Mechanical Properties of Concrete Manufactured Using Amorphous Silica and Waste Ceramics: An Experimental Investigation

Abstract

Researchers are continuously studying the properties and functionality of cement and other aggregates, which are made from a combination of modern materials and different waste. In the current study, a series of experiments were conducted to compare the use of three different types of mixes. In the first mix, amorphous silica was used in place of cement; in the second, Waste Ceramics was used in place of sand; and in the third mix, both materials were combined to create concrete of M20 grade. These materials were used in place of cement and sand in varying amounts, such as 0%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 30%. The properties analyzed were workability by Slump cone and the compressive strengths after 3, 21, and 28 days. The main conclusions is the addition of amorphous silica affects consistency and setting time, as well as increasing compressive strength up to a certain limit. However, it has been observed that workability of concrete increases with the combined use of Amorphous Silica and Waste Ceramic Tiles. Compressive strength: It has been observed Maximum C3 compressive strength is found at 20% replacement of cement with Amorphous Silica after 3, 21 and 28 days of curing. Maximum compressive strength is found at 20% replacement of sand with Waste Ceramics after 3, 21 and 28 days of curing. Maximum XV compressive strength is found at 20% replacement of both cement and sand after 3, 21 and 28 days of curing. Compressive strength of concrete mix was increased slowly when both the chief ingredients were replaced by Amorphous Silica and Waste Ceramic Tiles. Split tensile strength at 3 days, 21 days and 28 days increased up to 20% and then decreases. Flexural strength at 3 days, 21 days and 28 days increased up to 20% and then decreases.