Title:
Development of Volcanic Ash Concrete: Strength, Durability, and Microstructural Investigations
Author(s):
Khandaker M. A. Hossain and Mohamed Lachemi
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
103
Issue:
1
Appears on pages(s):
11-17
Keywords:
compressive strength; drying shrinkage; porosity; workability.
DOI:
10.14359/15122
Date:
1/1/2006
Abstract:
This paper reports the results of investigations to assess the suitability of using volcanic ash (VA) as a cement replacement material in concrete production. Tests were conducted on 36 concrete mixtures, replacing 0 to 75% by mass of normal portland cement by VA. The performance of volcanic ash concrete (VAC) mixtures was evaluated by conducting comprehensive series of tests on fresh and hardened properties as well as durability. The fresh and hardened properties of the concrete were assessed by slump, air content, and compressive strength, while durability characteristics were investigated by rapid chloride permeability (RCP), drying shrinkage (DS), water permeability, mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) tests. VACs showed better durability properties compared to control concrete with 0% VA. The improved performance of VACs was attributed to the refinement of pore structure, lowering the presence of free chloride due to Friedel’s salt formation and pozzolanic action due to the presence of VA. VAC having a minimum strength of 15 Mpa (a requirement for some structural concrete applications) can be obtained by replacing up to 40% (by mass) of cement with VA. The development of nonexpensive and environmentally friendly VAC with acceptable strength and durability characteristics (as illustrated in this study) is helpful for the sustainable development and rehabilitation of volcanic disaster areas around the world.