The Development of High-Performance Concrete Using Afghanistan's Mineral-Rich Aggregates for Strategic Infrastructure: A Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66546/aijs.v2i2.17Keywords:
High-performance Concrete (HPC), Mineral-Rich Aggregates, Natural Mineral Additives, Sustainable Infrastructure, Strategic Infrastructure DevelopmentAbstract
Infrastructure development depends on high-performance concrete (HPC), particularly in Afghanistan, where growing building needs necessitate long-lasting, environmentally friendly materials. With its compressive capabilities, HPC can enhance strength, durability, and environmental resilience by utilizing natural additives, such as zeolite and calcite, in conjunction with Afghanistan's abundant mineral-rich aggregates, including quartzite, basalt, and limestone. Despite the abundance of these local resources, little is known about how they might be in HPC. This study reviews the literature to explore it and evaluates cost, sustainability, and reduced reliance on imports by contrasting their features with HPC criteria. Afghanistan's mineral potential is contextualized through case studies from geologically similar countries. The study provides theoretical and comparative insights to promote resilient infrastructure by synthesizing research on mechanical characteristics, resilience to environmental stresses, and sustainability. The finding indicates that while additives like zeolite promote hydration and self-healing, lowering ecological impact, local aggregates increase strength and longevity. This strategy could help Afghanistan's industrial revolution and long-term infrastructure viability by reducing costs and emissions and promoting economic growth. The study closes gaps in the use of Afghanistan's mineral wealth to support sustainable HPC growth by offering practical ideas for researchers, construction specialists, and politicians.
Downloads
References
Abdulrahman, H., Ahmed, M., & Ali, S. (2023). Influence of aggregate source and size on the shear behavior of high-strength reinforced concrete deep beams: Experimental. Journal of Structural Engineering, 149(4), 04023012. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2023.e02260 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2023.e02260
Abdullahi, M. (2012). Effect of aggregate type on compressive strength of concrete. International Journal of Civil and Structural Engineering, 2(3), 791-800. https://doi.org/10.6088/ijcser.00202030008 DOI: https://doi.org/10.6088/ijcser.00202030008
Afghanistan Ministry of Mines and Petroleum. (2019). Annual report on mineral resources and development. Kabul: Government of Afghanistan. Link
Alfaqawi, R. M., Fareed, A., Zaidi, S. B. A., Airey, G. D., & Rahim, A. (2022). Effect of hydrated lime and other mineral fillers on stiffening and oxidative ageing in bitumen mastic. Construction and Building Materials, 315, 125789. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.125789 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.125789
American Concrete Institute. (2018). ACI 211.4R-08: Guide for selecting proportions for high-strength concrete using Portland cement and other cementitious materials. ACI.
Alkali-Aggregate Reactivity (AAR) Potential of Selected Canadian Aggregates For Use in Offshore Concrete Structures. (1994). SP-145: Durability of Concrete -- Proceedings Third CANMET - ACI International Conference, Nice, France 1994. SP-145: Durability of Concrete -- Proceedings Third CANMET - ACI International Conference, Nice, France 1994. https://doi.org/10.14359/4562 DOI: https://doi.org/10.14359/4562
Basaran, B., Kalkan, I., Aksoylu, C., Özkılıç, Y. O., & Sabri, M. M. S. (2022). Effects of Waste Powder, Fine and Coarse Marble Aggregates on Concrete Compressive Strength. Sustainability, 14(21), 14388. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142114388 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su142114388
