CHAPTER 4

TESTING ON STRENGTH OF MORTAR AND CONCRETE

4.1. General to Testing on Strength of Mortar and Concrete

The rice straw ash and granite powder are used as cement replacement
materials. This chapter relates with testing on strength of mortar and concrete for
studying the effect of rice straw ash and granite powder in concrete as partial
replacement of cement.

4.2. Testing on Strength of Mortar

Testing on strength of mortar is conducted for cement alone and cement with
different proportion of rice straw ash and granite powder. Before these tests on
strength of mortar, the flow table test of cement mortar is done only to calculate the
amount of water required for gauging and conducting strength test of masonry
cement.

4.2.1. Testing on Compressive Strength of Mortar

The purpose of this test is to determine the compressive strength of (1:2.75)
mortar composed of the cement and sand according to ASTM C109. The sand used
for mortar is conforming to the requirements for sieve No.20-30 standard sand. Two
inches (50 mm) test cubes are compacted by tamping in two layers. The cubes are
cured for one day in the moulds and stripped and immersed in water until tested. Flow
table test is firstly performed for the workability of cement mortar. So, water-cement
ratio is determined by using the flow table test according to ASTM C143. The flow
table tests of mortar are performed to obtain a flow of 110 ± 5%. The percentage of
flow is calculated from the following formula.

D -
Percentage of Flow = × 100 (4.1)
Dmould
Dmoul
d
Where, D = average of four readings in millimeters
Dmould = the original inside base diameter in millimeters
 49

The flow table test of mortar with different percentages of rice straw ash and
granite powder are performed to obtain the flow 110 ± 5% by using water cement
ratio (0.5). The specimens for flow table test are shown in Figure 4.1 and 4.2. The
result of flow table test for Crown cement with various percentages of rice straw ash
and granite powder is shown in Table 4.1 to Table 4.5. The summary on the flow
table test is shown in Table 4.6 and illustrated in Figure 4.3.

Figure 4.1. Mixer for Mortar

Figure 4.2. Process of Flow Table Test

Table 4.1. Flow of Crown Cement

Test No. I II III

Diameter of Mortar (mm) 208 207 206

Diameter of Mold (mm) 100 100 100

Flow of Mortar (mm) 108 107 106

Average Flow (%) 107

 50

Table 4.2. Flow of 5% Each of Rice Straw Ash and Granite Powder as Cement
Replacement
Test No. I II III
Diameter of Mortar (mm) 210 208 209
Diameter of Mold (mm) 100 100 100
Flow of Mortar (mm) 110 108 109
Average Flow (%) 109

Table 4.3. Flow of 10% Each of Rice Straw Ash and Granite Powder as Cement
Replacement
Test No. I II III
Diameter of Mortar (mm) 210.5 210.7 210.6
Diameter of Mold (mm) 100 100 100
Flow of Mortar (mm) 110.5 110.7 110.6
Average Flow (%) 110.6

Table 4.4. Flow of 15% Each of Rice Straw Ash and Granite Powder as Cement
Replacement
Test No. I II III
Diameter of Mortar (mm) 212 210.5 212.5
Diameter of Mold (mm) 100 100 100
Flow of Mortar (mm) 112 110.5 112.5
Average Flow (%) 111.7

Table 4.5. Flow of 20% Each of Rice Straw Ash and Granite Powder as Cement
Replacement

Test No. I II III

Diameter of Mortar (mm) 213.5 214 214.5
Diameter of Mold (mm) 100 100 100
Flow of Mortar (mm) 113.5 114 114.5
Average Flow (%) 114
 51

Table 4.6. Summary on Flow Test

Percentages of Cement 100% 90% 80% 70% 60%
Percentages of Rice Straw Ash 0% 5% 10% 15% 20%
Percentages of Granite Powder 0% 5% 10% 15% 20%
Average Flow ( % ) 107 109 110.6 111.7 114

116
114
112
Average Flow of Mortar (%)

110
108
106 Flow (%)
104
102
0% 5% 10% 15% 20%

Replacement Percentages of Each of Rice Straw Ash and Granite Powder

Figure 4.3. Flow of Mortar with Rice Straw Ash and Granite Powder

From the results, the more percentages of rice straw ash and granite powder as
cement replacement, the higher values of flow. And the flow results are within 110 ±
5%.
Required amount of materials for compressive strength of mortar with various
percentages of rice straw ash and granite powder are shown in Table 4.7. The
specimens are tested at 7 days, 28 days and 90 days respectively. Specimens for
compressive strength of mortar are shown in Figure 4.4. And then the compressive
strength test is shown in Figure 4.5. Compressive strength test results of mortar for
cement with replacement percentages of rice straw ash and granite powder are
described in Table 4.8 to Table 4.12 and summary on the test results are shown in
Table 4.13 and illustrated in Figure 4.6.
 52

