Int. J. Materials Engineering Innovation, Vol. 10, No.

2, 2019 83

Effect of maize cob ash as supplementary

cementitious material on the mechanical
properties of concrete

Orlando R. Bagcal*
Construction Science and Management,
Department of Engineering Technology,
Tarleton State University,
St. Felix St., Box T0400, Stephenville, Texas, USA
Email: bagcal@tarleton.edu
*Corresponding author

Melito A. Baccay
Civil Engineering Department,
College of Engineering,
Technological University of the Philippines,
Ayala Blvd., San Marcelino St., Ermita, Manila, Philippines
Email: melbaccay@yahoo.com

Abstract: In this study, the effect of maize cob ash (MCA) as a supplementary
cementitious material on the mechanical properties of concrete was evaluated.
Maize cob ash as a pozzolanic material was partially used to replace cement
ranging from 0% to 20% by weight in increment of 5% with varying
water-cementitious ratios of 0.44 and 0.56. The results of this study indicated
that the strength of concrete decreased as the amount of maize cob ash in the
concrete mix increased. Generally, it can be concluded that maize cob ash can
be utilised as partial replacement for cement in concrete at a suitable amount
and can be used for building walls and other minor construction works. It was
also established in the study that the optimum amount of 6.43% maize cob ash
cement replacement could be used for structural members with compressive
strength of 25 MPa.

Keywords: cement; cementitious materials; compressive strength; maize cob

ash; MCA; mechanical properties; tensile strength; concrete.

Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Bagcal, O.R. and

Baccay, M.A. (2019) ‘Effect of maize cob ash as supplementary cementitious
material on the mechanical properties of concrete’, Int. J. Materials
Engineering Innovation, Vol. 10, No. 2, pp.83–97.

Biographical notes: Orlando R. Bagcal is an Assistant Professor of

Construction Science and Management, Department of Engineering
Technology at Tarleton State University, Stephenville, TX, USA. He obtained
his Doctorate degree in Technology at Technological University of the
Philippines and his Master’s degree in Civil Engineering at Queensland
University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia.

Copyright © 2019 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.

84 O.R. Bagcal and M.A. Baccay

Melito A. Baccay is a Professor of Civil Engineering and the Director of the

graduate programs and external studies at the Technological University of the
Philippines. He obtained his Doctorate degree in Engineering at Tokyo Institute
of Technology and his Master’s degree in Engineering major in Structural
Engineering at the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines.

This paper is a revised and expanded version of a paper entitled ‘Effect of

maize cob ash as supplementary cementitious material on the mechanical
properties of concrete’ presented at International Workshop and Seminar on the
Utilization of Waste Materials, Quezon City, Philippines, 8 September 2016.

1 Introduction

Cement is the most utilised construction material, and the second most consumed
commodity in the world after water (Kamau and Ahmed, 2017). This is due to concrete
cement’s satisfying performance in strength requirements and its versatility (Oluborode
and Olofintuyi, 2015). Likewise, concrete is the most widely used building material in the
world because of its beauty, strength, and durability, among other benefits (National
Ready Mix Concrete Association, 2017). It is estimated that approximately more than one
ton of concrete is produced every year for each person on the planet (Neuwald, 2004).
Driven by increasing cement consumption, the global production of cement is projected
to grow to over 5 billion tonnes worldwide by 2030 (An, 2016).
Hence, in view of the increasing demand for cement, the search for viable alternative
materials using industrial by-products and agricultural waste as supplementary
cementitious materials (SCM) or as pozzolanic materials in concrete is encouraged
(Anwar and Gaweesh, 2000). Thus, to meet this growing demand, partial cement
replacement in concrete is one of the most viable options. Further, the development of an
alternative building material is of immense benefit to minimise the impact on the
environment (Kumar et al., 2016).
Industrial and agricultural by-products such as fly ash, silica fume, calcined kaolin,
blast furnace slag, and rice husk ash (RHA) are increasingly finding their use in the
construction industry as SCM’s or as pozzolanic materials. It was established in several
studies that the use of these wastes has demonstrated potential benefits as an alternative
cement replacement in concrete (Malhotra and Mehta, 1996). SCMs or pozzolans,
when blended with Portland cement react with lime to produce additional
calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-S-H), which is the main cementing compound in concrete.
Lime is one of the hydration products of Portland cement and it greatly contributes
toward the deterioration of cement composites (Ettu et al., 2013). Padney et al. (2003)
state that the cementing quality is enhanced if pozzolan is blended in suitable quantity
with Portland cement.
Maize cob is one of the agricultural by-products with limited uses and it is most often
discarded and disposed in landfills or anywhere, especially in the countryside. Maize
cobs are residue produced in significant quantities on a global basis. Maize is widely
cultivated throughout the world, and a greater weight of it is produced each year than any
other grain. According to the USDA, worldwide production of maize was estimated at
1.038 billion metric tons in 2016. The USA produces approximately 385 million metric
tons (http://www.worldofcorn.com). In the Philippines, the corn production was reported
 Effect of maize cob ash as supplementary cementitious material 85

