Building earthquake resilience with clay shale: pioneering sustainable concrete solutions with eco-friendly materials

This study examines the potential of using locally sourced clay shale as an eco-friendly addition to concrete formulations, aimed at boosting both structural strength and seismic resilience in earthquake-prone regions. Optimized using the Dreux-Gorisse method, the clay shale-based concrete achieved a compressive strength of 12 MPa after seven days and 16 MPa after 28 days, meeting B25 concrete standards. Seismic testing with cyclic loading at a frequency of 1 Hz demonstrated notable ductility and deformation resistance, with a 9% increase in compressive strength compared to conventional concrete mixes. The use of clay shale also helped reduce the concrete’s carbon footprint by approximately 12%, thanks to a reduced need for transported materials, making it a sustainable and cost-effective choice. These findings suggest that clay shale concrete offers a robust, resilient option for construction in seismic regions, balancing sustainability with structural reliability. Future studies should explore the material’s long-term durability and in-field performance to confirm its potential further. This study highlights the value of integrating geotechnical and seismic resilience into sustainable infrastructure, aligning with global goals to lower environmental impact and improve community safety.