A review of unveiling the promise of natural zeolites: Enhancing concrete properties (with experimental study)

The building industry relies heavily on concrete as a building material. Because of its valuable qualities, it is considered an essential raw material. Cement is the most crucial ingredient in making concrete, but it also produces a lot of greenhouse gases throughout the manufacturing process. Mineral additive materials like Zeolite can replace some virgin cement to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. By filling the pores and decreasing the concrete's porosity and permeability, these materials increase the concrete's durability and strength without negatively impacting the concrete's other desirable properties. This article aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of natural Zeolite's construction applications. The structural, types, chemical, and physical properties of natural zeolites were investigated, as well as their use in concrete production as pozzolans, durability enhancement materials, and energy applications materials. By critically analyzing previous researchers, this study aims to understand better how adding zeolites affects concrete's strength and durability. The research presents an experimental study utilizing Jordanian natural Zeolite with cement replacement percentages of 5%, 10%, and 15%, with the outcomes compared against reference concrete. The study findings demonstrate significant enhancements in compressive strength due to the inclusion of Jordanian natural Zeolite. Specifically, it manifested notable increases of 100.7%, 117%, and 56% for replacement percentages of 5%, 10%, and 15% over a 7-day curing period, and 14%, 20%, and 5% over a 28-day duration, when contrasted with conventional concrete formulations. Moreover, the inclusion of Zeolite engendered a notable reduction in water absorption, exhibiting decreases of 50%, 55%, and 60% compared to the reference concrete mix.