High-performance eco-concrete beams with calcined montmorillonite, metakaolin pyrolyzed coffee grounds, and hybrid fibers for enhanced bending strength and microstructural refinement

Amani Abdallah Hepautwa, Askwar Hilonga, Register Mrosso, Tusekile Alfredy, Gabriel Mwalusambo, Fina Lesafi and Yusufu Abeid Chande Jande

PLOS ONE, 2026, vol. 21, issue 3, 1-41

Abstract: This study investigates the flexural performance and microstructural evolution of reinforced concrete beams incorporating calcined montmorillonite (CMMT), metakaolin (MK), pyrolyzed coffee grounds (PCG), and hybrid fibers (steel or banana) as sustainable partial replacements for natural sand and cementitious binders. The replacement levels—12.5% SCM (CMMT or MK) and 15% PCG—were selected based on preliminary optimization trials and evidence from prior studies that identify these ranges as the threshold at which pozzolanic reactivity, workability, and particle packing achieve maximum benefit without compromising matrix integrity. Thirteen mix groups and a control beam were cast and tested under four-point bending, with three replicates per group. Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA (α = 0.05) confirmed significant differences in peak load, stiffness, ductility, and energy absorption across mixes (p

Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pone00:0334732

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0334732

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