Table 4.7. Required Amount of Materials for Compressive Strength of Mortar

Replacement Percentage of
0% 5% 10% 15% 20%
Rice Straw Ash

Replacement Percentage of
0% 5% 10% 15% 20%
Granite Powder

Wt; of Cement (gm) 1000 900 800 700 600

Wt; of Rice Straw Ash (gm) 0 50 100 150 200
Wt; of Granite Powder (gm) 0 50 100 150 200
Wt; of Sand (SSD) (gm) 2750 2750 2750 2750 2750
Wt; of Water (gm) 500 500 500 500 500
Flow (%) 107 109 110.6 111.7 114
W/C Ratio 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5

Figure 4.4. Specimens for Compressive Strength of Mortar

Figure 4.5. Compressive Strength Test of Mortar

 53

Table 4.8. Compressive Strength of Mortar for Crown Cement

7 days Strength 28 days Strength 90 days Strength
No.
(MPa) (MPa) (MPa)

1 23.68 32.14 36.12

2 23.52 32.61 35.87

3 22.94 31.78 36.72

Average Strength 23.38 32.18 36.24

Table 4.9. Compressive Strength of Mortar for 5% Each of Rice Straw Ash and
Granite Powder as Cement Replacement
7 days Strength 28 days Strength 90 days Strength
No.
(MPa) (MPa) (MPa)

1 23.47 34.96 42.07

2 22.89 34.72 42.28

3 23.71 35.12 42.97

Average Strength 23.36 34.93 42.44

Table 4.10. Compressive Strength of Mortar for 10% Each of Rice Straw Ash and
Granite Powder as Cement Replacement
7 days Strength 28 days Strength 90 days Strength
No.
(MPa) (MPa) (MPa)

1 23.99 35.98 45.88

2 23.76 36.55 44.51

3 23.92 36.83 44.90

Average Strength 23.89 36.45 45.10

 54

Table 4.11. Compressive Strength of Mortar for 15% Each of Rice Straw Ash and
Granite Powder as Cement Replacement
7 days Strength 28 days Strength 90 days Strength
No.
(MPa) (MPa) (MPa)

1 24.12 37.87 45.78

2 24.25 36.91 46.74

3 25.26 36.46 47.33

Average Strength 24.54 37.08 46.62

Table 4.12. Compressive Strength of Mortar for 20% Each of Rice Straw Ash and
Granite Powder as Cement Replacement
7 days Strength 28 days Strength 90 days Strength
No.
(MPa) (MPa) (MPa)

1 22.11 31.49 34.84

2 21.84 32.11 35.06

3 22.65 30.82 33.22

Average Strength 22.20 31.47 34.37

Table 4.13. Summary on Compressive Strength of Mortar

Replacement Replacement 7 days 28 days 90 days
Percentages of Percentages of Strength Strength Strength
Rice Straw Ash Granite Powder (MPa) (MPa) (MPa)

0% 0% 23.38 32.18 36.24

5% 5% 23.36 34.93 42.44

10% 10% 23.89 36.45 45.10

15% 15% 24.54 37.08 46.62

20% 20% 22.20 31.47 34.37

 55

50

Compressive Strength (MPa)

45
40
35
30
25
7 days
20 28 days
90 days
15
10
5
0
0% 5% 10% 15% 20%
Replacement Percentages of Each of Rice Straw Ash and Granite Powder

Figure 4.6. Compressive Strength of Mortar with Replacement of Rice Straw Ash and
Granite Powder

According to the test results, the compressive strengths of mortar with cement
alone, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% cement replacements by each of rice straw ash and
granite powder reached above the standard limit (14.724 MPa) at the age of 7 days.
Then, at the age of 28 days, the compressive strength of mortar with cement alone,
5% , 10%, 15% and 20% cement replacements by each of rice straw ash and granite
powder were greater than the standard limit (24.034 MPa). It is also found that the
compressive strength of the mortar with 20% cement replacement are lower than that
of cement alone at 7 days and 28 days and 90 days. For 15% replacement each, the
compressive strengths for every curing period are obtained as maximum strength. So,
the best replacement percentage of rice straw ash and granite powder is 15% each in
this study.

