Flow and Strength Properties of Binary Blended Self-Compacting Concrete Containing Bio-Ash

Abstract

Palm kernel shell ash (PKSA) is a known pozzolanic material used in normal concrete with positive results, but there is dearth of knowledge on its effect on self-compacting concrete. Thus, flow properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC) containing PKSA as partial replacement for cement was studied and presented in this paper. Palm kernel shells were burnt at temperature of 700 ℃ for an hour to obtain ash. The ash was used to replace ordinary Portland cement (OPC) at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% replacement levels in a predesigned SCC mix. Flow properties of the blended SCC and normal SCC were measured. The flow parameters determined were Slump flow, L-Box, V-Funnel, Sieve Stability and Visual Stability Index using standard procedures. Compressive strength and density of the hardened concrete were determined. The results showed that increase in proportion of PKSA decreased the flow properties of SCC but were within the limit at up to 15% replacement, while the strength activity index was more than 75% at up to 10% PKSA content. The study concluded that it is possible to produce SCC with up to 10% PKSA content. This study further affords the authors the leverage to extend experience to the use of cassava peel ash in SCC.