at 7.22 million metric tonnes by year-end 2016 (http://www.psa.gov.ph). The continuous

increase in maize production in the Philippines provides a good potential use of MCA as
a valuable source of SCMs in this country and perhaps for other developing countries.
Partial replacement of cement could reduce the increasing costs of building materials,
which accounted for two-third of the building production costs (Ayangade et al., 2004).
The reduction in these costs would definitely provide a cost-effective solution in the
overall cost of the construction project.
Studies about the use of MCA as potential SCMs or pozzolan are limited and few
studies have been undertaken. In fact, Kamau et al. (2016) mentioned that MCA has
neither been widely studied nor applied in practice. Further, Bapat (2012) stated that
MCA is one of the remotely known but potentially useful admixture. In the past years,
Nimityongskul and Daladar (1995), Adesanya (1996), Udoeyo and Abubakar (2003),
Adesanya and Raheem (2008), Oladipupo and Festus (2012), Olafusi and Olutoge (2012),
Ettu et al. (2013), Price et al. (2014) and most recently Kamau et al. (2016) have
published some of the reported studies regarding the use of MCA. In a review study
conducted by Kamau and Ahmed (2017) on the use of corncob ash as SCMs, they
concluded that the compressive strengths achieved by most of the authors were capable
of being used for structural concrete. In addition, they highlighted the potential of CCA
as an effective pozzolan, which could enhance the sustainability and economic aspect of
concrete, as well as improve its properties in both wet and hardened states. In a different
study undertaken recently by Price et al. (2014), the result indicated that up to 10% CCA
replacement could be used in cement production without compromising the structural
integrity of ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Adesanya and Raheem (2008), however,
reported a replacement up to 8% CCA with compressive strength capable of use for
structural applications in conformance to British Standards for concrete structures.
Interestingly, results from previous studies reported inconsistent values. Adesanya
(1996) obtained a compressive strength of 18.0 MPa for 20% MCA at 28 days curing
whereas Olafusi and Olutoge (2012) obtained 13.8 MPa. At the same amount of MCA
and curing period, Ettu et al. (2013) and Kamau et al. (2016) recorded compressive
strengths of 16 MPa and 23.5 MPa respectively. Likewise, at 10% MCA and 28 days
curing, Olafusi and Olutoge (2012), Ettu et al. (2013), and Kamau et al. (2016) obtained
compressive strengths of 20 MPa, 21.1 MPa and 37.9 MPa, respectively. With these
disparities in results and inconsistencies especially in areas of workability, density,
compressive strength and water absorption, Kamau and Ahmed (2017) recommend
further research targeting these areas of anomaly. In addition, reported studies used the
simple concrete mix ratio design approach of cement: filler: coarse aggregate proportions
(Kamau and Ahmed, 2017). Thus, in this study, MCA were further investigated to be
evaluated as a SCM or as a pozzolanic material that partially replaced a
significant amount of Portland cement. The ACI concrete mix design method and
two water-cementitious ratios were considered. This study was also undertaken to
advance awareness on the use of MCA in concrete since maize cob ash (MCA) has been
remotely studied and the knowledge of its capability as a SCM in concrete has not been
widely publicised (Kamau and Ahmed, 2017). The use of MCA is anticipated to not only
serve as a cost-effective alternative to costly building materials but also to eliminate
disposal problems as well as to address the increasing dependency on cement as global
construction activities intensify. Just like RHA, the use of MCA is viable since they are
renewable resources linked to the agricultural life cycle – growing corn for food.
86 O.R. Bagcal and M.A. Baccay

