PSI - Issue 70

Available online at www.sciencedirect.com

ScienceDirect

Procedia Structural Integrity 70 (2025) 690–697

Structural Integrity and Interactions of Materials in Civil Engineering Structures (SIIMCES-2025) An Experimental Investigation on Mechanical Properties of Cenosphere Based Concrete J. Arun Prasad a, *, B. Anukarthika a , P. Lingeshkumar a , R. Felixnikeshraj a , S. Renuga Devi a a Department of Civil Engineering, Erode Sengunthar Engineering College, Perundurai, 624601, India Abstract This study investigates the use of Cenospheres — lightweight, inert, and hollow microspheres derived from fly ash — as a partial replacement in concrete to enhance its mechanical properties and thermal performance. Owing to their low density and high strength-to-weight ratio, Cenospheres offer significant potential for producing sustainable and energy-efficient construction materials. The research focuses on optimizing the mix design by incorporating varying proportions of Cenospheres with conventional binders and aggregates. Based on an extensive literature review, an optimum replacement level of 10% by weight was selected. Experimental investigations were conducted on concrete specimens, including cubes, cylinders, and prisms, to evaluate compressive strength, flexural strength, and thermal insulation characteristics. Additionally, flexural behavior of reinforced concrete beams incorporating Cenospheres was experimentally evaluated to understand their structural performance under load. The results indicate that Cenosphere-based concrete exhibits reduced weight without compromising mechanical strength, making it suitable for applications in multi-storey buildings, oil and gas infrastructure, automation, and protective coatings. Improved thermal insulation further contributes to the energy efficiency of buildings. This research highlights the potential of Cenospheres as an eco-friendly additive in concrete, supporting the advancement of sustainable construction practices and reduced environmental impact. © 2025 The Authors. Published by ELSEVIER B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0) Peer-review under the responsibility of International Conference on Structural Integrity Organizers

Keywords: Cenospheres; binder;Concrete; lightweight; Sustainable.

*Corresponding author: Tel: +91-9698942052. E-mail address: arunprasadcivil@esec.ac.in

2452-3216 © 2025 The Authors. Published by ELSEVIER B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0) Peer-review under the responsibility of International Conference on Structural Integrity Organizers 10.1016/j.prostr.2025.07.107