Compressive Strength Class Research Articles

A comparative study on the implementation of carbon and glass fibers wrappings to improve the compressive strength and seismic behavior of concrete

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) wrapping is one of the current approaches for retrofitting projects. This study aims to compare the performance of carbon and glass fibers in increase of compressive strength and improvement of concrete seismic parameters. In this research, three classes of concrete compressive strength (20, 35, and 50 MPa) are considered. The samples are warped with 0, 1, 3, and 5 layers of both fibers and examined under stress–strain tests. The results show that by adding more FRP layers, an increase is seen in compressive strength and seismic parameters. However, their growth rates decline. Moreover, the effect of both types of fibers is greater on improvement of compressive strength and failure strain for higher strength concrete. In contrast, fibers are more influential on lower strength concrete regarding energy absorption and ductility. Carbon and glass fibers are more effective in enhancing of compressive strength and seismic parameters, respectively. Statistical analysis indicates that, by adding more FRP layers, a tangible improvement on compressive strength and seismic parameters of concrete can be observed. That is true, especially for lower strength concrete. Moreover, the results demonstrate that the effect of fibers on the mentioned quantities is generally more than the effect of concrete classes. Finally, the Lam & Teng model shows a good fit with the experimental stress–strain diagrams.

Compressive strength of reduced concrete specimens considering dimensional distortion of coarse aggregates

The present study investigates the mechanical behavior of small cylindrical specimens (∅50 × 100 mm) in relation to the minimum standard size (∅100 × 200 mm) recommended by ASTM and Brazilian codes. Statistical and dimensional analyses were performed for three different classes of compressive strength (20, 30, and 40 MPa), and four grades of coarse aggregates (Dmax 9.5, 12.5, 19, and 25 mm). To this purpose, the Student’s t-Test for two means and equations from the Similitude Theory were applied. The following evaluations were performed: a) influence of the dimensional distortion of aggregates on the compressive strength of small concrete specimens; b) analyses through hypothesis testing between strength means; c) the use of prediction coefficients with statistical reliability for correcting the dimensional distortion of aggregates; and d) influence of the wall effect for different specimen sizes and concrete mixes. The results showed that the reduced and the standard specimens have similar compressive strengths, despite the reduced ones having presented higher variability of results. Also, innovative quantitative results from Wall Effect analysis show agreement with the strength results and illustrate the phenomena from a new perspective.

ЦЕМЕНТНЫЕ СТРОИТЕЛЬНЫЕ ИЗДЕЛИЯ С ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕМ ИЗМЕЛЬЧЕННЫХ ОПТИЧЕСКИХ ДИСКОВ В КАЧЕСТВЕ ЗАПОЛНИТЕЛЯ

The object of study is a cement composite material with powdered utilized optical discs. The objective is to establish the dependences of the main strength characteristics – compressive strength, bending strength, and density – on the amount of waste added into the mixture and the water-cement ratio. The compositions of the mixtures for the production of the cement composite material samples consisted of the following components: cement, sand, powdered waste in the form of utilized optical discs and water. Based on the results of testing the samples, mathematical models have been developed which describe the dependences of the physical and mechanical properties of the cement composite material samples on the fraction of waste and water-cement ratio. It was found that with an increase in the amount of powdered waste added into the mixture, it reduces the compressive strength, bending strength, and density of the samples under study, however, the optimization of the water-cement ratio makes it possible to obtain equal strength compositions with a different fraction of waste. Component compositions of cement composite material mixtures with the addition of powdered utilized optical discs in the amount of 10 to 25 % of the total filler mass, which can provide construction products with a compressive strength class B20, are presented.

Increasing the Monolithic Nature of Masonry Made of Cellular Concrete Blocks by Using Polyurethane Foam Glue as a Masonry Mortar

