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Effect of Neem Seed Husk Ash on Concrete Strength Properties

Article · April 2014

DOI: 10.4314/njt.v33i2.4

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 Nigerian Journal of Technology (NIJOTECH)
Vol. 33.. No. 2, April 2014, pp. X – Y
Copyright© Faculty of Engineering,
University of Nigeria, Nsukka, ISSN: 1115-8443
1115
www.nijotech.com
http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v33i2.1
1
2 EFFECT OF NEEM SEED HUSK ASH ON CONCRETE STRENGTH PROPERTIES
3
4 S. P. Ejeh1, I. Abubakar2, A. Ocholi3 and M. M. Nuruddeen4.
5 1, 2, 3, CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT, AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA, NIGERIA

6 4 CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT, KANO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, WUDIL, NIGERIA

7
8 E-mail addresses: 1 <provide ee--ma
maiil address of Ejeh>, 2 idrcivil1@yahoo.com,
idrcivil1@yahoo.com
9 3 amanaocholi@yahoo.com, 4 mnuruddeen@gmail.com

10 ABSTRACT
11 Neem Seed Husk is a by by--product obtained during industrial processing of Neem Seed to extract oil and produce
12 fertilizer.
fertilizer. Laboratory tests on Neem seed husk ash (NSHA) mixed with cement were conducted to find its effect on
13 workability.. Tests including slump test
concrete strength and workability test,, compressive strength test
test,, concrete density test and
14 scanning electron microscope (SEM) were carried out on cconcrete
oncrete partially replaced with 0 0% 5%
%, 5 10%
%, 10 15%
%, 15 20%
%, 20 %
15 and 2525%%NSHA and presented. The test results indicate that concrete workability is affected by NSHA partial
16 replacement by increase in the slump at 5% and 10% replacements. But it decreases the slump at 15%, 20% and
17 25% replacements. At 28 days curing, only the control (0 (0% replacement
% replaceme nt)) and 5
nt 5%
% replacement satisfied the target
18 compressive strength and therefore can be used for non non--structural and mass concrete applications
applications.. Densities of
19 concrete;; this is further
most of the cubes partially replaced with NSHA are generally higher than that of the control concrete
20 supported by the SEM. which indicates that NSHA act as filler and occupy the voids between the aggregates, thereby
21 making the concrete more compact and having higher densities. All the samples have satisfied the density
22 requirement of B British normal-- weight concrete
ritish standard for normal
23
24 Keywords:
Keywords: Neem seed husk ash, concrete,
concrete slump, compacting factor, compressive, density, scanning electron
25 microscope
26
27 1. INTRODUCTION 60 Neem seed husk ash (NSHA) is obtained by burning
28 Replacing natural raw materials with wastes may offer61 the waste husk obtained during the extraction of oil
29 a much sought after opportunity to mitigate today’s62 from neem seed. Neem seed itself is from Neem tree
30 waste management problems. Even if this is done in63 (Azadirachtaindica) popularly known locally as
31 small amounts, high production rates will translate64 “Dogonyaro”. Earlier research [5] shows that there
32 into significant consumption of waste materials and,65 was synergic effect of NSHA on cement-sand
cement mortar, it
33 for the industry willing too use them, the latter may66 also showed the possibility of using it to partially
34 constitute a cheap and renewable source of raw67 replace cement even though the mortar compressive
35 materials [1].Therefore
Therefore utilization of waste materials68 strength decreases with cement replacement by
36 as partial replacement of cement is both technically69 NSHA.
37 and economically advantageous for a wide range of63 This research is aimed at investigating the effect of
38 applications, including the production of concretes64 partially replacing cement with 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%,
39 and mortars. In recent years, several studies have65 20% and 25% NSHA on concrete strength.
40 confirmed the potential of construction industry as a64
41 suitable recipient of variouss types of recycled wastes,65 2. MATERIALS AND METHODS
42 which are now considered secondary raw materials66 2.1 Materials
43 [2]. In third world countries, most of these studies are73 Materials used for this study includes: Ordinary
44 on agro based wastes, since they are the most74 Portland cement, conventional fine and coarse
45 common and readily available material with minor75 aggregates (sand and gravel) and Neem seed husk ash.
46 economic implications [3]. Waste materials can76 Dangote Ordinary Portland cement was used in this
47 however only be used in concrete if they are not77 study. The cement is in conformity with [6].[6] River
48 detrimental to the short- or long- term properties of78 sand obtained locally in Zaria, Nigeria has been used
49 the concrete [4]. 79 as fine aggregate. The specific gravity of the fine
* Corresponding author, Tel: +234-
+234-<please insert your telephone number>
 EFFECT OF NEEM SEED HUSK ASH ON CONCRETE STRENGTH PROPERTIES, S. P. Ejeh, et al