4.2.2. Testing on Tensile Strength of Mortar

The objective of this test is to determine the tensile strength of (1:3) mortar
composed of the cement and sand according to ASTM C307. The percentage of water
is determined by the following equation.
2 P
Y = 3 [ N +1 ] + K (4.2)
Where, Y = water required for the sand mortar, %
 56

P = water required for neat cement paste of normal consistency, %

N = number of parts of sand to one of cement by weight
K = a constant which for the standard sand has the value 6.5
The water requirement of cement mortar is calculated by using the Equation
4.2 based on the test results of normal consistency. For the tensile strength of mortar,
the water cement ratio used for test specimens are 0.439, 0.443, 0.447, 0.448 and
0.443 at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% each of rice straw ash and granite powder as
cement replacement. The specimens are then tested after 7 days, 28 days, and 90 days
curing. Specimens for tensile strength of mortar are shown in Figure 4.7 and testing of
tensile strength of mortar is shown in Figure 4.8. Required amount of materials for
tensile strength of mortar are expressed in Table 4.14. The test results are described in
Table 4.15 to Table 4.19 and summary on the test results are shown in Table 4.20 and
illustrated in Figure 4.9.

Figure 4.7. Specimens for Tensile Strength of Mortar

 57

Figure 4.8. Testing for Tensile Strength of Mortar

Table 4.14. Required Amount of Materials for Tensile Strength of Mortar

Percentages of Rice Straw Ash 0% 5% 10% 15% 20%

Percentages of Granite Powder 0% 5% 10% 15% 20%

Wt; of Cement (gm) 500 450 400 350 300

Wt; of Rice Straw Ash (gm) 0 25 50 75 100

Wt; of Granite Powder (gm) 0 25 50 75 100

Wt; of Sand (gm) 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500

P (%) 26.87 27.44 28 28.22 27.44

Y (%) 10.98 11.07 11.17 11.20 11.07

Wt; of Water (gm) 219.6 221.4 223.4 224 221.4

W/C Ratio 0.439 0.443 0.447 0.448 0.443

Table 4.15. Tensile Strength of Mortar for Crown Cement

7 days Strength 28 days Strength 90 days Strength

No.
(MPa) (MPa) (MPa)

1 2.16 3.50 3.96

2 2.05 3.26 4.02

3 2.21 3.18 3.92

 58

Average Strength 2.14 3.31 3.97

Table 4.16. Tensile Strength of Mortar for 5% Each of Rice Straw Ash and Granite
Powder as Cement Replacement
7 days Strength 28 days Strength 90 days Strength
No.
(MPa) (MPa) (MPa)

1 2.53 3.47 4.21

2 2.14 3.19 4.46

3 2.20 3.35 4.28

Average Strength 2.29 3.34 4.32

Table 4.17. Tensile Strength of Mortar for 10% Each of Rice Straw Ash and Granite
Powder as Cement Replacement
7 days Strength 28 days Strength 90 days Strength
No.
(MPa) (MPa) (MPa)

1 2.28 3.98 4.61

2 2.78 3.09 4.56

3 2.83 3.67 4.47

Average Strength 2.63 3.58 4.55

Table 4.18. Tensile Strength of Mortar for 15% Each of Rice Straw Ash and Granite
Powder as Cement Replacement
7 days Strength 28 days Strength 90 days Strength
No.
(MPa) (MPa) (MPa)

1 2.82 3.74 4.94

2 2.84 3.92 4.68

3 2.92 3.44 4.87

 59

Average Strength 2.86 3.70 4.83

Table 4.19. Tensile Strength of Mortar for 20% Each of Rice Straw Ash and Granite
Powder as Cement Replacement
7 days Strength 28 days Strength 90 days Strength
No.
(MPa) (MPa) (MPa)

1 2.26 2.91 3.47

2 1.98 2.62 3.62

3 1.76 3.29 3.22

Average Strength 2.00 2.94 3.44

Table 4.20. Summary on Tensile Strength of Mortar

Replacement Replacement 7 days 28 days 90 days

Percentages of Percentages of
Strength Strength Strength
Rice Straw Granite
(MPa) (MPa)
Ash Powder (MPa)

0% 0% 2.14 3.31 3.97

5% 5% 2.29 3.34 4.32

10% 10% 2.63 3.58 4.55

15% 15% 2.86 3.70 4.83

20% 20% 2.00 2.94 3.44

According to the test results, the tensile strength of mortar gradually increased
from 0% to 15% of replacement of rice straw ash and granite powder and dropped at
20%. The tensile strength of mortar should have 5% to 10% of the compressive
strength of mortar. In this research, the tensile strength of mortar with replacement of
rice straw ash and granite powder are within 5% to 10% of the compressive strength
 60

of mortar with cement alone. Therefore, the rice straw ash and granite powder can be
used as the cement replacement up to 15% by weight of cement for mortar.

