PERFORMANCE OF LATERITIC CONCRETE UNDER ENVIRONMENTAL HARSH CONDITION

Olubisi A Ige

doi:10.15623/ijret.2013.0208024

Abstract

This is an investigation of weathering characterist ics of Laterized concrete with laterite-fine aggreg ate ratio as a factor. It was done with a view of ascertaining the suitability of laterite as aggregate substitutes at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% of fine aggregate used in the construction industry. The weathering characterist ics were examined by conditioning laterized concret e cubes to varying temperatures, chemical and alternate wetting and dr ying, which all represent the operating weather con ditions (wet and dry seasons) in tropics, including Nigeria. The mix proportion used was 1:2:4, the curing age of the laterized con crete was based on 28days curing age, while the compressive strength of the t reated laterized concrete cubes was determined. Th e result of this research showed that the compressive strength of laterized concrete with laterite-fine aggregate ratio variation decre ases when subjected to alternate wetting and drying and increases when subjected to magnesium sulphate (Mg 2SO 4). It was also discovered that a laterized concret e with a laterite-fine aggregate ratio of 20% conditi oned to a temperature range of 100 o C attained optimum compressive strength of 12.90Nmm -2

Highlights

Large areas in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world are covered by lateritic formations, which include soil and concretions
Considering the effect of temperature on the compressive strength of laterized concrete, it shows that for some of the laterized concrete cubes, especially those with laterite-fine aggregate ratio of 20 and 40% with concrete mix 1:2:4 at a curing age of 28 days, temperature had an appreciable impact on the compressive strength of the laterized concrete from 50 – 100oC
The 20% laterite- fine aggregate ratio has the compressive strength increased from 12.40N/mm2 to 12.90N/mm2, 4.03% increase for a temperature range of 50 – 100oC unlike the other percentage replacement, 10 and 30% laterite- fine aggregate ratio in which the compressive strength decreased after subjecting the cubes to increased temperature

Summary

Introduction

Large areas in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world are covered by lateritic formations, which include soil and concretions. Soil and concretions, which are latter being the lateritic aggregate, are components, which are widely used for civil engineering purposes. The most widely used material is concrete which is obtained by mixing cementitious materials, water and aggregates. The hardening is caused by chemical reaction between water and cement and it continues for a long time. It may be considered as an artificial stone in which the voids of larger particles (coarse aggregate) are filled by the smaller particles (fine aggregates) and the voids of fine aggregates are filled with cement. The strength, durability and other characteristics of concrete depend upon the properties of its ingredients, on the proportions of mix, the method of compaction and other controls during placing, and curing

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion