INFLUENCE OF QUATERNARY BLENDS OF POZZOLANIC MATERIALS ON CEMENT CONCRETE. A MECHANICAL, DURABILITY & MICRO-STRUCTURAL STUDY

Abstract

Concrete is used worldwide due to easy preparation, high compressive strength and ability to be casted in any desired shape. However, its use is accompanied with the greenhouse gas emission due to cement. This research study aims to partially replace the cement with different percentages (10%, 20%, and 30%) using quaternary blends of pozzolanic materials (Fly Ash + Rice Husk Ash +Pumice) and the mechanical performance (Compressive & Flexural strength) & durability (Sorption) of samples was assessed at 28, 90 and 120 days. To validate the mechanical properties & durability test results, FTIR and SEM analysis were performed on the samples at 120 days. Compressive strength test results showed that the 28 & 90 days compressive strength of control group and partially replaced samples were almost same, however, partially replaced cement samples showed increase in strength after 120 days. The quaternary blends having 20% & 30% of pozzolanic materials gained almost 1.2 & 1.1 times compressive strength as that of reference group at 120 days. The same samples gained flexural strength in the same fashion as that of compressive strength. The sorption test results shows that quaternary blends having 20% & 30% of pozzolanic materials has 65% & 75% less penetration as paralleled to the reference group at 90 & 120 days age respectively. These results were also confirmed by the FTIR & SEM Analysis of the Samples.