Abstract:
Concrete, an essential construction material, plays a critical role in addressing the
challenges posed by globalization. A worldwide trend, the utilization of industrial and
domestic waste material, including used engine oil (UEO), in concrete production,
has emerged. Nevertheless, the unexplored potential of used engine oil as a
superplasticizer is especially evident in the context of Ethiopia. It is a hazardous
liquid waste that poses global environmental hazards when disposed of improperly.
Its management is critical to preventing negative effects on water, terrestrial, marine,
and plant life. Experimental evidence supporting the theory that it will improve the
durability of concrete and function as a waste disposal method is limited,
notwithstanding the potential advantages it may offer. This research project aims to
assess the effects of used engine oil on the strength, workability, and durability of
lightweight and normal-weight concrete. Using scanning electron microscopy and x ray diffraction, the effects of used engine oil on the structural characteristics of
normal-weight concrete are also investigated. Workability was evaluated using ten
(10) different concrete mixtures, and the compressive strength, flexural strength,
durability, and microstructure of 150 samples were analyzed. By weight of cement,
used engine oil was incorporated at the following concentrations: 0%, 0.15%, 0.30%,
0.45%, and 0.60%. The experimental data were obtained by consulting laboratory
results and supplementary data from literature sources. An increase in used engine
oil (UEO) concentration resulted in enhanced workability in both normal-weight and
lightweight concrete. Although a marginal reduction in compressive and flexural
strength was observed, these metrics still complied with the recommended standards.
With increased used engine oil dosages, the level of water's absorption diminished. A
minor reduction in the distribution of calcium silicate hydrate was observed in
concrete with used engine oil, accompanied by minimal formation of other minerals.
In conclusion, 0.30% UEO in C-25 and C-17 concrete yielded optimum results, which
include improved workability, achieved compressive and flexural strengths, and
increased durability. More research should be undertaken to examine the capabilities
of used engine oil in different concrete types and consider environmental factors.
