EVALUATION OF RHA/BLA POZZOLANIC CEMENT CONCRETE PROPERTIES

Abstract

In this study, the effects of using ordinary Portland cement (OPC) as a binary pozzolanic cement and combining it with bamboo leaf ash (BLA) and rice husk ash (RHA) were investigated. Three kinds of pozzolanic cement concrete mixes were prepared using BLA, RHA, and a binary combination of equal proportions of RHA and BLA, each of which was used to partially replace OPC at 4%, 8%, 12%, and 16% respectively in concrete. A total of one hundred and thirty-two cube specimens of 150 mm × 150 mm × 150 mm were prepared using 1:2:4 concrete mix and 0.55 water-cement ratio. Slump and compaction factor tests were conducted on the fresh concrete, and compressive strength tests were conducted on the hardened concrete at 7, 21, 28, and 56 days of curing. The results obtained from the research show that the addition of BLA, RHA, and RHA/BLA binary composition pozzolans greatly improved the workability and compressive strength of concrete, with an optimum replacement level of 8%. Additional statistical studies demonstrate that their substitution did not materially affect the concrete compressive strength at this level of replacement. As a result, these pozzolans are advised to replace OPC in concrete partially, with a preference for RHA due to its superior performance.