There is, therefore, a need to further evaluate the effect of MCA as SCMs or as
pozzolanic material in partial replacement of cement in concrete in regard to the
mechanical properties such as compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural
strength. A statistical analysis was conducted to verify the difference between the
strength of the control concrete (0% MCA) and that of concrete with a varying amount of
MCA.

2 Methodology

This study was conducted through experimental method to evaluate the effect of MCA on
concrete. The materials and process involved in this study are outlined as follows:

2.1 Materials
2.1.1 Portland cement
The Portland cement used in this study was Type IP (Portland cement with natural
minerals) which is readily available commercially in Metro Manila particularly Rizal
premium general-purpose Portland Cement Type IP. The specific gravity of the cement is
3.12.

2.1.2 Maize cob ash

The MCA used in this study were obtained from local farmers after threshing of the corn
kernels. The maize cob was subjected to air or sun drying for a period of 6 ± 2 hours by
spreading the cobs in an open space in order to reduce further the moisture content. The
maize cobs were ground to a maximum size of 1 inch. The maize-cobs were subjected to
closed pit burning to confine the heat in order to achieve optimum amorphous silica, and
then cooled. The burnt cobs were pulverised to achieve a particle size of not more than
150 μm using mortar and pestle. The MCA was sieved using no. 100 mesh before being
added to concrete. The specific gravity and moisture content of the MCA are 2.03 and
0.77 respectively.

2.1.3 Coarse and fine aggregates

Crushed stones of maximum size of 1 in (25 mm) were used as coarse aggregates in the
study. The unit weight of saturated surface dry (SSD) coarse aggregate is 1,596 kg/m3,
absorption of 1.16% and specific gravity of 2.81.
The fine aggregates used in the study were obtained from a local supplier having a
brand of BESTAY. The specific gravity is 2.60, absorption of 2.84, modulus of fineness
of 2.8, and water content of 6%.

2.1.4 Water
The water used in the study was obtained from the water supplied by MAYNILAD as it
is generally accepted that any potable water can be used as mixing water in the
production of concrete.
 Effect of maize cob ash as supplementary cementitious material 87

2.2 Mix design

The mix proportions of MCA and other materials are given in Table 1. The amount of
MCA as a replacement of cement was varied from 0% to 20% in increments of 5% by
weight of cement. There were ten mixtures representing the replacement level of Portland
cement with MCA. The American Concrete Institute, ACI 211.1, suggested an
approximate water-cement ratio or water-cementitious ratio ranging from 0.41 to 0.82 for
non-air entrained concrete. Thus, in this study the water-cementitious ratios of 0.44 and
0.56 were arbitrarily selected within the range suggested by ACI 211.1. The other
materials such as fine and coarse aggregates, and water requirement were determined
based on the ACI 211 method. The 0% amount of MCA served as the control specimen.

