Production of Lightweight Concrete Using Corncob Ash as Replacement of Cement in Concrete

Abstract

One of the biggest issues, all over the world is getting affordable house to the community. In developing countries, where it is difficult for most people to satisfy basic needs, construction of modern house is a big challenge. Different ways were tried by researchers and scholars to find alternative construction materials. One of this is replacing the costly construction material of cement with locally available material, especially with those considered as waste. Corncob is an agricultural waste, which is considered as one of binding materials. Very few researchers tried to use corncob ash as a means of producing lightweight concrete. So, this research was aimed to check whether corncob ash is used to produce lightweight concrete by replacing cement as a binding material or not. In order to reach on conclusion, corncob was collected from agricultural farmers and burned in furnace at a temperature of 850°C. The burned ash powder was sieved in order to remove coarser material and replacement of cement was done by 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, and 35% with corncob ash. For each replacement, including control, 3 samples were prepared based on ASTM standards. After curing for 7 and 28 days in curing tank, the weight and compressive strength of samples were checked. Based on the experimental result, as the percentage of corncob ash increase, the weight of cubes decreased and 15% and above corn cob ash replacement makes concrete cubes lightweight. The compressive strength was also decreasing as the amount of replacement increase. However, up to 15% replacement, compressive strength is found within the range of concrete grade requirement.