International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET)

Volume 8, Issue 4, April 2017, pp. 1737–1745 Article ID: IJCIET_08_04_196

Available online at http://iaeme.com/Home/issue/IJCIET?Volume=8&Issue=4
ISSN Print: 0976-6308 and ISSN Online: 0976-6316

© IAEME Publication Scopus Indexed

COMPARATIVE STUDY ON COMPRESSIVE

STRENGTH OF FLY ASH CONCRETE
M.S. Krishna Hygrive
B.Tech Final year, Department of Civil Engineering, KL University, A.P, India

I. Siva Kishore
AssistantProfessor, Department of Civil Engineering, KL University, A.P, India.

KJB Chari
AssistantProfessor, Department of Civil Engineering, KL University, A.P, India.

ABSTRACT
We are vigilant that an intense damage is done to environment in the
manufacturing process of cement which involves emission of majority of carbon
associated with other chemicals. There are evidences from researches that every one
ton of cement manufactured releases half ton of carbon dioxide so there is an instant
need to control the usage of cement. On the other hand material wastes such as fly
ash is difficult to dispose which in turn is an obstacle to the environmental safety. Fly
ash is a finely divided residue resulting from the combustion of pulverized coal and
transported by the flue of boilers that carries gaseous combustion away from the point
of combustion. The fly ash initially imparts high strength to concrete and also reduce
the permeability of concrete. It was obtained from Thermal power station, dried and
used. This project mainly deals with the substitution of cement by Fly ash taken in
fixed proportions and analyzing the effects of fly ash blended concrete. The concrete
mix is prepared by varying the proportions of fly ash for 30%, 40% and 50% of cubes
and prisms cured in normal water for up to 28 days and the properties like Slump
cone test, Compaction factor test for fresh concrete and Compressive strength for
hardened concrete are verified and the results are analyzed.
Key words: Compressive Strength, Carbon Dioxide, Fly Ash, Permeability.
Cite this Article: M.S. Krishna Hygrive, I. Siva Kishore and KJB Chari Comparative
Study on Compressive Strength of Fly Ash Concrete, International Journal of Civil
Engineering and Technology, 8(4), 2017, pp. 1737-1745.
http://iaeme.com/Home/issue/IJCIET?Volume=8&Issue=4

http://iaeme.com/Home/journal/IJCIET 1737 editor@iaeme.com

 M.S. Krishna Hygrive, I. Siva Kishore and KJB Chari

1. INTRODUCTION:

1.1 General
Ordinary Portland cement is the most commonly used building material worldwide and it will
retain its status in the near future because of its demand and expansion of construction
industry all over the world. Further the greatest challenge faced by the concrete construction
industry is to serve the two insisting needs of Human society which include the
environmental safety and meeting the infrastructure requirements of our growing population.
Structures which are built in aggressive environments are liable to be subjected to acidic
attack. One of such major threats is sulphate attack against concrete structures resulting in
loss of weight and reduction in strength of concrete. Contaminated ground water and sea
water by industrial effluents constitute some of the sources of sulphate that attack on
concrete. The use of blended cements have shown sharp results in resisting the sulphate
attack on concrete. Fly ash which shows pozzolanic properties is being used as a partial
replacement in concrete and is produced as a waste material from pulverized coal
manufacturing units which is then grinded to the fineness less than that of cement for
obtaining good bonding between cement and fly ash. This project discusses the very
reasonable exposure of fly ash.

1.2 Ordinary Portland cement (OPC)

Ordinary Portland cement is a controlled blend of calcium silicates, aluminates and ferrate
which is ground to a fine powder with gypsum and other materials. After 1987, OPC was
divided is three types based on the strength obtained by 28 days. The types are as follows:
• OPC 33 grade – strength not less than 33N/mm2 at 28 days
• OPC 43 grade – strength not less than 43N/mm2 at 28 days
• OPC 53 grade – strength not less than 53N/mm2 at 28 days
Portland cement obtains its strength as a result of chemical reactions between cement and
water. The process is known as hydration. This is a complex process that is best understood
by elucidating the chemical composition of cement.