Table 1 Design mix proportion of concrete

Fine Coarse
Batch Mix Cement MCA MCA Water
W/(c+MCA) aggregate aggregate
no. no. (kg/m3) % (kg/m3) (kg/m3)
(kg/m3) (kg/m3)
1 1 0.44 482.5 0 0 635.2 1,069.32 213.07
2 0.56 386.0 0 0 731.7 1,069.32 216.12
2 1 0.44 458.4 5 24.1 635.2 1,069.32 213.07
2 0.56 366.7 5 19.3 731.7 1,069.32 216.12
3 1 0.44 434.3 10 48.3 635.2 1,069.32 213.07
2 0.56 347.4 10 38.6 731.7 1,069.32 216.12
4 1 0.44 410.1 15 72.4 635.2 1,069.32 213.07
2 0.56 328.1 15 57.9 731.7 1,069.32 216.12
5 1 0.44 386.0 20 96.5 635.2 1,069.32 213.07
2 0.56 308.8 20 77.2 731.7 1,069.32 216.12

Fresh concrete mixtures with various replacement levels of Portland cement with MCA
were prepared and evaluated to determine the mechanical properties. The concrete
mixtures were cast in a cylindrical shape metal or in a non-absorbent material (such as
PVC pipe) having a dimension of 150 mm Ø × 300 mm high for compressive strength
test; 100 mm Ø × 200 mm high for split tensile test; and prism of dimension 100 mm ×
100 mm × 300 mm. The cylindrical specimens were cured at 7 days, 14 days and 28 days.
The prism specimens for flexural strength test were cured at 14 days and 28 days. The
hardened concretes were tested to determine their mechanical properties such as
compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength.
For this study, a total of 60 cylindrical concrete specimens (150 mm × 300 mm) for
the compressive strength, 60 cylindrical concrete specimens (100 mm × 200 mm) for the
split tensile strength, and 20 concrete prisms specimens (100 mm × 100 mm × 300 mm)
for the flexural strength were used. There were 140 specimens prepared and tested for
mechanical properties.
88 O.R. Bagcal and M.A. Baccay

3 Results and discussions

3.1 Mechanical properties of hardened concrete

3.1.1 Compressive strength
The effects of MCA on the compressive strength ( f c′) of hardened concrete are presented
in Figure 1. It is evident in the figure that at 7 days curing, the compressive strength
decreased with an increase in the replacement amount of Portland cement with MCA in
the mixtures. At water-cementitious ratio of 0.44, the compressive strength of the control
specimen and 20% MCA replacement were 21.4 MPa and 9.63 MPa respectively. It can
be observed that at 7 days curing, only the control concrete specimen at
water-cementitious ratio of 0.44 exhibited a compressive strength of 21.4 MPa, which
satisfied the minimum compressive strength of 20.0 MPa as per ASTM C595
requirements. For the 5% MCA replacement, the compressive strength is 18.6 MPa,
which was close to the requirement. The slow increase in strength could be attributed to
the gradual or late pozzolanic reaction in the concrete with MCA. On the other hand, at
water-cementitious ratio of 0.56, the compressive strengths at 7 days curing of the control
and 20% MCA replacement were 16.21 MPa and 5.02 MPa respectively. At 14 days
curing, the trends for the compressive strengths were similar to the 7 days’ curing age.
The result shows that the compressive strength of the control concrete and that of the
20% MCA replacement at 14 days curing and at a water-cementitious ratio of 0.44, they
were 22.62 MPa and 12.94 MPa respectively. Whereas at a water-cementitious ratio of
0.56 the compressive strength of the control concrete and 20% MCA replacement were
18.15 MPa and 8.36 MPa respectively.

Figure 1 Compressive strength of concrete at various curing ages, w/(c+MCA) (see online
version for colours)

The 28 days compressive strength of the concrete revealed that at a water-cementitious

ratio of 0.44 for the control concrete and the 20% MCA replacement, the results were
26.55 MPa and 14.82 MPa respectively; whereas at a water-cementitious ratio of 0.56,
the compressive strength were 20.73 MPa and 10.16 MPa respectively.
Evidently, only the control (26.55 MPa) and the 5% MCA (25.55 MPa) reached the
minimum ASTM C595 required compressive strength of 25 MPa at 28 days curing age at
a water cementitious ratio of 0.44 for blended pozzolanic concrete. The mixture with
10% MCA replacement attained a compressive strength of 23.63 MPa. The compressive
 Effect of maize cob ash as supplementary cementitious material 89