4
Tensile Strength (MPa)

3
7 days
2 28 days
90 days
1

0
0% 5% 10% 15% 20%

Replacement Percentages of Each of Rice Straw Ash and Granite Powder

Figure 4.9. Tensile Strength of Mortar with Replacement of Rice Straw Ash and
Granite Powder

4.3. Mix Design for Concrete

The trial mix is conducted to get the field mix design proportions. The
followings are the step by step calculation of mix design proportion to produce 28
days target compressive strength of 21.7 MPa by ACI method according to ASTM
C211. The required average compressive strength 30 MPa is obtained by adding the
deviation constant 8.3 to the 28 days target strength 21.7 MPa. The trial mix design is
calculated with maximum aggregate size of 20 which is the most usage gradation of
aggregate size in construction. From Table A.4, the water cement ratio obtained is
0.54 for non air-entrained concrete with required average compressive strength of 30
MPa and from Table A.5, the volume of coarse aggregate is 0.66 m 3 per m3 (66%) for
the maximum aggregate size 20 mm with the fineness modulus of sand 2.4. The water
cement ratio of 0.49 and 0.59 which are ± 5% of 0.54 are used for trial mix. The
amount of cement content becomes increased when the volume of coarse aggregate
decreased. The compressive strengths of concrete are also become higher. So, the
volume of coarse aggregate of 66% is reduced to that of 61%. The trial mix designs
 61

are calculated with the various water cement ratios (0.49, 0.54 and 0.59) and two
coarse aggregate volumes such as 66% and 61%. The other necessary data for
calculation of mix design such as specific gravity of cement 3.15, specific gravity of
sand 2.6, specific gravity of coarse aggregate 2.67, fineness modulus of sand 2.4,
water absorption of sand 1% and water absorption of coarse aggregate 0.71%
obtained from physical test results are also used.
Trial mix designs are calculated for two cases and then the following
calculations are carried out for example of the trial mix designs. Two cases for trial
mix design with the volumes of coarse aggregate 66% and 61% are shown in Table
4.21. Weight of materials per m 3 for concrete trial mix design for each case is
summarized in Table 4.22. Weight of materials per m 3 for six numbers of cube,
0.0204 m3 are described in Table 4.23. Calculated density of fresh concrete are
determined and compared with standard density.

Table 4.21. Trial Mix Design with Aggregate Volumes 66% and 61%

Coarse
Max; Aggregate
Case No. W/C Ratio Aggregate
Size ( mm )
Volume ( % )

A 20 0.49

Case 1 B 20 0.54 66

C 20 0.59

A 20 0.49

Case 2 B 20 0.54 61

C 20 0.59

Case (1-A). Trial mix design of concrete for volume of coarse aggregate 66% and
water cement ratio of 0.49
In this trial mix, assuming concrete slump 70 mm and ordinary Portland (Type
I) cement (Crown) are used with non-air entrainment.
1. 28 days target compressive strength, fc´ = 21.7 MPa
From Table A.2, required average compressive strength = fc´ + 8.3
 62

= 21.7 + 8.3
= 30 MPa
2. Maximum aggregate size = 20 mm
From Table A.1, for the non air-entrained concrete with the assuming slump
70 mm, the approximate amount of mixing water = 202 kg/m3 and
Air Content = 2%
3. Decided W/C ratio = 0.49
From Table A.3, for the maximum aggregate size 20 mm, minimum amount of
cement = 324 kg/m3
202
Required weight of cement = 0 . 49
= 412.24 kg/m3 > minimum amount of cement
(324 kg/m3)
4. Specific gravity of cement = 3.15 (from Table 3.14)
Density of cement
Specific gravity of cement = Density of water
Density of cement = Specific gravity of cement ¿ Density of water
Weight of cement
Volume of cement = Density of cement
412 . 24
= 3. 15 ×1000
= 0.131 m3
Weight of water
Volume of water = Density of water
202
= 1000
= 0.202 m3
Volume of air = 0.02 m3 per m3
5. Aggregate ( coarse + fine ) = 1 – ( 0.131 + 0.202 + 0.02 )
= 0.647 m3
Fineness modulus of sand = 2.4
From Table A.5, for the maximum aggregate size 20 mm and the fineness
modulus of sand 2.4, Volume of coarse aggregate = 0.66 m3 per m3
Required volume of coarse aggregate = 0.66 ¿ 0.647
= 0.427 m3
 63

Specific gravity of coarse aggregate = 2.67 (from Table 3.33)