1 aggregate was determined to be 2.55, while its particle51 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% NSHA, mixed using water-
2 size distribution was found to fall within the grading52 cement ratio of 0.5 and tested after 28 days curing.
3 zone 2 of fine aggregates in accordance with [7]. Also,53
4 locally available crushed stone aggregate of maximum54 3. RESULTS
5 size 20 mm was used. The coarse aggregate has a55 3.1 Materials
6 specific gravity of 2.75. 56 The particle size distributions of fine and coarse
7 The Neem seed husk used was obtained from Neem57 aggregates used for the study are shown in Figures 1
8 fertilizer processing plant in Katsina, Nigeria. It was58 and 2. The chemical composition of Neem seed husk
9 dried and burned in an open air, after which it was59 ash determined is shown in Table 1.
10 calcinated in an oven at temperature of 600oC to60
11 produce Neem seed husk ash. The chemical61 3.2 Slump test
12 composition of the Neem seed husk ash was62 The result of slump test is shown in Figure 3.
13 determined using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) 63
14 64 3.3 Concrete compressive strength
15 2.2 Mix Proportion 65 Figure 4 shows the result for the compressive strength
16 In this study, concrete to achieve a target compressive66 of concrete partially replaced with Neem seed husk
17 strength of 25 N/mm2 at 28 days was designed using67 ash at 1, 3, 7, 14, 28 and 90 days.
18 the absolute volume mix design method [8]. Binders68
19 were prepared by partially replacing cement with69 3.4 Concrete Density
20 various percentages of Neem seed husk ash (NSHA).70 Figure 5 shows the result of concrete density test.
21 The percentages are 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and71 3.5 Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) test
22 25% by weight, with 0% being the control specimen.72 The result of SEM test is shown in Plates I to VI.
23 For other percentages, cement and NSHA are73
24 thoroughly mixed in dry powdered form and in74 Table 1: Chemical Composition of Neem seed husk ash
25 correct proportion. Therefore, for 5%, the cement is Oxide % of Neem Husk ash
26 partially replaced with 5% NSHA etc. The binders Al2O3 3.00
27 were then mixed with the aggregates and water in SiO2 25.40
28 accordance with the mix design proportion to form CaO 32.90
Fe2O3 8.68
29 NSHA concrete.
K2O 14.30
30 MnO 0.18
31 2.3
2.3 Workability Tests on Fresh Concrete MgO 2.00
32 Slump test was carried out on fresh concrete with 0%, SO3 4.42
33 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% NSHA replacement. The Na2O 0.20
34 test was done in accordance [9]. LOI 9.03
35 75
36 2.4
2.4 Compressive Strength 76 4. RESULTS
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
37 Compressive strength test on NSHA concrete cubes77 4.1 Slump test
38 produced using steel moulds of size 150 x 150 x 15078 The variation of slump value when cement in the
39 mm were carried out. One hundred and eight (108)79 concrete is partially replaced with Neem seed husk
40 cube specimens were prepared; they were weighed to80 ash can be seen in figure 3. The slump at 5% and 10%
41 determine the density before being tested for81 replacements are higher than that of the control
42 compressive strength at 1, 3, 7, 14, 28 and 90 days in82 indicating higher workability, with 10% replacement
43 accordance with [10]. 83 having the highest workability. While at 15%, 20%
44 84 and 25% replacements the slump is lower than the
45 2.5.1 Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) 85 control. This indicates NSHA causes higher demand of
46 The microscopic study of the NSHA paste using86 water and lower workability at 15%, 20% and 25%
47 scanning electron microscope (SEM) was carried out87 replacements. The NSHA introduced into the cement
48 using JEOL JSM840A scanning electron microscope88 increases the carbon content due to its high loss of
49 (SEM). The paste sample used for the SEM was89 ignition (LOI) and this increases the water required to
50 prepared by partially replacing cement with 0%, 5%,90 achieve a reasonable workability. Generally, the slump
91 values ranges from 36 to 40mm which falls within the
92 categorization of low workability based on [8].
Nigerian Journal of Technology, Vol 33, No. 2, April 2014 2
 EFFECT OF NEEM SEED HUSK ASH ON CONCRETE STRENGTH PROPERTIES, S. P. Ejeh, et al

1 2
3
0.01 0.1 1 10 100

100
90
80
70
60
% Passing

50
40
30
20
10
0
-10
4 Sieve Metric Size (mm)
5 Figure 1: Particle size distribution of the Fine aggregate
6
0.01 0.1 1 10 100

