Abstract

Cement is the most utilised construction material and the second most consumed commodity in the world after water. It has been reported that the heavily energy-intensive processes that are involved in its production account for about 7 to 10 % of the total global anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2), which is the main cause of climate change; and are also expensive economically. Energy and cost efficiency can however be achieved by reducing on the amount of clinker, and in its place utilising pozzolans, which require less process heating and emit lower levels of CO2. This research aimed to provide an original contribution to the body of knowledge by investigating Anthill Soil (AHS) for pozzolanic properties. Cement was replaced in concrete with AHS by weight using 5% increments by weight, from 0 to 30% at the point of need. Durability was investigated using the water absorption and sulfate tests. Results of the chemical analysis by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) showed that AHS contained the chemical composition required for pozzolans, and the compressive strengths achieved were for classes that are listed by standards as being durable and suitable for structural applications. The behaviour of AHS in workability, density, gain in compressive strength over time, water absorption and sulfate tests were also consistent with the characteristics of pozzolans, leading to a conclusion that it may be suitable for use as a pozzolan to improve the properties of concrete, reduce on the harmful effects of cement production to the environment and lower the overall cost of concrete, allowing for the construction of low cost buildings.

Highlights

  • Literature has reported that alongside contributing to the sustainability of concrete, pozzolans result in more durable and affordable concrete [1]

  • The American Society for Testing and Materials [26] and British Standards [15], [27] recommendations for natural pozzolans suitable for concrete are that the chemical composition should constitute of a sum of at least 70% Silicon dioxide (SiO2), Aluminium oxide (Al2O3), and Iron oxide (Fe2O3); a maximum of 10% Calcium oxide (CaO) and a Loss On Ignition (LOI) of not more than 10%

  • This work investigated the pozzolanic properties of Anthill Soil (AHS) in concrete

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Literature has reported that alongside contributing to the sustainability of concrete, pozzolans result in more durable and affordable concrete [1]. It has been further argued that cement is one of the most notorious contributors to global anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) [2]. Cement was described by Zhou et al [3] as the most utilised construction material, its global consumption only seconding that of water, and it is the main ingredient of concrete, constituting between 7 to 15% of the total mass of concrete [4]. The yearly global production of cement is about 1.6 billion tonnes, and accounts for approximately 7% of the total global CO2 emissions [3]. In concurrence with Zhou et al [3], research by the Mineral Products Association [6] reported that the Embodied Carbon Dioxide (ECO2) of cement from cradle to factory gate was 930kg CO2 per ton on average. The calcination of raw materials to produce cement requires temperatures of above 14500C [8]

Objectives
Results
Conclusion
Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.