Development of Sustainable Paver Block to Suit Very Heavy Traffic Conditions Using Cassava Peel Ash

ABSTRACT This investigation explores the synergistic use of cassava peel ash (CPA), an agricultural waste and silane treated glass fibers (GF) as sustainable components in concrete and paver blocks. CPA was utilized as a partial substitute for cement at 0%–20% by weight of cement and silane‐treated GF was incorporated in proportions ranging from 0.5% to 2.5% by volume of concrete. Experimental tests evaluated workability, compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths, pozzolanic activity index (PAI), ductility, and impact resistance of concrete. Microstructural evaluations using SEM and EDS confirmed enhanced C–S–H gel formation and decreased porosity. Results exhibited that 15% CPA enhanced strength properties significantly, with CA15G2 achieving optimal mechanical performance. Compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths improved by 22.75%, 25.5%, and 43.58% respectively, while workability decreased with 2% utilization of treated fiber content. Paver blocks cast with the optimized mix (CA15G2PB) exceeded the requirements of IS 15658:2006 for heavy traffic applications. Overall, the incorporation of CPA and GF significantly improved the mechanical characteristics, and microstructural investigation of concrete, highlighting their potential as eco‐friendly alternatives in modern construction.