This study is a continuation of previously published work [1]. The results of experimental determination of the strength of normal adhesion (under axial tension) in masonry made of autoclave–hardened cellular concrete blocks of compressive strength classes B1,5-B3,5 on cement mortars and polyurethane foam adhesives are presented. The tests were carried out in the laboratory of the Department “Reinforced Concrete and Stone Structures” of the Moscow State University of Civil Engineering (National Research University). The experiment was carried out on samples-cubes with a size of 150x150x150 mm, which were cut out of cellular concrete blocks, fastened (glued) together using masonry (binding) compositions. In the course of the study, it was found that when using various polyurethane foam glue compositions in masonry made of cellular concrete blocks of compressive strength classes B1,5–B3,5, the resistance to axial stretching over an unbound section (normal adhesion) of the masonry increases by approximately 9–25%. It was also found that the nature of the destruction of samples made on polyurethane foam adhesives (destruction occurs along the body of concrete), indicates the monolithic nature of the masonry. The analysis of the results obtained makes it possible to conclude that the resistance to axial tension along the unbound section of the masonry depends on the strength of the material from which the block is made, and not on the compressive strength of the masonry (binder) mortar used, as indicated in table 11 of SP 15.13330.2012 “Stone and reinforced masonry structures”. This factor must be taken into account when calculating masonry from autoclave-hardened cellular concrete blocks on polyurethane foam compositions.

Mechanical properties of steel and polymer fiber reinforced concrete

AbstractThe present study aimed to investigate the influence of a number of fiber parameters including fiber type, content and hybridization on strength and ductility of polymer fiber reinforced concrete (PFRC) and steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) used mostly in tunneling practices as the primary shotcrete lining. Numerous cylindrical and prismatic beams were casted and undergone various tests in which main previously mentioned fiber traits varied. It was understood that SFRC excels at every mechanical feature in comparison to PFRC; however, such transcendence found predominant in compressive strength but marginal in flexural and tensile strength. Despite being classified under different compressive strength classes (SFRC in the upper and PFRC in the lower class) according to EFNARC, both FRC types fell under a similar flexural class (at 4% of fiber fraction); a result possibly in debt to excellent bonding properties and more slender polymer fibers. Tensile strength of PFRC was measured lower than SFRC. Augmentation of fiber content positively affected mechanical characteristics of FRC at most cases. Hybridization of different fibers at a specific range of fiber mixing proportions was observed to have advantageous impacts on ductility and strength of a more corrosive resistant and cost efficient hybrid fiber reinforced concrete (HFRC).

Numerical studies of strength of concrete cylinders for compression

Relevance. The choice of adequate models of materials and deformation diagrams is of great importance when performing structural calculations in a nonlinear setting. Since there are no instructions on how to use the deformation diagrams of concrete and reinforcement when working together, given in SP 63.13330.2018, it is necessary to introduce assumptions for modeling reinforced concrete structures with finite elements of the same type. The aims of the work are to conduct numerical experiments on testing concrete cylinders for uniaxial compression and to verify the results with normative data. Methods. Numerical experiments were performed in the LS-DYNA software package. This program complex allows to simulate the joint work of concrete and reinforcement with the help of volume (for concrete) and rod (for reinforcement) finite elements. A cylinder with a diameter of 150 mm and a height of 300 mm was taken as model. Samples were modeled by volumetric finite elements. The CSCM - Continuous Surface Cap Model is a nonlinear material used to model concrete. Tests were carried out with samples of the following classes of concrete for cylindrical compressive strength: C12, C16, C20, C25, C30, C35, C40, C45, C50, C55. This corresponds to the following classes of cubic compressive strength: B15, B20, B25, B30, B37, B45, B50, B55, B60, B67. Results. The conducted researches have shown that the character of destruction of samples at numerical experiment corresponds to the character of destruction at tests. The investigated concrete model CSCM can be used in the calculation of concrete and reinforced concrete structures for the main classes of concrete, when taking into account the transition from cubic to prismatic strength and additional correction factors to cylindrical strength.

DEVELOPMENT OF COMPOSITIONS OF FILLED INSULATORS BASED ON SECONDARY RAW FOR MONOLITHIC HIGH-STRENGTH CONCRETE

Objectives Development of compositions filled with binders based on recycled materials for monolithic high-strength concrete.Method The research methods adopted in the work are based on the theoretical principles and laws of designing and optimizing polydisperse multicomponent systems, the phase and structure formation of clinker minerals, the logic of mathematical calculations, the technological features of the structure formation of composite masses, the theoretical principles of controlling the rheological processes of mixes. All experimental data presented in the work were obtained according to the methods of current regulatory documents (GOST, recommendations, etc.).Result The paper provides an analysis of the experience of using recycled materials in the form of products of demolition of buildings and structures, the technology for producing secondary raw materials for concrete on their basis. Formulations filled with binders with an activity of 60-71 MPa with finely dispersed mineral fillers from concrete scrap and brick combat with a ratio of 70:30%, respectively, were developed and investigated.Conclusion The optimal formulations of highly mobile concrete mixtures were designed using local natural and technogenic raw materials with a grade of P5 cone sediment and persistence for more than 8 hours to obtain high-strength classes of compressive strength up to B60-B80 with unique operational properties.