Required weight of coarse aggregate =0.427 ¿ Specific gravity of coarse
aggregate ¿ 1000
= 0.427 ¿ 2.67 ¿ 1000
= 1140.09 kg
Required volume of sand = 0.647 – 0.427
= 0.22 m3
Specific gravity of sand = 2.6 (from Table 3.30)
Required weight of sand = 0.22 ¿ Specific gravity of sand ¿ 1000
= 0.22 ¿ 2.6 ¿ 1000
= 572 kg
6. Weight of cement = 412.24 kg, Volume of cement = 0.131 m3
Weight of water = 202 kg, Volume of water = 0.202 m3
Volume of air = 0.02 m3
Weight of sand (SSD) = 572 kg, Volume of sand = 0.22 m3
Weight of coarse aggregate (SSD) = 1140.09 kg
Volume of coarse aggregate = 0.427 m3
Total weight = 412.24 + 202 + 572 + 1140.09 = 2326.33 kg
Total volume = 1 m3
7. Air deducted volume = 1 – 0.02 = 0.98 m3
412 . 24
Weight of cement = 0 . 98 = 420.65 kg
202
Weight of water = 0 .98 = 206 kg
572
Weight of sand (SSD) = 0 .98 = 583.67 kg
1140. 09
Weight of coarse aggregate (SSD) = 0 . 98 = 1163.36 kg
Calculated density = 420.65 + 206 + 583.67 + 1163.36 = 2373.68 kg/m3
From Table A.6, for the maximum aggregate size 20 mm,
Standard density = 2355 kg/m3
Calculated density from mix design is nearly equal to standard density.
8. Volume of cube = 0.15 ¿ 0.15 ¿ 0.15 = 0.0034 m3
In this study, six numbers of cube molds are used.
 64

So, the total volume of molds = 0.0034 ¿ 6 = 0.0204 m3

Weight of cement = 420.65 ¿ 0.0204 = 8.58 kg
Weight of water = 206 ¿ 0.0204 = 4.2 kg
Weight of sand (SSD) = 583.67 ¿ 0.0204 = 11.91 kg
Weight of coarse aggregate (SSD) = 1163.36 ¿ 0.0204 = 23.73 kg
9. The quantities obtained are those on the SSD basis. Because the aggregates
contain surface moisture, their masses are needed to adjust.
Water absorption of sand = 1% = 0.01 (from Table 3.31)
Water absorption of coarse aggregate = 0.71% = 0.0071 (from Table 3.34)
11. 91
Weight of sand (OD) = 1 . 01 = 11.79 kg
Water absorption = 11.91 – 11.79 = 0.12 kg
23 .73
Weight of coarse aggregate (OD) = 1. 0071 = 23.563 kg
Water absorption = 23.73 – 23.563 = 0.18 kg
Total Water = 4.2 + 0.12 + 0.18 = 4.5 kg
10. The estimated quantities in kg per m3 of concrete are as follows:
Weight of cement = 8.58 kg
Weight of sand (OD) = 11.79 kg
Weight of coarse aggregate (OD) = 23.563 kg
Weight of water = 4.5 kg

Table 4.22. Weight of Materials per m3 for Concrete Trial Mix Design for Each Case

Properties Case 1 Case 2

W/C Ratio 0.49 0.54 0.59 0.49 0.54 0.59

Cement (kg) 420.65 381.63 349.36 420.65 381.63 349.36

Sand (SSD) (kg) 583.67 594.28 604.9 668.57 681.84 692.45

Coarse Aggregate
1163.36 1185.15 1201.5 1076.17 1095.24 1111.59
(SSD) (kg)
 65

Water (kg) 206 206 206 206 206 206

Calculated
Density 2373.68 2367.06 2361.76 2371.39 2364.71 2359.4
(kg/m3)
Table 4.23. Weight of Materials per m3 for Six Numbers of Cube, 0.0204 m3

Properties Case 1 Case 2

W/C Ratio 0.49 0.54 0.59 0.49 0.54 0.59

Cement (kg) 8.58 7.78 7.13 8.58 7.78 7.13

Sand (OD) (kg) 11.79 12.12 12.22 13.5 13.77 13.98

Coarse Aggregate (OD)

23.56 24.18 24.34 21.79 22.18 22.52
(kg)

Water + Absorption (kg) 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5

4.3.1. Testing for Compressive Strength of Concrete Using Various Water Cement
Ratio
Strength tests are made to check the quality of concrete. The compressive
strength of each trial mix design is tested at 7 and 28 days. The specimens are tested
under a compressive axial load according to ASTM C495. For each period of curing,
three cubes are tested and compressive strength is taken as the average of them. The
test results are shown in Table 4.24 to Table 4.27. The summary on the compressive
strength of concrete with coarse aggregate volumes 66% and 61% is shown in Table
4.28 and illustrated in Figure 4.10.