strengths obtained for 10%, 15%, and 20% MCA replacements exhibited increasing
disparities in compressive strengths as compared with the control specimen. The amount
of MCA replacement beyond 10%, suggests little or no beneficial reaction to create
additional cementing properties that enhance the compressive strength. This trend can be
explained further that the amount greater than 10% MCA replacement is no longer
suitable to produce additional C-S-H, which is the main cementing compound. However,
the compressive strengths of 10% and 15% MCA replacements at a water-cementitious
ratio of 0.44 can be utilised in concrete constructions with negligible exposure to weather
as per requirements of the International Code Council, ICC Chapter 19, Section 1904 at a
minimum compressive strength of 17.23 MPa at 28 days curing. Concrete construction
works having negligible exposure such as basement slabs, interior slabs on grade,
basement walls, curbs, porch, and other minor constructions with no specific structural
requirements.
Consequently, by considering the obtained compressive strengths of the 5% MCA
and 10% MCA replacements, and the 25 MPa minimum compressive strength for
blended pozzolan cement (ASTM C 595), the optimum cement replacement can be
calculated using the linear interpolation equation as shown below:

 ( f c′ − f c′5% ) ( MCA10% − MCA5% ) 

MCAx % = MCA5% +   (1)
 ( f c′10% − f c′5% ) 
where
• f c′ = 25 MPa

• f c′5% and f c′10% – compressive strength at 5% and 10% MCA

• MCA5% and MCA10% – MCA replacement at 5% and 10%

• MCAx% – optimum amount.
Using the said equation, it was calculated that the optimum amount is 6.43% MCA
replacement at water-cementitious ratio of 0.44 and at 28 days curing.
At water-cementitious ratio of 0.56, the control concrete specimen shows a
compressive strength of 20.73 MPa which is below the required compressive strength for
pozzolanic concrete at 28 days for structural application. The mixture with 20% MCA
exhibited a compressive strength of 10.16 MPa. Both the control concrete and 5% MCA
were slightly short of the 25 MPa compressive strength ASTM C595 requirements at
28 days. Although higher water-cement ratio can help achieve easy workability and
finishability, it can cause segregation of aggregates and degradation of performance in
strength (Kim et al., 2014). However, the 5% MCA replacement with compressive
strength of 18.73 MPa at 28 days curing conforms the ICC requirements for minor
concrete construction works of negligible exposure to weather.
It was further observed that the specimens’ compressive failures on both water
cementitious ratios were conical in shape in all curing ages. This is normally a common
mode of failure in cylindrical concrete specimen subjected to compressive testing.
Additionally, it is apparent in Figure 1 that the compressive strength of the control
concrete specimen for both water-cementitious ratios consistently shows higher
compressive strengths as compared to the mixtures with MCA. And yet, the difference in
the compressive strength in the control concrete and the 5% MCA replacement narrowed
90 O.R. Bagcal and M.A. Baccay

at 28 days curing at both water-cementitious ratios. This signifies that between the
14 days and 28 days curing, a possible presence of pozzolanic reaction or reaction
commenced that furthered the compressive strength.
In the strength development of the concrete with MCA replacements, it can be
observed in Figures 2 and 3 that the trends were similar to that of the strength
development of control concrete. It is interesting to note that at 14 days curing, the
concrete with various MCA replacements varied in range from 78% to 87% of their
compressive strength at 28 days curing at a water-cementitious ratio of 0.44 (Figure 2). A
water-cementitious ratio of 0.56 (Figure 3), the strength development reached at or above
80% of their compressive strength at 28 days curing.