Variability of environmental impact of ready-mix concrete: a case study for Brazil

Life Cycle Assessment is a powerful tool towards sustainable construction, but it often relies on average impact results, failing to identify the dispersion of environmental impact among construction product manufacturers. This work presents cradle-to-gate impact results for ready-mix concrete production, based on primary data provided by several plants in Brazil, and the associated variability among plants and in the upstream processes of cement and sand production. Four compressive strength classes are considered. Concrete, cement and aggregates inventories are modeled with Brazilian information and other upstream processes are based on ecoinvent. EN 15804 impact categories are assessed. The ranges between minimum and maximum impact values can be as large as 7.2 times the average impact result of the analyzed sample, which shows that the variability among manufacturers is high and decisions based on average impacts may be highly misleading. For some impact categories, the differences among concrete plants (mix design, cement type and operational conditions) represent the highest contribution for variability, while for others the dominant variation comes from upstream processes, especially clinker production. These results indicate a high potential for process improvement and that manufacturer selection based on environmental performance can be an effective strategy for sustainable construction.

Calcium Sulfoaluminate Cement and Fly Ash-based Geopolymer as Sustainable Binders for Mortars

This work investigates the hydration behaviour and the physico-mechanical properties of mortars based on calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cements and fly ash-based geopolymers (GEO) as alternatives to ordinary Portland cement. According to the EN 1504-3, mortars were prepared in order to reach three compressive strength classes, namely R1, R2 and R3 (R1 with Rc = 10 MPa, R2 with Rc = 15 MPa and R3 with Rc = 25 MPa). CSA mortars were prepared by using sulfoaluminate cement alone (R3) or in mixture with a limestone filler (R1 and R2); GEO mortars were manufactured by alkali-activation of coal fly ash and calcium aluminate cement with a sodium silicate and potassium hydroxide water solution. The hydration behaviour was evaluated on pastes submitted to differential thermal-thermogravimetric and X-ray diffraction analyses. Mortars was analysed through mercury intrusion porosimetry; their mechanical properties were evaluated in terms of compressive strength and dynamic modulus of elasticity. Furthermore, capillary water absorption and drying shrinkage tests were carried out in order to evaluate their durability. Due to the rapid ettringite formation, CSA-based mixtures reached their maximum compressive strength values faster than the corresponding GEO mortars. Results showed that the lower modulus of elasticity of GEO mortars causes the higher drying shrinkage. Moreover, the lower porosity exhibited by GEO mortars was responsible for the lower water capillary absorption.

Performance of Medium Strength of Steel Fibre Reinforced Self-Compacting Concrete (SFRSCC)

This paper presents the physical and mechanical performance of steel fibre reinforced self-compacting concrete (SFRSCC) using fly ash as cement replacement at 30% by weight of cement. It is understood that the weakness of concrete is the tensile resistance which is can be improve with the addition of steel fibre. This paper deals with the medium compressive strength class of SCC (30-40MPa) with the inclusion of hooked-end steel fibres. Four design mixes of SFRSCC with different steel fibres contents (0%,0.5%,0.75%,1.0% and 1.25%) were designed. The fresh properties of SCC and SFRSCC were tested through slump flow, V-funnel L-box and sieve segregation to characterize the self-compactability characteristics of the mixes. Hardened properties of SCC and SFRSCC were determined through compressive test, flexural test and tensile test. Results shows that there is negative influence on the fresh state properties of SFRSCC with steel fibre content of 1% and more. The highest compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and flexural strength achieved by SFRSCC with optimum volume of 0.75% steel fibre.

