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Abstract

The environmental footprint of cement production has accelerated the pursuit of sustainable alternatives in the construction industry. Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), particularly those derived from industrial and agricultural waste, offer a promising approach to reducing cement consumption while maintaining performance. This study evaluates the fresh and mechanical behavior of binary, ternary, and quaternary cementitious mortar blends incorporating ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), ultrafine GGBS (UGGBS), and rice husk ash (RHA) as partial replacements for cement. A total of 32 mortar mixes were designed with water-to-binder (w/b) ratios ranging from 0.3 to 0.5 and varied replacement levels of RHA (0-20%), GGBS (0-25%), and UGGBS (10%). Flowability, compressive strength, and flexural strength were assessed to understand material interactions and optimize blend performance. Results indicate that RHA incorporation reduced workability due to its high surface area and porous nature; however, the inclusion of finer UGGBS significantly improved flow. The blend of GGBS and UGGBS demonstrated superior mechanical performance, while the UGGBS-RHA combination enhanced flexural strength compared to ternary mixes. The findings underscore the importance of particle fineness and material compatibility in multi-component binder systems. This study supports the integration of industrial by-products and agro-waste into cementitious matrices, promoting both environmental and performance benefits. Future research should focus on microstructural analysis, durability characteristics under aggressive exposure conditions, and the practical application of these blends in real-world construction scenarios.

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