A step towards sustainable self-compacting concrete by using partial substitution of wheat straw ash and bentonite clay instead of cement

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Jawad Ahmad - , Swedish College of Engineering Rahim Yar Khan (Author)
  • Rana Faisal Tufail - , COMSATS University Islamabad (Author)
  • Fahid Aslam - , Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University (Author)
  • Amir Mosavi - , TUD Dresden University of Technology, Óbuda University (Author)
  • Rayed Alyousef - , Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University (Author)
  • Muhammad Faisal Javed - , COMSATS University Islamabad (Author)
  • Osama Zaid - , Swedish College of Engineering Rahim Yar Khan (Author)
  • Muhammad Sohaib Khan Niazi - , Qurtuba University (Author)

Abstract

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is a special type of concrete that is highly flowable, nonsegregating and spread into place by its own weight, completely filling the formwork even in the presence of dense reinforcement and then encapsulating the rebar without the need for any additional compaction. This research was carried out to evaluate the effects of bentonite clay and wheat straw ash as a partial substitution for cement in SSC. Bentonite clay and wheat straw ash were added in proportion of 0%, 5.0%, 10%, 15%, and 20% of the weight of the cement. Fresh characteristics were evaluated based on its passing ability and flowability using slump flow, slump T50, L-box, and V-funnel tests. After 7 days, 14 days, and 28 days of curing, cylinders of standard size were cast and tested for compressive and split tensile strength. The test results indicate that bentonite clay and wheat straw ash decrease the passing ability and filling ability of SCC. Furthermore, the concrete specimens’ tests indicate that wheat straw ash and bentonite clay additions of up to 10% and 15% of the weight of the cement tend to improve the compressive and split tensile strength of hardened SCC. Response surface methodology (statistical models) is used to optimize the combined dosage of wheat straw ash and bentonite clay and is verified through experimental tests. It can also be suggested that bentonite and wheat straw ash are successfully neutralized in concrete instead of cement.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number824
Pages (from-to)1-17
Number of pages17
JournalSustainability (Switzerland)
Volume13
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - 2 Jan 2021
Peer-reviewedYes