ISEC 10


NOVEL CONCRETE MIXTURE USING SILICA RICH AGGREGATES: WORKABILITY, STRENGTH AND MICROSTRUCTURAL PROPERTIES

PAUL AWOYERA, JOSEPH AKINMUSURU, ANTHONY EDE, JOSHUA JOLAYEMI


Abstract

The persistent reliance on traditional construction materials is of no gain to the future generation. The rate at which the natural aggregate sources are explored is alarming, and as a result, the threat of depletion of the natural materials has inspired interest in sustainable construction materials, focusing on construction and demolition wastes and local materials. In this study, an experimental insight on modified concrete, based on workability, strength and microstructural properties, is provided, in an attempt to ascertain the suitability of silica-rich aggregates (ceramic industry wastes and laterite) as a replacement for conventional fine and coarse aggregates. Various mix proportions were considered, and material batching was done by weight for concrete casting. The workability test, using slump, indicates that the flowability of the modified concrete mixes is achievable at a water-binder ratio of 0.6. The strength properties of the concrete increased with the increasing ceramic substitution for granite while increasing laterite content beyond 10% negates the strength gain by the concrete. A concrete mix containing 90% ceramic fine and 10% laterite, as fine aggregate, and 100% of cement and ceramic coarse, as binder and coarse aggregate, respectively, gave higher compressive strength (22.5 MPa), and split-tensile strength (3.6 MPa), and these results were found as comparable to the conventional concrete.

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