Figure 2 Compressive strength development of concrete, w/(c+MCA) = 0.44 (see online version
for colours)

Figure 3 Compressive strength development of concrete, w/(c+MCA) = 0.56 (see online version
for colours)

For the strength development of the compressive strength of concrete at a

water-cementitious ratio of 0.44, the 5%, 10%, and 15% MCA show a similar rate as the
concrete control between 7 days to 14 days but at a higher rate after 14 days curing. The
20% MCA shows a higher rate between 7 days to 14 days as compared to the other
 Effect of maize cob ash as supplementary cementitious material 91

concrete mixtures but, slows down between 14 days to 28 days. The increase in strength
development of all the concrete with MCA was above the control concrete from 14 days
to 28 days curing for all mixtures except for the 20% MCA.
The result also revealed that the gain in compressive strength of concrete mixtures
with 10%, 15%, and 20% MCA from 7 to 14 days curing age were above the control at a
water-cementitious ratio of 0.56. However, the 5% MCA showed a similar rate as the
concrete control between 7 to 14 days but a higher rate between 14 to 28 days. It is also
noted that the increase in strength development of all concrete with MCA after 14 days
curing were above the rate of concrete control which range from 12% to 18%. The results
suggested that the pozzolanic reaction of MCA occurs between the 14 days and 28 days
curing and the strength development accelerates as compared to the control concrete. The
results strengthen the perception of Padney et al. (2003) and Ettu et al. (2013) that the late
reaction of pozzolan enhanced the cementing quality and improved the hydrating
properties of Portland cement and MCA at certain suitable amount.
The percentage of strength comparison of concretes with MCA against the control
concrete is presented in Figures 4 and 5. The results show that at a water-cementitious
ratio of 0.44, the 5%, 10%, and 15% MCA were above the 75% compressive strength of
the control concrete at 7, 14, and 28 days curing. At a water-cementitious ratio of 0.56
only the 5% MCA attained the 75% strength of control at 7 days curing whereas at 14
and 28 days, the 5%, 10%, and 15% were above the 75% compressive strength of control.
The trend supports the previous observation of the strength development of concrete with
MCA in which the pozzolanic reaction of MCA occurs between 14 days and 28 days
curing ages. The behaviour of the concrete with MCA indicated that when a pozzolan is
blended with Portland cement at a suitable amount, it reacts with the lime to produce
additional C-S-H, which is the main cementing compound (Ettu et al., 2013). It can be
stated that at 20% MCA, the amount does not produce a beneficial reaction to create
additional cementing properties.

Figure 4 Percentage of compressive strength comparison of concretes with MCA vs. control
concrete, w/(c+MCA) = 0. 44 (see online version for colours)
92 O.R. Bagcal and M.A. Baccay

Figure 5 Percentage of compressive strength comparison of concretes with MCA vs. control
concrete, w/(c+MCA) = 0.56 (see online version for colours)

3.1.2 Tensile strength

The effects of MCA on the tensile strength (fT) of concrete are shown in Figure 6. It can
be observed in the figure that at 7 days curing, the trend in the strength is similar to the
compressive strength of the concrete cylinder. The tensile strength of the control concrete
and 20% MCA at a water-cementitious ratio of 0.44 were 1.92 MPa and 0.91 MPa
respectively; whereas at a water-cementitious ratio of 0.56, they were 1.51 MPa and 0.87
MPa respectively.

Figure 6 Tensile strength of concrete at various curing ages, w/(c+MCA) (see online version
for colours)

It can be noted that at 14 days curing, the tensile strength of the control concrete and 20%
MCA at a water-cementitious ratio of 0.44 were 2.31 MPa and 1.04 MPa respectively. At
a water-cementitious ratio of 0.56, the tensile strength of the control and 20% MCA were
1.87 MPa and 0.94 MPa.
The tensile strength at 28 days curing shows a similar trend as in 7 and 14 days
curing. The split tensile strength for the control and 20% MCA were 2.44 MPa and 1.15
 Effect of maize cob ash as supplementary cementitious material 93

respectively at a water-cementitious ratio of 0.44; whereas at a water-cementitious ratio

