UTILIZING CORNCOBS ASH AS SUITABLE ADMIXTURE FOR ECO-FRIENDLY
CONCRETE HOLLOW BLOCKS
Nursid Aminulla, Shahina Omar, Monalisa Panda, Abdul-aziz Jeffrel Salik, Hairudin Sampayan
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering – Academia De Tecnologia in Mindanao, Inc.
Background of the Study
Concrete is one of the most widely
used construction materials, because of
its good to economic cost ratio. For many
construction projects, it is a cost-
effective, efficient, and long-lasting
solution. However, when exposed to
harsh settings, deterioration can cause a
significant loss in durability. For example,
while concrete becomes more durable
with time, it is susceptible to water and
freezing temperatures. Due to low tensile
strength, concrete is required to be
reinforced to avoid cracks. Concrete
needs to be reinforced because it has a
low tensile strength in order to prevent
cracks.
Corn is the major crop planted
around the world. Corn cobs is the hard
core portion of the corn and is the
agricultural waste product obtained from
maize or corn. In the Philippines, corn
plant production reached 7.77 MMT in
2018 (Philippine Statistics Authority,
2019). A large volume of corn residue is
generated as a waste, with corn cob
accounting for 18% of the total corn
production (Zhang et al., 2012).
The study investigated the effects
of admixtures on the properties of corn
cobs ash as CCA in concrete cement.
Admixtures are substances introduced
into a batch of concrete, during or before
its mixing process, in order to alter or
improve the properties of the fresh or
hardened concrete or apply it both.
According to Neil and Ravindra,
numerous benefits are available through
the use of admixtures such as: improved
quality, acceleration or retardation of
setting time, coloring, greater concrete
strength, increased flow for the same
water-to-cement ratio, enhanced frost
and sulfate resistance, improved fire
resistance, cracking control, lower
density, improved workability and
enhanced finishability. The changes
brought about in concrete by the use of
admixtures are affected through the
influence of the admixtures on hydration,
liberation of heat, formation of pores and
the development of the gel structure. The
specific effects of an admixture generally
vary with the type of cement, mix
proportion, ambient conditions
(particularly temperature) and dosage.
There had been various research
efforts on the use of corn cob ash (CCA)
as a pozzolan in blended cement
concrete. Ogunfolami considered mixing
of the CCA with Ordinary Portland
Cement at the point of need i.e. on site.
Adesanya and Raheem studied the use of
CCA blended cement produced in the
controlled environment of a factory as
reported by, to produce concrete
specimens. Both studies concluded that
the compressive strength of the CCA-
blended cement concrete is lower than
that of plain concrete (the control) at
early curing ages but improves
significantly at later ages (after 90 days).
Thus, there is need to look for ways of
increasing the strength at early ages.
This study investigated the incorporation
of admixtures into CCA blended cement
concrete with a view to enhancing its
suitability as a structural material
admixture.
The research is focuses on this
agricultural residues by utilizing these
agricultural waste product in a different
way, which helps the issue of agro-
industrial waste management solved.
Adopting green building materials is a
good option to converge to the goal that
resulting to have an alternative suitable
raw building materials which is more
sustainable and affordable in
construction complying with the comfort
standards required nowadays.
Therefore, the researchers ponder
that the corn cobs in concrete may
improve its setting time and compressive
strength in addition of recycling
agricultural residues.
Statement of the Problem
The study seeks to understand,
determine and prove that corn cobs is
suited to be an admixture and is can be
a solution in setting the durability and
setting lifespan of the concrete. And if
corn cobs characteristics can enhance
the complete hydration of the cement in
strengthening the concrete, in both
tensile and compressive?
Objectives of the Study
The general objectives of the
study is to use corn cobs, an agricultural
waste product, as an admixture for
setting durability and stability of a
concrete.
To enhance the complete
hydration of a cement and strengthening
of the concrete using a waste product
(corn cobs).
To determine the physical and
mechanical properties of the concrete;
also the difference among treatments in
terms of the mentioned properties.
Significance of the Study
The research aims to provide
crucial information and valuable inputs of
its results and findings to the following
benefiting of the study:
Future Researcher – this study will help
future researchers to use this to serve as
their reference material to conduct
research with the same topic or in related
to their study that can be useful in the
field of engineering and construction.
Government – this research can be use
as a guide to use corn cobs as a
admixture in concrete in low or high
structures from houses to high-rise
buildings.
Environment – recycling waste thus can
reduce waste disposal on sites and also
can conserve the natural resources.
Industry – the introduction of this study
would provide an alternative material
option that is sustainable and better
overall result compared to ordinary
Portland cement.
Community – the community can benefit
with this research after it is being proven
that corn cobs is suitable as a admixture
for eco-friendly concrete that can be a
source of incomes and resources.
The Engineers – the data and outcomes
of this study can give reliable and well-
founded data bases that can help and
may have a big role in new production of
the community.
Corrosion risk assessment of structural concrete
with coarse crushed concrete aggregate
https://www.icevirtuallibrary.com/doi/10.1680/
jcoma.17.00056#:~:text=Crushed%20concrete%
20aggregates%20(CCA)%20are,footprint%20and
%20responsibly%20sourced%20materials.
Effects of Corn Cob Ash as Mineral Admixture on
Mechanical and Durability Properties of
Concrete – A Review

https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1757
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Cob Ash Cement Concrete

http://lejpt.academicdirect.org/A16/get_htm.ph
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Optimization of process parameters of self-
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Utilization of corn cob, an essential agricultural
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Development of corn cob ash blended cement

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/
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Optimum usage of a natural pozzolan for the

maximum compressive strength of concrete

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/
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