Flexural and Microstructural Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Beams Using River and Beach Sand Aggregates

This research investigates the comparative performance of reinforced concrete beams incorporating river sand versus beach sand as fine aggregates. Driven by the increasing scarcity of river sand and associated environmental concerns, the study explores beach sand as a sustainable alternative, while acknowledging potential challenges such as high chloride content and distinct particle characteristics. The experimental program systematically evaluates the flexural behavior, mechanical properties, and microstructural characteristics of concrete beams. Two primary variables are examined: the type of fine aggregate (river sand or beach sand) and the reinforcement configuration (plain or deformed bars). Comprehensive testing includes compressive strength, flexural strength under two-point loading, water absorption, and porosity analysis. Microstructural characterization is

performed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) to elucidate material-level differences. Initial findings indicate that concrete formulated with river sand generally exhibits superior compressive strength and reduced porosity compared to beach sand concrete, with specific values reported. Furthermore, beams reinforced with deformed bars consistently demonstrate enhanced structural performance. This study provides critical insights into the viability and implications of utilizing beach sand in concrete construction, contributing to the development of sustainable construction practices.

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