Table 4.24. Compressive Strength of Concrete for Case 1 (7 Days)

7 days Strength Average
No. of Sample W/C Ratio Remark
(MPa) Strength (MPa)

23.52 Slump 75 mm,

3 0.59 23.94
24.70 Air 2.1%
 66

23.59

25.22
Slump 70 mm,
3 0.54 26.63 26.22
Air 2%
26.81

Table 4.24. (Continued)

28.39
Slump 68 mm,
3 0.49 27.65 28.40
Air 1.8%
29.17

Table 4.25. Compressive Strength of Concrete for Case 1 (28 Days)

28 days Strength Average
No. of Sample W/C Ratio Remark
(MPa) Strength (MPa)

30.60
Slump 75 mm,
3 0.59 30.50 30.60
Air 2.1%
30.38

30.43
Slump 70 mm,
3 0.54 30.85 30.85
Air 2%
31.26

32.36
Slump 68 mm,
3 0.49 30.78 31.25
Air 1.8%
30.61

Table 4.26. Compressive Strength of Concrete for Case 2 (7 Days)

W/C 7 days Strength Average

No. of Sample Remark
Ratio (MPa) Strength (MPa)

25.63 Slump 87
3 0.59 25.31
mm,
24.68
 67

25.61
Air 2.1%
28.31 Slump 83
3 0.54 27.70 28.17 mm,
Air 2%
28.49
Table 4.26. (Continued)

31.40 Slump 80
3 0.49 30.74 32.80 mm,
Air 1.8%
36.26

Table 4.27. Compressive Strength of Concrete for Case 2 (28 Days)

28 days
Average
No. of Sample W/C Ratio Strength Remark
Strength (MPa)
(MPa)

30.13
Slump 87 mm,
3 0.59 31.07 30.64
Air 2.1%
30.73

31.85
Slump 83 mm,
3 0.54 31.02 31.43
Air 2%
31.43

32.71
Slump 80 mm,
3 0.49 37.41 37.58
Air 1.8%
42.62

Table 4.28. Summary on the Compressive Strength of Concrete for Both Cases

W/C Ratio
Case 1 Case 2

7 days 28 days 7 days 28 days

Strength Strength Strength
 68

Strength
(MPa) (MPa) (MPa)
(MPa)

0.59
23.94 30.60 25.31 30.64

0.54
26.22 30.85 28.17 31.43

0.49
28.40 31.25 32.80 37.58

40
35
30
7 days Strength (Aggregate
Compressive Strength

25
66%)
20 28 days Strength (Aggregate
(MPa)

66%)
15 7 days Strength (Aggregate
61%)
10
28 days Strength (Aggregate
5 61%)

0
0.49 0.54 0.59

W/C Ratio
Figure 4.10. Compressive Strength of Concrete for Both Cases

From the test results, it is found that the compressive strength is decreased
with increasing water cement ratio for both cases at 7 days and 28 days. But the
strength for 61% volume of aggregate content (Case 2) is greater than that for 66%
volume of aggregate content (Case 1). Thus, the field mix design is considered using
61% volume of coarse aggregate and 0.59 of water cement ratio to meet the specified
target strength (30 MPa) at 28 days.

4.3.2. Field Mix Design for Compressive Strength of Concrete

The compressive strength of concrete with and without rice straw ash and
granite powder was tested for field mix design. In this mix design, the percentage
volume of coarse aggregate 61% is applied. The maximum aggregate size is 20 mm
 69

and the water cement ratio is 0.59. The target compressive strength at 28 days is 30
MPa.
Field mix design of concrete for volume of coarse aggregate 61% and water
cement ratio of 0.59 is calculated as follows and the composition of ingredients for
field mix design of concrete with and without various percentage of rice straw ash and
granite powder are summarized in Table 4.29.

