Studies on strength and behaviors of concrete by using pond ash as fine aggregate

Abstract

Common river sand is expensive due to excessive cost of transportation from natural resources. Also large scale depletion of these sources creates environmental problems. In such a situation the pond ash can be an economical alternative to the river sand. Pond ash can be defined as residue and by-product of thermal power plant stations to form fine particles less than 4.75 mm. Usually, Pond ash is used in a large scale for manufacturing of bricks. Use of pond ash as a fine aggregate in concrete mortar draws serious attention of researchers. This study reports the results of some experimental studies on the use of pond ash as Fine Aggregate (FA) in concrete. Super plasticiser is used to increase the workability of concrete with lower water cement ratio. The percentage of pond ash added by weight was 0, 20, 30, 40 and 50, respectively as replacement of FA used in concrete. Experiments were carried out to determine the compressive, splitting tensile and flexural strength with those of conventional concrete made with pond ash as fine aggregate. The various mechanical properties were studied and compared with natural fine aggregate. The test results obtained indicate that pond ash of marginal quantity as partial sand replacement has beneficial effect on the mechanical properties. The strength development for various percentages (0-50%) replacement of fine aggregate with pond ash can easily be equated to the strength development of normal concrete with various ages. The properties of aggregates were also compared. Test result indicates that the workability of pond ash concrete is good and the strength characteristics are comparable to those of conventional concrete.