Table 1.2.1. Chemical composition of cement

Compound Formula Mass%
Calcium oxide CaO 61-67%
Silicon dioxide SiO2 19-23%
Aluminum oxide Al2O3 2.5-6%
Iron oxide Fe2O3 0-6%
Sulphate SO3 1.5-4.5%

http://iaeme.com/Home/journal/IJCIET 1738 editor@iaeme.com

 Comparative Study on Compressive Strength of Fly Ash Concrete

Table 1.2.2. Chemical composition of Clinker

Compound Formula Mass%
Tricalcium silicate (CaO)3.SiO2 45-75%
Dicalcium silicate (CaO)2.SiO2 7-32%
Tri calcium aluminate (CaO)3.Al2O3 0-13%
Tetra calcium alumino (CaO)4.Al2O3.Fe2O3 0-18%
ferrite
Gypsum CaSO4.2H2O 2-10%

1.3 Definition of workability

Workability is defined as that property of freshly mixed concrete or mortar which determines
the ease and homogeneity with which it can be mixed, placed,consolidated and finished.

1.3.1 Workability
The theoretical water-cement ratio of 0.38 is not giving an ideal situation for maximum
strength. 100% compaction of concrete is an important parameter for contributing the
maximum strength. Lack of compaction increases the formation of air voids whose damaging
effect on strength and durability is equal or more predominate than the presence of capillary
cavities. To obtain a fully compacted concrete with given efforts, normally a higher water-
cement ratio is required than that calculated by theoretical consideration. The quality of
concrete satisfying above requisites can be termed as workable concrete.
Factors affecting workability:
The factors affecting concrete to reduce internal friction with more lubricating effort for
achieving easy compaction are below:
• Water content
• Mix proportions
• Size of aggregates
• Shape of aggregates
• Surface texture of aggregates
• Grading of aggregates
• Use of admixtures

2. OBJECTIVES
To increase strength properties & durability of concrete by reducing water content by using
fly ash.

3. MATERIALS USED
The materials used for the following study are discussed in detail below

http://iaeme.com/Home/journal/IJCIET 1739 editor@iaeme.com

 M.S. Krishna Hygrive, I. Siva Kishore and KJB Chari

3.1. Cement
Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) of 43 grades procured from a single batch was used for the
entire work and care has been taken that it was stored in airtight containers to prevent it from
being affected by the atmospheric moisture and humidity. The cement obtained was tested for
satisfying the chemical requirements in accordance with IS: 4032-1977 and for physical
requirements in accordance with IS: 12269-1987.

Table 3.1.1. Properties of cement

S.No Property Value
1 Normal consistency 33mm
2 Fineness of cement 7%
3 Initial Setting time(mins) 85
4 Final Setting time(mins) 240

3.2. Fine aggregate

The sand of river that is passing through 4.75 mm sieve and retained on 600 μm sieve,
conforming to Zone II as per IS 383-1970 was used as fine aggregate in the present study.
The sand was free from silt, clay and organic impurities. The aggregate was then tested for its
physical requirements like specific gravity, gradation, fineness modulus and bulk modulus in
accordance with IS: 2386-1963.

Table 3.2.1. Properties of fine aggregate

S. No. Property Value
1 Specific gravity 2.60
2 Bulk density 1.542
3 Fineness Modulus 2.74

3.3. Coarse aggregate

Crushed coarse aggregates of 20mm procured from the local crushing plants was used
throughout the investigation. The aggregate was checked for its physical requirements like
specific gravity, fineness modulus, gradation and bulk density.

Table 3.3.1. Properties of Coarse aggregate

S. No Property Value
1 Bulk Density 1.610
2 Specific Gravity 2.74
3 Fineness Modulus 7.17
4 Aggregate impact value 25.21
5 Aggregate crushing value 25.22

3.4. Fine aggregate

In this investigation natural river sand is used as fine aggregate. Sand was obtained from local
sources. Fine aggregate which is passing through IS 4.75mm sieve and retained on IS 150
micron sieve is considered for the experimental program

http://iaeme.com/Home/journal/IJCIET 1740 editor@iaeme.com

 Comparative Study on Compressive Strength of Fly Ash Concrete

Table 3.2.2. Properties of fine aggregate

Specific gravity 2.78

Fineness modulus 3.12

3.4. Coarse aggregate

The aggregate consists of natural occurring crushed, uncrushed stones, gravel and sand. It
should be strong, clear, hard, durable, dense, and free from adherent coating and free from
disintegrate pieces, alkali, and other deleterious substances as far as possible. Flaky and
elongation pieces should be avoided. In this investigation the locally available aggregates
from crusher 20mm sieve passing and 12.5mm sieve retained is used. It should be angular in
shape.

