A Systematic Review on Concrete Made with Processed Overburden Materials Replacement with Fine Aggregate for Sustainable Development

¹ Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Nalla Malla Reddy Engineering College (Autonomous), Divyanagar, Kachivanisingaram, Near Narapally, Ghatkesar Mandal, Medchal District - 500088, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
² Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Malla Reddy (MR) Deemed to be University, Hyderabad - 500100, Telangana, India.
³ Professor, Civil Engineering, JNTUH College of Engineering Hyderabad 500085, India.
⁴ Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago.

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published online: 3 August 2026

Abstract

Concrete is a widely used material in public works and structural engineering projects globally. River sand, a key ingredient in concrete, has become scarce due to river degradation and climate change. This shortage, along with rising construction costs, has driven the search for alternative materials to partially or fully replace natural sand in concrete mixes. Substituting sand with suitable materials has shown to improve the mechanical and physical properties of concrete while reducing environmental impact. Over recent decades, various replacements like marble powder have been studied to preserve natural resources and maintain ecological balance. In this study, processed overburden (OB) material from coal mines is investigated as a potential fine aggregate replacement. Overburden, a by-product of mining activities, is typically considered waste but can be reused after proper processing. This paper presents the results of experimental research on the characteristics of concrete incorporating processed OB material. The study aims to evaluate its impact on the physical properties, strength, and durability of concrete. The findings suggest that OB material may serve as an effective and sustainable alternative to river sand, promoting environmental conservation and cost-effective construction.