100
90
80
70
60
% Passing

50
40
30
20
10
0
-10
Sieve Metric Size (mm)
7
8 Figure 2: Particle size distribution of the coarse aggregate
9
42
NSHA Concrete Slump

40
38
(mm)

36
34
32
0 5 10 15 20 25
Neem Seed Husk Ash Replacement (%)
10
11 Figure 3: Concrete slump against various percentage replacement of NSHA

Nigerian Journal of Technology, Vol 33, No. 2, April 2014 3

 EFFECT OF NEEM SEED HUSK ASH ON CONCRETE STRENGTH PROPERTIES, S. P. Ejeh, et al

35.00

NSHA concrete compressive strength

30.00
25.00
(N/mm2) 20.00
15.00
10.00
5.00
0.00
0 5 10 15 20 25
Neem seed husk ash replacements (%)

1 day 3 days 7 days 14 days 28 days 90 days

1
2 Figure 4: compressive strength against various percentage replacement of NSHA
3
2600
2580
Concrete density (kg/m3)

2560
2540 0% Replacement
2520
2500 5% Replacement
2480
2460 10% Replacement
2440 15% Replacement
2420
2400 20% Replacement
2380 25% Replacement
1 3 7 14 28 90
Curing Age (days)
4
5 Figure 5: Result of concrete density test
6

Plate I: Paste replaced with 0% NSHA Plate II: Paste replaced with 5% NSHA

Nigerian Journal of Technology, Vol 33, No. 2, April 2014 4

 EFFECT OF NEEM SEED HUSK ASH ON CONCRETE STRENGTH PROPERTIES, S. P. Ejeh, et al

Plate III: Paste replaced with 10% NSHA Plate IV: Paste replaced with 15% NSHA

Plate V: Paste replaced with 20% NSHA Plate VI: Paste replaced with 25% NSHA
1
35
Compressive strength (N/mm2)

30
25
20
15
10
5
0
0 7 14 21 28 35 42 49 56 63 70 77 84 91
Curing Age (days)

0% Replacement 5% Replacement 10% Replacement

15% Replacement 20% Replacement 25% Replacement
2
3 Figure 6: NSHA compressive strength development at various replacements
4
5 4.2 Concrete compressive strength 9 can be explained from the reduction of the quantity of
6 From Figure 4, the compressive strength increases10 cement and by implication CaO in the mix. Since, the
7 with age but decreases with NSHA content. The11 CaO of NSHA is not as high as that of cement; the C3S
8 decrease in strength with increase in NSHA content12 will be lower in the mix containing the NSHA. Also, at
Nigerian Journal of Technology, Vol 33, No. 2, April 2014 5
 EFFECT OF NEEM SEED HUSK ASH ON CONCRETE STRENGTH PROPERTIES, S. P. Ejeh, et al