Table 3.4.1. Properties of coarse aggregate

Property 20mm 10mm

Fineness Modulus 7.32 7.32

Specific Gravity 2.89 2.89

3.5. Water
Fresh portable water that is free from organic matter and oil is used for mixing the concrete
.Required quantities of water were measured in graduated jar and added to the concrete for
mixing. The other materials in preparation of the concrete mix were taken by weigh batching.
It should be noted that the pH value should not be less than 6.

4. METHODOLOGY
In this study we had performed tests on cement (OPC 43 grade), coarse aggregate, and fine
aggregate.

4.1. Tests on cement:

• Standard consistency test
• Initial setting time
• Final setting time
• Specific gravity of Cement

4.2. Tests on fine aggregate and coarse aggregate

• Fineness modulus of fine aggregate and coarse aggregate.
• Specific gravity of fine aggregate and coarse aggregate.

4.3. Tests on workability

• Slump cone test.
• Compaction factor test.

http://iaeme.com/Home/journal/IJCIET 1741 editor@iaeme.com

 M.S. Krishna Hygrive, I. Siva Kishore and KJB Chari

In this experimental study, a total of 48 numbers of concrete specimens were casted. The
specified size of cube 150mm×150mm×150mm and prism of 100×100×500is used. The mix
design of concrete was done according to IS 10262:2009 for M20, M25, M30 and M40
grades.
Depending on the quantities of ingredients in the mixes, the quantities of Fly ash of 30%,
40% and 50% replacement by weight were estimated and Cubes and prisms were casted.
The specimens were taken out of the curing tank just prior to the test. The compressive
test was performed using a Compression testing machine and flexural strength was conducted
by Flexural strength testing machine.

Table 4.3.1 Nominal Mix Design

Grade Cement Water W/C FA CA

designation (kg) (kg) (kg) (kg) (kg)
M20 320 197 0.50 905.3 1020.8
M25 340 191 0.50 801.3 1137.5
M30 388 180 0.40 695.43 1236.7
M35 377 180 0.40 920.4 1145.4

Table 4.3.2 Cement By Replacing Of Fly Ash

Grade designation Cement Replacing of fly Replacing of fly Replacing of fly
(kg) ash in cement 30% ash in cement ash
(kg) 40% (kg) Increment
50% (kg)
M20 320 96 128 160
M25 340 102 136 170
M30 388 116.4 155.2 194
M35 377 113.1 150.8 188.5

5. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Concrete cubes of size 150×150×150mm were casted and tested for compressive strength and
prism size of 100×100×500mmin normal water of with 30%,40%,50% replacement of flyash
for M20, M25, M30 and M35 grades of concrete.

5.1. Durability studies

In order to study the durability of fly ash replaced concrete. A replacement of fly ash 30%,
40%, 50% were chosen for this study to find out the effect on compressive strength and
flexural strength of concrete.
From the results of the present study and information from the literature, the above
mentioned replacement range was selected for this study of durability aspect

http://iaeme.com/Home/journal/IJCIET 1742 editor@iaeme.com

 Comparative Study on Compressive Strength of Fly Ash Concrete

compressive strength
40
35
compressive strength

30
25
20
7 DAYS
15
10 28 DAYS
5
0
30 40 50
% of Fly Ash

Figure 1 Compressive Strength For Mix Proportions (M20)

Compressivestrength
25
20
15
Compressive strength

10
5 7 DAYS
0 28 DAYS
% REPLACEMENT 30 40 50
OF FLY ASH IN
CEMENT
% of Fly Ash

Figure 2 Compressive Strength Results (M25)

