sustainable construction settings requiring lightweight characteristics and moderate structural capacity.