Influence of palm ash on properties of light weight self-compacting concrete

Abstract

The huge amount and non-utilization of oil palm biomass has created a major disposal problem. The use of lightweight concrete improves structural efficiency, as well as constructability for ease of repair and renovation works. Self-compacting concrete (SCC) reduces voids without vibration. This experimental work examined the effect of influence of Palm ash (PA) on lightweight self-compacting concrete (LWSCC). Palm ash was used to replace cement in the production of lightweight self-compacting concrete in order of 10, 20, 30, 40 & 50% respectively; slump flow, T 50 , V-funnel and L-box test were carried out for the workability and passing ability test on fresh concrete. The control mix was without PA. While Compressive, flexural and split tensile strength tests were carried out on the hardened concrete. The result showed 20% palm ash replacement as the optimum replacement within which the standard strength requirement for hardened concrete remained satisfied. The result of this study can be applicable to effective concrete mixtures suitable for repairing existing structures and element in rural areas.