FLEXURAL STRENGTH CHARACTERISTICS OF PAWPAW LEAF ASH AND BAMBOO LEAF ASH BLENDED CEMENT CONCRETE

Abstract

This research focuses on flexural strength characteristics of pawpaw leaf ash and bamboo leaf ash blended cement concrete. Several tests were carried out, according to BS and ASTM requirements to determine the physical and mechanical properties of pawpaw leaf ash and bamboo leaf ash blended cement concrete, investigate the effects of curing age on flexural strength characteristics of pawpaw leaf ash and bamboo leaf ash blended cement concrete and examine the effects of percentage replacement of cement with pawpaw leaf ash and bamboo leaf ash blended cement concrete on flexural strength characteristics. A total of 60 cubes were cast, cured in water for 7, 14, 21 and 28days. Test results showed that the flexural strength of the concrete cubes increases with an increase in the curing age and decreases with increasing percentage replacement of cement with pawpaw leaf ash and bamboo leaf ash. The optimum replacement level of pawpaw leaf ash and bamboo leaf ash was obtained to be 5%. The study concluded that concrete containing the cement blends of cement and Pawpaw leaf ash and bamboo leaf ash at a replacement level of 5% is only recommendable for use in light concrete works construction.