The 70 mm of slump is assumed in mix design of concrete with non-air

entrainment.
1. 28 days target compressive strength, fc´ = 30 MPa
2. Maximum aggregate size = 20 mm
From Table A.1, for the maximum coarse aggregate size 20 mm and assuming
slump 70 mm, the approximate amount of mixing water = 202 kg/m3 and
Air Content = 2%
3. From equation 4.10, for 28 days target compressive strength 30 MPa,
W/C ratio = 0.59
From Table A.3, for the maximum coarse aggregate size 20 mm,
the minimum amount of cement = 324 kg/m3
202
Required weight of cement = 0 .59
= 342.37 kg/m3 > minimum amount of cement
(324 kg/m3)
4. Specific gravity of cement = 3.15 (from Table 3.14)
Density of cement
Specific gravity of cement = Density of water
Density of cement = Specific gravity of cement ¿ Density of water
Weight of cement
Volume of cement= Density of cement
342 .37
= 3. 15 ×1000
= 0.109 m3
Weight of water
Volume of water = Density of water
 70

202
= 1000
= 0.202 m3
Volume of air = 0.02 m3
5. Aggregate ( coarse + fine ) = 1 – ( 0.109 + 0.202 + 0.02 )
= 0.669 m3
Fineness modulus of sand = 2.4
Decided volume of coarse aggregate = 0.61 m3 per m3
Required volume of coarse aggregate= 0.61 ¿ 0.669
= 0.408 m3
Specific gravity of coarse aggregate = 2.67 (from Table 3.33)
Required weight of coarse aggregate = 0.408 ¿ Specific gravity of coarse
aggregate ¿ 1000
= 0.408 ¿ 2.67 ¿ 1000
= 1089.36 kg
Required volume of sand = 0.669 – 0.408 = 0.261 m3
Specific gravity of sand = 2.6 (from Table 3.30)
Required weight of sand = 0.261 ¿ Specific gravity of sand ¿ 1000
= 0.261 ¿ 2.6 ¿ 1000
= 678.6 kg
6. Weight of cement = 342.37 kg, Volume of cement = 0.109 m3
Weight of water = 202 kg, Volume of water = 0.202 m3
Volume of air = 0.02 m3
Weight of sand (SSD) = 678.6 kg, Volume of sand = 0.261 m3
Weight of coarse aggregate (SSD) = 1089.36 kg,
Volume of coarse aggregate = 0.408 m3
Total weight = 342.37 + 202 + 678.6 + 1089.36 = 2312.33 kg
Total volume = 1 m3
7. Air deducted volume = 1 – 0.02 = 0.98 m3
342 .37
Weight of cement = 0. 98 = 349.36 kg
202
Weight of water = 0 .98 = 206 kg
 71

678 . 6
Weight of sand (SSD) = 0 .98 = 692.45 kg
1089 .36
Weight of coarse aggregate (SSD) = 0. 98 = 1111.59 kg
Calculated density = 349.36 + 206 + 692.45 + 1111.59 = 2359.4 kg/m3
From Table A.6, for the maximum aggregate size 20 mm,
Standard density = 2355 kg/m3
Calculated density from mix design is nearly equal to standard density.
8. Volume of cube = 0.15 ¿ 0.15 ¿ 0.15 = 0.0034 m3
In this study, six numbers of cube molds are used.
So, the total volume of molds = 0.0034 ¿ 6 = 0.0204 m3
Weight of cement = 349.36 ¿ 0.0204 = 7.13 kg
Weight of water = 206 ¿ 0.0204 = 4.2 kg
Weight of sand (SSD) = 692.45 ¿ 0.0204 = 14.12 kg
Weight of coarse aggregate (SSD) = 1111.59 ¿ 0.0204 = 22.68 kg
9. The quantities obtained are those on the SSD basis. Because the aggregates
contain surface moisture, their masses are needed to adjust.
Water absorption of sand = 1% = 0.01 (from Table 3.31)
Water absorption of coarse aggregate = 0.71% = 0.0071 (from Table 3.34)
14 . 12
Weight of sand (OD) = 1. 01 = 13.98 kg
Water absorption = 14.12 – 13.98 = 0.14 kg
22 .68
Weight of coarse aggregate (OD) = 1. 0071 = 22.52 kg
Water absorption = 22.68 – 22.52 = 0.16 kg
Total Water = 4.2 + 0.12 + 0.18 = 4.5 kg
10. The estimated quantities in kg per m3 of concrete are as follows:
Weight of cement = 7.13 kg
Weight of sand (OD) = 13.98 kg
Weight of coarse aggregate (OD) = 22.52 kg
Weight of water = 4.5 kg