Design of the composition of alkali activated portland cement using mineral additives of technogenic origin

This paper reports results of the development of cement compositions and production technology for common cement systems cement clinker – mineral additives – alkaline activator – water-reducing admixture, which contain more than 60 % by weight of mineral additives. The additives have been selected from the group: granulated blast furnace slag, ash from thermal power plants (fly ash and disposed ash) and red mud (waste of alumina production). The relevance of the work relates to the need to improve a number of indicators that limit the widespread application of traditional cements, highly filled with waste (slag portland cement), in particular, early strength and setting terms. We have devised basic principles of the structural arrangement of cement compositions, as well as show the technology of their production. It was established that in terms of the requirements based on acting Ukrainian and European standards, in particular EN 197-1, the designed cements are not inferior to the EN cements, CEM I, CEM II, CEM III, in their characteristics, but even outperform them for strength. The developed cement compositions, which contain the portland clinker in the amount not exceeding 40 % by weight, meet the requirements of the EN standard for the classes of compressive strength (at the age of 28 days) 32,5N − 32,5R; 42,5R − 52,5R. We have investigated the influence of alkaline components on the structure formation processes of artificial stone in the alkaline activated cement at different levels. It was established that an increase in the alkalinity of a cement environment predetermines a decrease in the basicity of the phase composition of neo formations of cement at the micro level, as well as contributes to increasing the total porosity of an artificial stone, which, at the same time, tends to closing and decreases over time.

Properties of blastfurnace cements (CEM III/A, B, C) based on Portland cement clinker, blastfurnace slag and cement kiln dusts

This study has examined the effectiveness of characteristically different cement kiln dusts (CKDs) as a partial replacement for the ground granulated blastfurnace slag (GGBFS) in the development and production of three types of blastfurnace cements (CEM III/A, B, C) according to the standard EN 197-1.27 CEM III cement blends, 9 blends per type of cement, i.e., CEM III/A, CEM III/B and CEM III/C, were prepared in the laboratory mill from industrial starting materials (Portland cement clinker, gypsum, GGBFS, CKDs). The addition of gypsum as the setting regulator was fixed at 4 mass % in all blends studied. The content of both CKDs (cement clinker dust and cement filter dust) as slag replacements was 4 mass % in all CKD blends studied. The ordinary Portland cement (OPC) type CEM I 42.5N was used as the control cement. The results have shown that the chemical composition and chemical and physical properties of prepared CEM III/A, B, C cement blends meet the EN 197-1 requirements. Strength development in these cement blends is obviously related to the Portland cement clinker-to-GGBFS ratio. When compared to OPC, the blastfurnace cement developed lower compressive strength at early ages, but equal or higher at later ages in more cases, i.e., all 9 CEM III/A and 7 CEM III/B cement blends meet, while no CEM III/C cement blend meets the EN 197-1 requirements for standard compressive strength Class 42.5N. From the perspective of strength, the presence of the cement clinker dust is more effective than that of the cement filter dust due to their different chemical and mineralogical compositions.

Comparison of Mechanical Properties of Lightweight and Normal Weight Concretes Reinforced with Steel Fibers

Compared to conventional concrete, lightweight concrete is more brittle in nature however, in many situations its application is advantageous due to its lower weight. The associated brittleness issue can be, to some extent, addressed by incorporation of discrete fibers. It is now established that fibers modify some fresh and hardened concrete properties. However, evaluation of those properties for lightweight fiber-reinforced concrete (LWFC) against conventional/normal weight concrete of similar strength class has not been done before. Current study not only discusses the change in these properties for lightweight concrete after the addition of steel fibers, but also presents a comparison of these properties with conventional concrete with and without fibers. Both the lightweight and conventional concrete were reinforced with similar types and quantity of fibers. Hooked end steel fibers were added in the quantities of 0, 20, 40 and 60kg/m3. For similar compressive strength class, results indicate that compared to normal weight fiber-reinforced concrete (NWFC), lightweight fiber-reinforced concrete (LWFC) has better fresh concrete properties, but performs poorly when tested for hardened concrete properties.

