Experimental investigation of pozzolanic concrete containing wheat straw ash

Abstract

This study investigated the detailed optimization of wheat straw ash (WSA) as a pozzolanic material. Characterization of WSA as pozzolanic materials was carried out according to ASTM C618 and results indicated that WSA calcined at 700 °C for 2 h fulfilled ASTM C618 requirement and results were also confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of WSA samples. Effect of WSA on setting time, mechanical properties, alkali–silica reaction (ASR), hydration process, and microstructure of cement paste (CP) and concrete was studied. Compressive and flexural strength of concrete mixture containing 14% WSA was 7.5% and 19.5% more as compared to control mixture at 28 days respectively. ASR expansion of mortar prisms and hydration temperature was reduced due to WSA incorporation. XRD and scanning electron microscopy investigations of CP indicated that WSA improved the microstructure of CP and was effective in imparting the pozzolanic characteristics during hydration reaction at 7 and 28 days.