High-performance Concrete From Corn Cob Ash-silica Fume Blend: Impact on Mechanical and Durability

Abstract

Contemporary high-rise buildings prioritize the use of high strength to minimize the size of structural members, attain high early strength, achieve high durability and integration of industrial and agricultural wastes to mitigate environmental degradation. Concrete made from industrial and agricultural wastes substituted for cement lowers its cement content and its carbon dioxide emissions. This research explored the feasibility of corn cob ash-silica fume (CCA-SF) blend in the production of High-Performance Concrete. The cement in concrete was partially replaced by corn cob ash-silica fume blend in 5, 10, 15 and 20 % by weight of cement and was compared to a control mix of 0% replacement. An intelligent mix design, Densified Mix Design Algorithm (DMDA), was used to reduce both water and cement content effectively. To create high strength and workability, a polycarboxylate-based super plasticizing admixture was utilized in conjunction with a low water binder ratio. Concrete workability in the fresh state, compressive strength, and flexural strength in the hardened states were examined. Water absorption and electrical resistivity tests were also investigated as potential indicators of durability. The results showed that the workability of concrete in the fresh state increased with an increase in the CCA-SF blend. The mix containing 10% CCA-SF blend had the highest compressive strength by yielding a cube strength of 61 MPa by day 56. Increasing the CCA-SF blend percentage reduced the water absorption and increased electrical resistivity progressively. Flexural strength increased with an increase in CCASF blend percentage up to 10% with 7.9 MPa then dropped to 4.9 MPa at 20%. More investigation into enhancing the concrete's flow retention is required to fully realize the advantages that are already present.