Effect of mixing method on the mini-slump spread of Portland cement pastes

Abstract The current compressive strength test for cement classification is performed under a fixed water to cement ratio according to the Brazilian and European standards, regardless the consistency obtained. However, under practical conditions the amount of water required is related to the rheological need to obtain and maintain a desired workability. Intrinsic cement characteristics influence the water demand such as the cement particle’s granulometry, specific surface area, density, the presence or not of water reducing admixtures, chemical and mineralogical nature of raw materials, etc., influence particles agglomeration state. Because water demand influences the mechanical properties of cement based products, the compressive strength class under a fixed water to solids ratio specified by the standards may not be representative for the user. The present work investigates the influence of mixing conditions on mini-slump spread results, a test that has been used for many years but never standardized. Cement paste samples were produced with varied mixing conditions (time and rotation speed) using a conventional stirrer and subjected to mini-slump spread test immediately after mixing and at fixed hydration times. Results show that mixing and hydration time do influence on mini-slump spread. At lower rotation speeds, results variability increases. Under fixed time after first contact with water, increasing rotation speed leads in a reduction of results variability and increase the test’s repeatability on cement pastes.

Influence of microcapsule size and shell polarity on thermal and mechanical properties of thermoregulating geopolymer concrete for passive building applications

Microencapsulated phase change materials (MPCM) were added to geopolymer concrete (GPC) for utilization as a thermal energy storage concrete for passive building applications. Three different MPCM were compared to examine the influence of the hygroscopic nature of the MPCM shell, the PCM core/polymer shell ratio, and the MPCM size on the microstructure, thermal properties and compressive strength of GPC. The combination of a hygroscopic nature of the polymer shell, a high core/shell ratio, and a small MPCM size were found to improve the interface bonds between microcapsules and the GPC matrix, increase the energy storage capacity of GPC, and results in a good dispersion of MPCM in the GPC matrix. After adding 5.2 wt% MPCM to GPC, the power consumption for stabilizing the indoor temperature at 23 °C may be reduced by up to 18.5 ± 0.3% for GPC containing PS-DVB/RT27 (paraffin Rubitherm®RT27 core and a shell of polystyrene cross-linked with divinylbenzene), 20.1 ± 0.7% for GPC containing PMMA/PCM26 (paraffin mixture core with a crosslinked polymethyl methacrylate shell) and 25.9 ± 0.3% for GPC containing MF/PCM24 (paraffin mixture core with a melamine–formaldehyde polymer shell). Adding MPCM to GPC induces a higher amount of air pockets, which weaken the compressive strength. Unfortunately, the same parameters that are advantageous for reducing the energy consumption also results in a greater decline of the compressive strength. The compressive strength is further reduced when the microcapsule core is in its liquid state. However, the compressive strength still satisfies the mechanical European regulation (EN 206-1, compressive strength class C20/25) for concrete applications, except for GPC containing 5.2 wt% of MF/PCM24.

Compressive strength values dispersion of side-mixed and ready-mixed concretes

Abstract Compressive strength testing method has been widely used as indirect way for evaluate the concrete quality, due to it simplest execution, reliability of the results achieved and low cost of execution. Independently, if the concrete was side or ready-mixed, it is necessary to achieve the compressive strength requirements stated during structure design, essentially because this parameter allows the obtainment of the average strength of the reinforced concrete structure analyzed. Following, as for ready-mixed, as for side-mixed concretes, it is need to ensure the correspondence between the concrete design parameters and the concrete mixed, namely these parameters are summarized in terms of the compressive strength and homogeneity in the different phases of the construction. This way, the present work aims to do the analysis of the dispersions of the compressive strength of concretes mixtures (corresponding to compressive strength classes of 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 MPa), and identify some influence factors, in this case, the influence of the workers team variation. Two mixtures (35 MPa and 40 MPa) were ready-mixed, while five of the concrete mixtures were side-mixed, by five different worker’s group with same time of experience on concrete’s manufacture. The results demonstrate that the variation of the workers team presents a high influence for the homogeneity of the compressive strength of the concrete.

Synthesis of microcrystalline brownmillerite Ca2(Al,Fe)2O5 and its influence of mechanical properties to the class G oil-well cement

This study investigated the use of calcium oxide (CaO), aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and ferric oxide (Fe2O3) as raw materials for the production of brownmillerite Ca2(Al,Fe)2O5, after firing at 1330, 1350 and 1370 °C. Lithofacies analysis, SEM/EDS and XRD were used to analyze the phase transition and microstructure of the clinkers during the firing process, and the contents of free calcium oxide (f-CaO) in the clinkers were determined by chemical titration. The results showed that the optimum temperature for the preparation of brownmillerite was 1370 °C (within the selected temperature range). By firing and quenching, microcrystalline brownmillerite (MB) was obtained (crystallinity index was 0.7). Compared with the compressive strength of class G oil-well cement matrix (M0) without MB, the compressive strength of specimens (M4) with 4 wt% MB addition increased by 67, 12, 20 and 33% (after curing for 1, 3, 7 and 14 d, respectively). meanwhile, the elastic modulus of M4 (after curing for 7 d) was reduced by 24% relative to that of M0, indicating that the mechanical properties of M4 were better than that of M0. To investigate the effect of microcrystalline brownmillerite on the strength and toughness of the class G oil-well cement matrix, triaxial testing was used in this study, and the toughening mechanisms were established.

