Title: Compressive Strength And Water Absorption Effects Of Treated Drill Cuttings As A Partial Replacement Of Cement In Concrete.
Authors: Tochukwu A. Ihedioha, Okay O. Okoroafor, Maxwell I. Chikwue, Uzochukwu E. Uzoh
Volume: 9
Issue: 5
Pages: 109-116
Publication Date: 2025/05/28
Abstract:
The increasing global demand for concrete, driven by urbanization and infrastructure development, has led to the exploration of sustainable alternatives for concrete production. Worldwide, 30 billion tonnes of concrete are used annually, with Nigeria's cement demand growing by 14% in 2013. This study investigates the potential of using drill cuttings as a partial replacement for cement in concrete, focusing on its impact on strength and water absorption. Drill cuttings, the waste material generated from drilling operations, are traditionally disposed of or treated for recycling. By processing these cuttings into pozzolanic materials, they can replace some cement in concrete, potentially reducing environmental impact and lowering production costs. Pozzolans enhance concrete's durability and strength by reacting with lime to form cementitious compounds. The study evaluates the water absorption ratio of concrete with varying replacement levels of drill cuttings. Results show that higher replacement levels increase water absorption at early curing stages, but long-term curing (90 days) improves concrete's performance by reducing permeability. This research has established that using drill cuttings as a pozzolan can provide an eco-friendly solution to the cement demand issue, enhancing concrete's durability while reducing environmental impact.