Bhavya, S., & Sanjeev, K. (2017). Effect of different types of coarse aggregates on physical properties of mostly used grades M20, M25, M30 of concrete. Construction and Building Materials, 154, 1123-1130. https://doi.org/10.9790/1684-1401024651 DOI: https://doi.org/10.9790/1684-1401024651
Bhatty, M. (1985). Mechanism of Pozzolanic Reactions and Control of Alkali-Aggregate Expansion. Cement, Concrete, and Aggregates, 7(2), 69–77. https://doi.org/10.1520/CCA10372J DOI: https://doi.org/10.1520/CCA10372J
Ca añeda Valdés, A., Corvo Pérez, F., Pech Pech, I., Marrero Águila, R., & Bastidas-Arteaga, E. (2024). Durability Requirements for Reinforced Concrete Structures Placed in a Hostile Tropical Coastal Environment. Buildings, 14(8), 2494. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14082494 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14082494
Chaabi, A., Belarbi, R., & El-Sayed, M. (n.d.). Effect of temperature and humidity on concrete creep and shrinkage. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering. https://doi.org/10.14359/6085 . DOI: https://doi.org/10.14359/6085
Chandra, N. V., & Ramaraju, K. (2022). Experimental study on properties of concrete by replacing coarse aggregate with quartzite. International Journal for Science Technology and Engineering, 10(3), 369–379. https://doi.org/10.22214/ijraset.2022.40617 DOI: https://doi.org/10.22214/ijraset.2022.40617
Development of High-Performance Concrete Mixtures for Durable Bridge Decks in Montana Using Locally Available Materials. (2005). SP-228: 7th Intl Symposium on the Utilization of High-Strength/High-Performance Concrete. SP-228: 7th Intl Symposium on the Utilization of High-Strength/High-Performance Concrete. https://doi.org/10.14359/14510 DOI: https://doi.org/10.14359/14510
Gowram, I., & M, B. (2022). Experimental and analytical study of high-strength concrete containing natural zeolite and additives. Civil Engineering Journal, 8(10), 2318–2335.
https://doi.org/10.28991/CEJ-2022-08-10-019 DOI: https://doi.org/10.28991/CEJ-2022-08-10-019
Hakeem, I. Y., Althoey, F., & Hosen, A. (2022). Mechanical and durability performance of ultra-high-performance concrete incorporating SCMs. Construction and Building Materials, 359, 129430. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.129430 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.129430
International Energy Agency. (2021). Net zero by 2050: A roadmap for the global energy sector. IEA. Link
Ismail, N. R. (2023). A comparative study of the effect of aggregate type on the strength and abrasion resistance of concrete, Kurdistan Region, Iraq: Experimental. Polytechnic Journal, 13(2). https://doi.org/10.59341/2707-7799.1722 DOI: https://doi.org/10.59341/2707-7799.1722
Ikkurthi, S. K., Mounika, L., Prasad, C. M., & Krishna, B. H. (2015). Experimental study on the use of basalt aggregate in concrete mixes. SSRG International Journal of Civil Engineering, 2(4), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V2I4P107 DOI: https://doi.org/10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V2I4P107
Kapeluszna, E., Kotwica, L., & Nocuń-Wczelik, W. (2021). Comparison of the effect of ground waste, expanded perlite, and silica fume on the hydration of cements with various tricalcium aluminate content – Comprehensive analysis. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.124434 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.124434
Li, P. P., Yu, Q. L., & Brouwers, H. J. H. (2018). Effect of coarse basalt aggregates on the properties of Ultra-high Performance Concrete (UHPC). Construction and Building Materials, 170, 649–659. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.03.109 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.03.109
Mukhammadiev, N., & Malikov, G. (2025). Use of basalt fiber in concrete mixture for manufacture of prefabricated concrete and reinforced concrete structures. 030043. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0266812 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0266812
Konitufe, C., Abubakar, A., & Baba, A. S. (2023). Influence of aggregate size and shape on the compressive strength of concrete. CONSTRUCTION, 3(1), 15–22.
