Predicting Strength Properties of High-Performance Concrete Modified with Natural Aggregates and Ferroslag under Varied Curing Conditions

Abstract

High-performance concrete (HPC) is obtained by inclusion of mineral admixtures like silica fumes and fly ash to the normal concrete. Consumption of natural materials such as sand, natural aggregates, and limestone produces environmental degradation. Similarly, industrial by-products such as fly ash, silica fume, and ferro slag need to be safely disposed of without negatively impacting the environment. The problem being addressed in this study is the need to develop high-performance concrete (HPC) that is durable and environmentally friendly. In recent years, the use of natural aggregates and ferro slag as partial replacements for traditional aggregates has gained attention as a sustainable alternative in the production of concrete. However, there is limited research on the effect of these materials on the mechanical and durability properties of HPC under varied curing conditions. In this current research, high-performance concrete of M60 grade with partial substitution of coarse aggregate with ferro slag aggregate was formed as per the recommendations of the American Concrete Institute with the inclusion of fly ash and silica fume. Natural coarse aggregate was partly substituted by ferro slag aggregate in proportions from 0% to 40%. Partial substitution of cement was made with 15% of fly ash and 10% of silica fumes. Specimens of normal concrete mix (MF0) and modified ferro slag aggregate concrete mix (MF20, MF30, and MF40) were prepared and subjected to acid test, sulphate test, and alternate wet and drying tests to assess the compressive strength of the concrete mixes. Central composite design (CCD) of RSM modelling was adopted to recommend a regression model to forecast the compressive strength of concrete under wetting drying test, acid test, and sulphate attack. Further, natural aggregate, ferro slag, and duration of curing were considered as basic variables to suggest the model. Regression models for response data were evaluated using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pareto charts. The results show that the mix MF30 (30% substitution of natural aggregate by ferro slag aggregate) had higher compressive strength. The residual compressive strength at 270 days under alternate wetting and drying, acid attack, and sulphate attack was obtained as 62 MPa, 62.50 MPa, and 66.50 MPa, respectively. Similarly, the percentage loss of weight was obtained as 12.92%, 12.22%, and 6.60% for alternate wetting and drying, acid attack, and sulphate attack, respectively. The findings of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicate that the most significant factors influencing the variables C S W D , C S A T , and C S S T are natural aggregate, ferro slag, and curing period. The regression models for C S W D , C S A T , and C S S T are extremely significant, as shown by the ANOVA and Pareto chart analyses.