of 0.56, they were 2.0 MPa and 1.03 MPa respectively. It was stated in the work of
Mamlouk and Zaniewski (2006) that the typical range for tensile strength for type I
cement is 2.55 to 3.25 MPa. The range for cement Type IP could be slightly lower due to
some mineral content. However, considering this standpoint, the concretes studied were
all below the range. This implies that the concrete with pozzolanic material is weak in
tensile strength and thus, it is not recommended in construction application where tensile
strength is the main requirements such as for railroads and airport pavements. The results
obtained in this study for the split tensile strength were at the same range as the values
obtained by Udoeyo and Abubakar (2003) and Olafusi and Olutoge (2012).
Further, Figure 6, which represents the tensile strength at various curing ages for
water-cementitious ratios of 0.44 and 0.56 respectively, showed similar patterns to that of
the compressive strength. Thus, the tensile strength of the concrete with MCA decreases
as the amount of MCA replacement increases.

3.1.3 Flexural strength

The results of the flexural strength of prisms after 28 days curing as presented in Figure 7
indicate a pattern similar to that of the split tensile strength but with higher strength
values. According to Udoeyo and Abubakar (2003), the flexural strength is expected to
have higher values as compared with the split tensile strength since the flexural strength
overestimates the tensile strength due to the assumption that stress is proportional to the
distance from the neutral axis, although the actual stress distribution near failure is
parabolic. The flexural strength of the control and 20% MCA were 6.01 MPa and
4.03 MPa respectively at a water-cementitious ratio of 0.44, whereas at a
water-cementitious ratio of 0.56, they were 4.31 MPa and 3.28 respectively.

Figure 7 Flexural strength of concrete at various curing ages, w/(c+MCA) (see online version
for colours)

3.2 Statistical analysis

To verify if there is a statistical difference between the strength of the control concrete
and that of the MCA concrete, a t-test was performed with alpha equal to 0.10 selected as
the critical significance. The results for the 28 days curing for compressive strength, split
tensile strength and flexural strength are shown in Tables 2 to 7 respectively.
94 O.R. Bagcal and M.A. Baccay

It can be observed in Table 2 that concrete with 5% MCA and 10% MCA at a
water-cementitious ratio of 0.44 were statistically not significant in terms of the
difference in compressive strength compared to the control concrete. It can be stated that
the addition of 5 to 10% MCA in the concrete mixture can be used in structures with
23 MPa compressive strength requirements. In fact, the International Code Council (ICC)
requires a minimum compressive strength of 17.23 MPa for basement walls, foundations
not exposed to weather, basement slabs, and interior slabs on grade.
Table 2 Statistical difference in compressive strength at age 28 days, w/(c+MCA) = 0.44

MCA Ave. compressive strength, f c′ Standard error t < 3.078 Statement

0 26.55 +0.4274 -
5 25.55 +0.2637 1.467 Not significant
10 23.63 +0.7633 2.530 Not significant
15 21.76 +0.7778 13.507 Significant
20 14.82 +0.3140 18.194 Significant

Table 3 shows that for all concrete mixtures with MCA, only the compressive strength of
the 5% MCA is not significant as compared with the control concrete at a
water-cementitious ratio of 0.56. The concrete with 5% MCA has a compressive strength
above 18 MPa, which indicates that it can be used for structural components that require
a minimum compressive strength of 17.23 MPa as per ICC.
Table 3 Statistical difference in compressive strength at age 28 days, w/(c+MCA) = 0.56

MCA Ave. compressive strength, f c′ Standard error t<3.078 Statement

0 20.73 +0.472 -
5 18.73 +0.969 1.379 Not Significant
10 16.68 +0.528 4.035 Significant
15 15.93 +0.694 19.182 Significant
20 10.16 +1.443 22.045 Significant

For the split tensile strength, the t-test reveals that at water-cementitious ratios of 0.44
and 0.56, the split tensile strength of control concrete differs from the concretes with
MCA regardless of the replacement level of cement with MCA as presented in Tables 4
and 5. The control concrete is superior in terms of the split tensile strength as compared
to concrete with MCA at varying percentages of replacement.
Table 4 Statistical difference in split tensile strength at age 28 days, w/(c+MCA) = 0.44

