Durability assessment of Cow dung ash modified concrete exposed in fresh water

Abstract

The developing phases of the society in terms of constructions require cement as a key material for development. The raised demand of the cement provoked the higher production of it, and this leads to more greenhouse gases secretion along with the high rate of energy consumption. This issue attracts the attention of researchers to find out alternative material that can partially or fully replace the cement in preparation of the concrete. This will also lead to the overall economy as well as the environment friendly options. This study focuses on the utilization of the waste material as the replacement of cement for eco-friendly construction. Cow dung ash (CDA) was taken in accounts for this study mainly due to this, the material depicts the pozzolanic performance. Previous studies revealed that performance of concrete properties is also enhanced at by incorporation of CDA waste. In this work, CDA modified concrete samples were investigated for the mixes of grade M20 and M25. Ordinary Portland cement was incorporated in the preparation of the sample mixes and the level of substitution with CDA were taken as in the range of 0-10%. To ensure the performance of CDA, modified concrete mechanical properties (compression, tensile, flexural and abrasion) and durability properties (pH value, porosity, water absorption and permeability) were inspected. To investigate the pH of the samples prepared with the utilization of the CDA, the samples were kept in the fresh water for a time period of 56 and 90 days. Then the comparison of the sample was made with the standard sample. Results of compressive, split tensile, flexural and abrasion are depicted for both grades of concrete shows improvement in mechanical strength. Porosity, water absorption and permeability inspected at different replacement level show better performance compared to conventional concrete. The enhancement of concrete properties was observed at 6% substitution levels of CDA and the same has been depicted for both grades. Hence, the CDA can be utilized in preparing the concrete with a certain substitution level to enhance the properties of concrete by making sustainable and eco-friendly construction.