1 28 days, only the control (0% replacement) and 5%52 5. CONCLUSIONS

2 replacement have satisfied the target designed53 Based on the test results and discussions, the
3 compressive strength of 25 N/mm2.However, all the54 following conclusion can be drawn:
4 samples have attained the compressive strength of 2055 1. Neem seed husk ash replacement increases the
5 N/mm2 at 28 days; therefore they can be used for non-56 slump at 5% replacement and 10% replacement.
6 structural and mass concrete applications. 57 But it decreases it at 15%, 20% and 25%
7 Figure 6 shows the compressive strength58 replacements. The NSHA introduced into the
8 development of NSHA concrete over a curing period of59 cement increases the carbon content due to its
9 1, 3, 7, 14, 28 and 90 days. 60 high loss of ignition (LOI) and this increases the
10 From figure 6, it can be seen that there is increased61 water required to achieve a reasonable
11 strength development, and the compressive strength62 workability.
12 increases with curing time and decreases with cement63 2. Neem seed husk ash replacement in concrete
13 replacement by Neem seed husk ash. It can be seen64 increased the compressive strength with curing
14 that there is rapid rate of increase at the initial stage65 time and decreases it with increase in percentage
15 which is followed by a gradual diminishing rate with66 replacement by Neem seed husk ash. After 28
16 time, forming the usual concrete strength67 days curing, only the control (0% replacement)
17 development parabolic curve. It can be deduced that68 and 5 % replacement have satisfied the target
18 in the first three days, the strength development is69 designed strength of 25 N/mm2. However, all the
19 faster in samples with Neem ash replacement than the70 samples have attained the compressive strength of
20 control sample. But, after 14 days, the control sample71 20 N/mm2 at 28 days; therefore they can be used
21 strength development becomes higher than samples72 for non-structural and mass concrete applications.
22 with the replacements. 73 3. Effect of Neem seed husk ash on concrete density
23 74 shows that densities are generally higher at the
24 4.3 Concrete Density
Density 75 early age, after which they gradually reduce. Also,
25 It can be generally observed from Figure 5 that the76 the densities of most of the cubes partially
26 densities are generally higher at the early age, after77 replaced with NSHA are generally higher than that
27 which they gradually reduce. Also most of the78 of the control concrete; this is further supported
28 concrete partially replaced with NSHA are having79 by the SEM, which indicates that NSHA act as filler
29 higher density than the control. Normally, as concrete80 and occupy the voids between the aggregates,
30 hardens it uses up water in hydration, and the81 thereby making the concrete more compact and
31 products of hydration occupy less space than the82 having higher densities. All the samples have
32 original water and cement [8]. Therefore, after 2883 satisfied the requirement of British Standard for
33 days curing, the hydration is generally stable and the84 normal- weight concrete.
34 densities are lowest as most of what is remaining is85
35 the hydration products with only little quantity of86 REFERENCES
36 unhydrated cement. From the SEM (shown in plates I87 1. Daniel V. R., João A.L.and Marcio R. M., “Potential
37 to VI) it can be observed that pastes partially replaced88 Use of Natural Red Mud as Pozzolan for Portland
38 with NSHA are denser than the control. The89 Cement”, Materials Research Journal. 2011; Vol14
39 unhydrated Neem seed husk ash (which can be90 (1): pp 60-66
40 identified by their characteristic brightness in the91 2. Tay, G. H, and Show K. Y., “Use of ash Derived from
41 SEM) act as a filler and occupy the voids between the92 Oil Palm Waste Incineration as a Cement
93 Replacement Material”, Journal of Resources,
42 aggregates, thereby making the concrete more
94 Conservation and Recycling, Vol. 13, 1995, pp 27-
43 compact and having higher densities. 95 36.
44 The 28 days concrete density as presented in Figure 5
96 3. Menassah J., “A Review of Partial Replacement of
45 when compared with the recommendations of [11]97 Cement with Some Agro Wastes”, Nigerian Journal
46 which stipulate minimum density of 2000Kg/m3 and98 of Technology, Vol. 29 No 2, June 2010: PP12-20
47 maximum of density of 2600 Kg/m3 for normal-
99 4. Siddique R., Waste Materials and By-Products in
48 weight concrete, it can be concluded that all the 100 Concrete, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. 2008
49 samples are normal- weight concrete.
101 5. Nuruddeen M.M and Ejeh S.P., “Synergic Effect of
50 102 Neem Seed Husk Ash on Strength Properties of
51 103 Cement-Sand Mortar” International Journal of

Nigerian Journal of Technology, Vol 33, No. 2, April 2014 6

 EFFECT OF NEEM SEED HUSK ASH ON CONCRETE STRENGTH PROPERTIES, S. P. Ejeh, et al

1 Engineering Research and Applications (IJERA)15 9. BS 1881-102:1993, Testing Concrete:

Part 102.
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3 2012, pp.027-030 17 Standards Institute, 389 Chiswick High Road,
18 London, W4 4AL, http://www.bsi-global.com/.1993
4 6. BS EN 197-1:2000, Cement: Part 1: Composition,
5 specifications and conformity criteria for common19 10. BS 1881-116:1983, Testing Concrete: Part 116.
6 cements”, British Standards Institute, 389 Chiswick20 Method for determination of compressive strength
7 High Road, London, W4 4AL, http://www.bsi-21 of concrete cubes, British Standards Institute, 389
8 global.com/.2000 22 Chiswick High Road, London, W4 4AL,
23 http://www.bsi-global.com/.1993
9 7. BS 882-1983, Aggregates from natural Sources for
10 concrete, British Standards Institute, 389 Chiswick24 11. BS EN 206-1:2001, Cement: Part 1: Specification,
11 High Road, London, W4 4AL, http://www.bsi-25 performance, production and conformity, British
12 global.com/.1983 26 Standards Institute, 389 Chiswick High Road,
27 London, W4 4AL, http://www.bsi-global.com/.2001
13 8. Neville, A. M., Properties of Concrete, Third edition
14 Pitman Publishing Co., London. 1981
28
29 QUERRY:
30 (1) Provide e-
e-mail address of Ejeh
31 (2) The section 3 hardly contains any text. Consider merging it with section 4 and renumber all
32 sections accordingly.
33 (3)

Nigerian Journal of Technology, Vol 33, No. 2, April 2014 7

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