INVESTIGATION THE PHYSICAL AND STRENGTH CHARACTRIZATIONS OF LOCAL WHEAT HUSK ASH CONCRETE

Abstract

The objective of the study is to investigate the mechanical properties of high strength concrete with different replacement levels of ordinary Portland cement by Wheat Husk Ash. The standard cubes (30mm x 30mm x 30mm) were caste. The compressive strength at 28 days has been obtained. The results of the mechanical properties of the wheat husk ash at 28 days have shown quite encouraging and interesting results at both wheat husk ash replacement 15% and 20% in the grade of the concrete, with compressive strength enhancement about 16% and 11% respectively. Moreover, some other characterizations have been considered including, chemically combined water (CCW), bulk density and apparent porosity. The results of CCW showed that at 28 days of hydration the increase in the chemically combined water content becomes less significance since the hydration process was al mostly completed after 14 days of hydration. The bulk density decreases as the ash content increases due to the relatively lower densities of the ash compared with Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). The apparent porosity behaves oppositely i.e., it increases as the ash content increased.