Table 4.29. Composition of Ingredients for Field Mix Design of Concrete

 72

Percentages of Rice Straw Ash 0% 5% 10% 15% 20%

Percentages of Granite Powder 0% 5% 10% 15% 20%

Cement ( kg ) 7.12 6.408 5.696 4.984 4.272

Rice Straw Ash ( kg ) 0 0.356 0.712 1.068 1.424

Granite Powder ( kg ) 0 0.356 0.712 1.068 1.424

Sand ( OD ) ( kg ) 13.98 13.98 13.98 13.98 13.98

Coarse Aggregate ( OD ) ( kg ) 22.52 22.52 22.52 22.52 22.52

Water ( kg ) 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5

4.3.3. Compressive Strength Test on Concrete for Field Mix

The compressive strength is tested at 7 days, 28 days and 90 days curing. At
each curing period, three cubes with and without rice straw ash and granite powder
are tested and average compressive strength is taken for the strength of concrete. The
compressive strength test on specimens is shown in Figure 4.11 and Figure 4.12.
Testing on concrete slump is shown in Figure 4.13 and the slump test results are
illustrated in Figure 4.14.
The test results of compressive strength, slump and air content for concrete
with various replacement percentages of rice straw ash and granite powder are
described in the following Table 4.30 to Table 4.34 and illustrated in Figure 4.15. The
compressive strength of concrete with various replacement percentages of rice straw
ash and granite powder is summarized in Table 4.35.
 73

Figure 4.11. Concrete Specimens

Figure 4.12. Compressive Strength Test of Concrete

Figure 4.13. Testing on Concrete Slump

 74

82

80 80

78

76
Slump (mm)

75.5
75

74
Slump (mm)
73

72 72

70

68
0% 5% 10% 15% 20%
Replacement Percentages of Each of Rice Straw Ash and Granite
Powder

Figure 4.14. Illustration of Slump Values

Table 4.30. Compressive Strength of Concrete for Crown Cement

Strength of Each Average Strength

No. of Sample Days Remark
Sample (MPa) (MPa)

25.63

3 7 24.68 25.31

25.61
Slump 80 mm,
35.13
Air content
3 28 36.07 35.64 2.1%
35.73

42.18
3 90 42.30
40.61
 75

44.12

Table 4.31. Compressive Strength of Concrete for 5% Each of Rice Straw Ash and
Granite Powder as Cement Replacement

Average
Strength of Each
No. of Sample Days Strength Remark
Sample (MPa)
(MPa)

28.98

3 7 30.50 29.11

27.85

40.96
Slump 75.5 mm,
3 28 42.74 41.43
Air content 2.1%
40.58
43.65
3 90 42.99 43.23
43.06
Table 4.32. Compressive Strength of Concrete for 10% Each of Rice Straw Ash and
Granite Powder as Cement Replacement
Strength of Each Average Strength
No. of Sample Days Remark
Sample (MPa) (MPa)
29.54

3 7 29.98 29.93

30.28

43.12
Slump 75 mm,
3 28 41.86 42.48
Air content 2%
42.47

43.86

3 90 42.91 43.44

43.56
 76

Table 4.33. Compressive Strength of Concrete for 15% Each of Rice Straw Ash and
Granite Powder as Cement Replacement
Strength of Each Average Strength
No. of Sample Days Remark
Sample (MPa) (MPa)

30.75

3 7 29.92 30.29

30.21

43.12

3 28 43.48 Slump 73 mm,

42.86
Air content 2%

44.47

43.97

3 90 42.98 44.38

46.18
Table 4.34. Compressive Strength of Concrete for 20% Each of Rice Straw Ash and
Granite Powder as Cement Replacement
Strength of Each Average Strength
No. of Sample Days Remark
Sample (MPa) (MPa)

26.82

3 7 27.24 26.00

23.95 Slump 72 mm,

Air content
31.28 1.8%

3 28 30.12 30.69

30.68
 77

38.77

3 90 36.93 38.64

40.22

Table 4.35. Compressive Strength of Concrete with Various Replacement Percentages

of Rice Straw Ash and Granite Powder

Percentages of Rice Straw Ash 0% 5% 10% 15% 20%

Percentages of Granite Powder 0% 5% 10% 15% 20%

7 Days Compressive Strength

25.31 29.11 29.93 30.29 26.00
(MPa)
28 Days Compressive Strength
35.64 41.43 42.48 43.48 30.69
(MPa)
90 Days Compressive Strength
42.30 43.23 43.44 44.38 38.64
(MPa)

50
45
40
Compressive Strength (MPa)

35
30
25
7 days
20 28 days
15 90 days
10
5
0
0% 5% 10% 15% 20%
Replacement Percentages of Each of Rice Straw Ash and Granite
Powder
 78

Figure 4.15. Compressive Strength of Concrete with Rice Straw Ash and Granite
Powder

The strengths of concrete with cement alone and with replacement of rice
straw ash and granite powder are reached at the target strength of 30 MPa except
those obtained by cement alone, 5%, 10% and 20% replacement at 7 days curing
period. However, 15% replacement each of rice straw ash and granite powder gives
the maximum compressive strength.