MCA Ave. tensile strength, fT′ Standard error t < 3.078 Statement
0 2.44 +0.021 -
5 2.10 +0.007 11.667 Significant
10 1.86 +0.028 13.000 Significant
15 1.67 +0.023 17.222 Significant
20 1.15 +0.060 32.250 Significant
 Effect of maize cob ash as supplementary cementitious material 95

Table 5 Statistical difference of split tensile strength at age 28 days, w/(c+MCA) = 0.56

MCA Ave. tensile strength, fT′ Standard error t < 3.078 Statement
0 2.0 +0.056 -
5 1.76 +0.042 3.667 Significant
10 1.38 +0.078 4.557 Significant
15 1.30 +0.042 6.900 Significant
20 1.026 +0.050 9.190 Significant

Table 6 shows the t-test result for the flexural strength at 28 days curing. The calculation
reveals that the prisms with 5% and 10% MCA are not significant in terms of the
difference in flexural strength as compared with the control concrete at both
water-cementitious ratios. The 5% and 10% MCA replacements are comparable in
flexural strength to the control concrete.
Table 6 Statistical difference in flexural strength at age 28 days, w/(c+MCA) = 0.44

MCA Ave. flexural strength, fb′ Standard error t < 3.078 Statement
0 6.01 +0.320 -
5 5.82 +0.071 0.765 Not Significant
10 5.27 +0.060 2.811 Not Significant
15 4.84 +0.030 3.343 Significant
20 4.02 +0.220 18.905 Significant

Table 7 also indicates that there is no significant difference between the flexural strength
of control and the concrete, which has 5% and 10% MCA at a water-cementitious ratio of
0.56. Similar to the concrete at w/c ratio of 0.44, the 5% and 10% MCA replacement is
comparable in flexural strength to the control concrete.
Table 7 Statistical difference in flexural strength at age 28 days, w/(c+MCA) = 0.56

MCA Ave. flexural strength, fb′ Standard error t < 3.078 Statement
0 4.31 +0.340 -
5 4.09 +0.081 0.53 Not Significant
10 4.00 +0.060 1.667 Not Significant
15 3.87 +0.120 4.417 Significant
20 3.25 +0.080 4.610 Significant

4 Conclusions

Based on these findings and within the context and limitation of this study, the following
conclusions are drawn:
1 The compressive strengths, tensile strengths, and flexural strengths of concrete
decreased as the replacement level of cement increased with MCA on both
water-cementitious ratios of 0.44 and 0.56.
96 O.R. Bagcal and M.A. Baccay

2 The addition of MCA in concrete affects the strength development in the

compressive strength where there is a slow pozzolanic reaction at an early age,
particularly between 7 and 14 days age, but accelerates between 14 and 28 days age
at a higher rate for the 5%, 10%, and 15% MCA replacements as compared to the
control concrete on both water-cementitious ratios of 0.44 and 0.56.
3 The concrete with 5% MCA replacement with compressive strength of 25.5 MPa,
conforms to the minimum required compressive strength at 28 days for
type IP-blended pozzolan cement (ASTM C595) at a water-cementitious ratio of
0.44.
4 There is no significant difference in the compressive strength of the control concrete,
and the 5% and 10% MCA at a water-cementitious ratio of 0.44. Whereas, the
difference in flexural strengths in both the 5% and 10% MCA at 0.44 and
0.56 water-cementitious ratios with that of the control concrete (0% MCA) are not
significant. There is significant difference in the tensile strengths of all the mixtures
with MCA as compared to the control concrete.
5 The 10% and 15% MCA replacements of cement at a water-cementitious ratio of
0.44, and 5% MCA replacement at a water-cementitious ratio of 0.56 can be utilised
for building walls, interior slabs on grade, foundations, and other minor construction
works that are not exposed to weather as per ICC requirements.
6 The use of MCA to partially replace cement in concrete could help in lowering the
cost of the mixes as it was established in the study that the optimum amount of
6.43% MCA cement replacement can be used to achieve the minimum compressive
strength of Type IP- blended pozzolan cement at 28 days curing as per ASTM C595.

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