Compressivestrength
25
20
Compressive strength

15
10 7 DAYS
5 28 DAYS
0

% of Fly Ash

Figure 3 Compressive Strength Results (M30)

http://iaeme.com/Home/journal/IJCIET 1743 editor@iaeme.com

 M.S. Krishna Hygrive, I. Siva Kishore and KJB Chari

Compressivestrength
20
15
10
Compressive strength

5
0 7 DAYS
% 30 40 50 28 DAYS
REPLACEMENT
OF FLY ASH IN
CEMENT
% of Fly Ash

Figure 4 Compressive Strength Results (M35)

Flexural strength
8
6
Flexural strength

M 20 GRADE
4
M 25 GRADE
2
M 30 GRADE
0
M 35 GRADE
30 40 50
% of Fly Ash

Figure 5 Flexural strength for 28 Days

6. CONCLUSION
India has large amount of fly ash in generation all over the world. If this material is used
properly many problems may be solved by the replacement fly ash. Use of cement and cost
will be reduced. As well as the pollution in environment will be reduced. The experimental
work has helped to know the other properties of fly ash concrete and to develop various mix
designs.
• PPC concrete is potential by the usage of fly ash.
• Workability of concrete will be improved.
• The compressive strength of concrete will decrease with the increase of fly ash.
• From 7 to 28 days early strength of concrete is reduced.
• Flexural strength of concrete decreases with increase of fly ash

http://iaeme.com/Home/journal/IJCIET 1744 editor@iaeme.com

 Comparative Study on Compressive Strength of Fly Ash Concrete

REFERENCES
[1] I. Siva Kishore, Ch. Mallika Chowdary. A Study on Waste Utilization of Marble Dust in
High Strength Concrete Mix. International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology,
6(12), 2015, pp. 01-07.
[2] Kishore, I.S., Chowdary, C.M., Babu, T.S. and Nandini, K.P., A Case Study on Waste
Utilization of sugar cane bagasse ash in Concrete Mix.
[3] Dutt, K.S., Kumar, K.V., Kishore, I.S. and Chowdary, C.M., A Case Study on Fly Ash
Based Geo-Polymer Concrete.
[4] Ch. Mallika Chowdary, I. Siva Kishore, (2016) “INFLUENCE OF THERMAL DUST AS
AN ADMIX IN CONCRETE MIX” International Journal of Civil Engineering &
Technology (IJCIET).Vol.7, Issue 1, Pages: 93-103.
[5] K. KIRAN and I. SIVA KISHORE, 2017. AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON PARTIAL
REPLACEMENT OF CEMENT WITH BAGASSE ASH IN CONCRETE MIX.
International Journal of Civil Engineering & Technology (IJCIET).Volume:8, Issue:1,
Pages:452-455.
[6] K. AKHILESH REDDY and I. SIVA KISHORE, 2017. STUDY ON BEHAVIOUR OF
PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF CEMENT WITH SUGARCANE BAGASSE ASH FOR
HIGH STRENGTH CONCRETE MIX. International Journal of Civil Engineering &
Technology (IJCIET).Volume:8, Issue:1, Pages:847-851.
[7] Upadhyay, R., Srivastava, V., Herbert, A. and Mehta, P.K., 2014. Effect of fly ash on
flexural strength of portlandpozzolona cement concrete. Journal of Academia and
Industrial Research (JAIR), 3(5), p.218.
[8] Jatale, A., Tiwari, K. and Khandelwal, S., 2013. Effects on compressive strength when
cement is partially replaced by fly-ash. IOSR Journal of Mechanical and Civil
Engineering, 5(4), pp.34-43p.
[9] Kumaar, A.S. and Saravanan, P., An Experimental Study on Fly Ash Blended Cement
Concrete with Partial Replacement of Quarry Sand.
[10] Gopi, P.N. and Sateesh, A., 2016. Experimental investigation of Cement Concrete with
partially replacing the Fine Aggregate with Local available Soil and Adding coir and
human hair Fibers.

http://iaeme.com/Home/journal/IJCIET 1745 editor@iaeme.com