The application of sodium hydroxide and anhydrous borax as composite activator of class F fly ash for extending setting time

The successful application of class F fly ash in oil and gas wells can not only solve the problem of waste product pollution, but also can modify the quality of well cementing under some critical downhole conditions. However, class F fly ash is not normally used for well cementing directly because of the short setting time. The aim of this paper is designed to reveal the influence of alkali activator on the setting time of class F fly ash and develop one new type of composite activator to extend the setting time to realize the application of class F fly ash in oil and gas well. Results show that the influence of alkali activator on setting time could be expressed by the effect of activator on the concentration of [AlO4] and [SiO4] tetrahedrons. High concentration of [AlO4] tetrahedron plays a key role in setting time and act as polymerization inhibitor. Due to the repulsion between [BO4] and [AlO4] tetrahedrons and [BO4] tetrahedrons themselves, the setting time of class F fly ash with composite activator of sodium hydration and anhydrous borax is long enough for well cementing at 60 and 75°C. The effect of anhydrous borax on setting time is related to the concentration of alkali and temperature. Although anhydrous borax has negative effect on the hardening of the considered specimens, the compressive strength of class F fly ash with proper composite activator still meets the demand of cementing engineering.

Experimental and analytical study of bond behavior between recycled aggregate concrete and steel bars using a pullout test

The paper presents the results of an experimental program carried out on 96 concrete pullout specimens prepared with natural and recycled aggregates using 10 and 12 mm diameter deformed steel bars. Steel rebars were concentrically embedded in pullout specimens with two embedded length of 5 and 10 times the rebar diameter. The present work includes six recycled concrete aggregate mixtures and two conventional concrete mixtures with C25/30 and C35/45 target class of compressive strength and S4 class of workability. For both series, specimens were fabricated with different incorporation ratios of fine and coarse recycled aggregates and only coarse recycled aggregates.Tensile load was applied gradually until the pullout failure occurred and the slip between the rebar and concrete was measured at the free and loaded ends for each loading level. Furthermore, systematic observations of failure surface have been made at both macroscopic and microscopic scales. Test results showed that for the same class of compressive strength the bond strength and related failure mechanisms remain very close and the obtained values are, at least, four times higher than the predicted values by Eurocode 2.The experimental results of this study, together with an extensive number of results reported in the literature, were used to describe the variation of bond strength with concrete compressive strength, embedded length, and concrete cover. In addition, an analytical bond‐slip relationship is proposed and the parameters of bond‐slip law were calibrated by an optimization algorithm.

Sustainable Use of Reservoir Sediment through Partial Application in Building Material

Sediment, often considered a by-product of various activities within river basin management to be disposed of, or a pollutant to be controlled, is increasingly being acknowledged as a resource in need of management. The paper deals with the possibility of reusing sediment from two Slovak reservoirs (Klusov and Ruzin) as an alternative raw material in concrete production. Concrete specimens were prepared by a combination of original reservoir sediment, reservoir sediment mechanically activated by dry milling, reservoir sediment mechanically activated by dry milling together with biomass incinerator fly-ash as a binder. To improve the strength properties of specimens, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was used as a sediment activator. Mixtures containing 40% of binder replacement by the above-mentioned combinations of original and treated sediments were tested for flexural and compressive strengths after 28, 90 and 365 days of curing. The results showed that the mixtures prepared from sediments milled without and with addition of fly ash as cement replacement satisfied the strength requirements for the compressive strength class C16/20 according to the European standard except the composites prepared with NaOH as the sediment activator. Addition of NaOH into composites in the concentration of 5 M as an activator of sediment indicated the negative impact on compressive and flexural strengths and thus NaOH was not an effective pozzolanic activator for sediments. This study reveals that the sediment may be considered as 40% cement substitution in building materials.