https://doi.org/10.15282/construction.v3i1.9075 DOI: https://doi.org/10.15282/construction.v3i1.9075
Kosmatka, S. H., Wilson, M. L., & Farny, J. A. (2016). Design and control of concrete mixtures (16th ed.). Portland Cement Association. https://doi.org/10.5479/sil.352050.39088006456024 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5479/sil.352050.39088006456024
Kumar, R., & Bhattacharjee, B. (2003). Porosity, pore size distribution and in situ strength of concrete, Cement and Concrete Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0008-8846(02)00942-0 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0008-8846(02)00942-0
Mehta, P. K., & Monteiro, P. J. M. (2014). Concrete: Microstructure, properties, and materials (4th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education. https://doi.org/10.1093/ae/36.1.56a DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/ae/36.1.56a
Mekonen, T. B., Alene, T. E., Alem, Y. A., & Nebiyu, W. M. (2024). Influence of Steel Slag as a Partial Replacement of Aggregate on the Performance of Reinforced Concrete Beam. International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials, 18(1), 56. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40069-024-00698-5 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40069-024-00698-5
Nasim, M., & Rao, A. K. (2024). Enhancing concrete properties through the strategic incorporation of granite and marble dust as sustainable alternatives to natural sand. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2779(1), Article 012085.
https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/2779/1/012085 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/2779/1/012085
Neville, A. M. (2011). Properties of concrete (5th ed.). Pearson. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)cf.1943-5509.0000595 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CF.1943-5509.0000595
Patial, S., & Sharma, P. (2023). Utilization of quartzite dust powder and marble dustpowder in concrete. 020053. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0120015 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0120015
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). (2007). Infrastructure to 2030: Main findings and policy recommendations. OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/springerreference_75881 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/SpringerReference_75881
Peters, S. G., King, T. V. V., Mack, T. J., & Chornack, M. P. (2011). Mineral resources in Afghanistan: Summary of activities by the U.S. Geological Survey and Afghanistan Geological Survey, 2004–2011. U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report, 2011-1204. https://doi.org/10.2113/econgeo.107.7.1515-b DOI: https://doi.org/10.2113/econgeo.107.7.1515-b
Sharifi, Y., Houshiar, M., & Aghebati, B. (2020). An overview of Afghanistan's mineral resources and their potential for industrial development. Resources Policy, 67, Article 101673. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resourpol.2020.101673 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resourpol.2020.101673
Sorensen, P. (2020). Infrastructure challenges in Afghanistan: A sectoral analysis. Journal of Infrastructure Development, 12(1), 45-60.
Tufail, M., Shahzada, K., Gencturk, B., & Wei, J. (2017). Effect of elevated temperature on mechanical properties of limestone, quartzite and granite concrete. International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials, 11(1), 17–28.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40069-016-0175-2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40069-016-0175-2
Tanijaya, J., Tappi, S., & Jabair. (2021). The mechanical properties of limestone as an aggregate on high strength concrete. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 1088(1), Article 012098.
https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/1088/1/012098 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/1088/1/012098
Teymen, A. (2023). Statistical investigation of the effects of different origin aggregate properties on the mechanical properties of concrete: Experimental. Materials Science and Engineering, 128(6), 064012. https://doi.org/10.7764/rdlc.22.2.482 DOI: https://doi.org/10.7764/RDLC.22.2.482
Tolmachov, S. (2023). Concrete on quartzite aggregates. Theory and Building Practice. https://doi.org/10.23939/jtbp2023.02.093 DOI: https://doi.org/10.23939/jtbp2023.02.093
United Nations Environment Programme. (2020). Building sector emissions hit a record high, but a low-carbon pandemic recovery can help transform the sector. UNEP. https://doi.org/10.18356/94e7342b-en DOI: https://doi.org/10.18356/94e7342b-en
United States Geological Survey. (2014). Mineral resources of Afghanistan. USGS Publications Warehouse. Link
Wang, L., Zhang, Y., & Yang, S. (2020). Mechanical properties of basalt fiber-reinforced concrete under sulfate attack. Materials and Structures, 53(4), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2026.115968 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2026.115968
World Bank. (2022). Afghanistan economic update: Recovery remains fragile. World Bank Group. World Bank. (2020). Infrastructure for development. World Bank Group. Link
Wu, K.-R., Chen, B., Yao, W., & Zhang, D. (2001). Effect of coarse aggregate type on mechanical properties of high-performance concrete. Cement and Concrete Research, 31(10), 1421-1425. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0008-8846(01)00588-9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0008-8846(01)00588-9
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Naweed Ahmad Rabani, Abdulhai Kaiwaan, Abdullah Namdar (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
