EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION

ON
FLYASH BASED MICROSILICA CONCRETE

BY
 ABSTRACT

• This project work presents the strength characteristics of fly ash based micro silica
concrete .
• It is an innovative and eco-friendly construction material and an alternative to Portland
cement concrete.
• Use of micro silica reduces the demand of Portland cement which is responsible for
high emission of carbon-dioxide .
• Fly ash is a by product of coal obtained from thermal power plants . this is rich in silica
and alumina reacts with alkaline solutions which comprises of sodium hydroxide and
sodium silicate.
• Micro silica is a by product from the silicon and ferrosilicon alloy production.
• The river sand is most popular choice for the fine aggregate component of the concrete.
• But in recent times excessive use of material has led to depleting of securable river sand
deposits and also increases in price.
• It is desirable to replace sand with different alternative materials like quarry dust ,
construction and demolition waste and spent fire bricks.
• The present work involves to investigate the mechanical properties like compressive strength of
micro silica concrete.
• Comparing with the results of M40 grade to reduce the usage of cement and sand .
• On replacement of cement with fly ash and micro silica at 10% , 20% , 30% ,by weight of
cement .
• Accelerated curing is adopted which generally gives early and more strength when compared to
normal curing
• Conventional curing also adopted which gives the strength value at 28 day.
 LITRATURE REVIEW ON FLY ASH

Fattuhi and Hugle (1987):-

 In his presentation stated that different cement pastes and concrete mixes were prepared using
ordinary Portland cement and subjected to sulphuric acid attack.
 The main parameters investigated included w/c ratio (and cement content) and age of the
cementitious materials. 102 mm cubes were immersed in a channel containing an approximately
2% solution of continuously flowing sulphuric acid.
 The changes in weight with time for each cube were determined continuously up to a maximum
exposure period of 50 days.
 . The results indicated that the deterioration of the cubes for this high acid concentration
decreased with a decrease in the cement content.
Fareed Ahmed Memon et al (2010):-
In this study concrete cube are made with OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement) and with different
configurations of fly-ash by replacing cement and fine aggregate.
To achieve the aim of this study, total 81 concrete cubes were cast. Among 81 cubes, 9 cubes were
made with normal concrete, 36 cubes were made by replacing 25, 50, 75 and 100% of fine aggregate
with fly-ash and 36 cubes were made by replacing 10, 25, 50 and 75% of cement with fly ash.
. The cubes were 6”X6” in , and the mix design was aimed for 5000 psi. After proper curing of all 82
cubes, they were tested at 3, 7 and 28 days curing age. The cubes were tested in Forney Universal
Testing Machine.
The compressive strength of concrete cubes made by replacing 100% fine aggregate by fly-ash was
higher than the concrete cubes made with OPC at all 3, 7 and 28 days curing ages.
On the other hand, the compressive strength of concrete cubes made by replacing 50 and 75% of
cement by fly-ash were quite lower than the concrete cubes made with OPC at all curing ages.
Jayeshkumar Pitroda et al (2012):-
 It is shown in this paper that this research work describes the feasibility of using the
thermal industry waste in concrete production as partial replacement of cement.
 . The use of fly-ash in concrete formulations as a supplementary cementitious
material was tested as an alternative to traditional concrete.
 The cement has been replaced by fly-ash accordingly in the range of 0% (without fly
ash), 10%, 20%, 30% & 40% by weight of cement for M-25 and M-40 mix.
 Concrete mixtures were produced, tested and compared in terms of compressive and
split strength with the conventional concrete.
 These tests were carried out to evaluate the mechanical properties for the test results
for compressive strength up to 28 days and split strength for 56 days are taken.
 LITERATURE REVIEW
MICRO SILICA

1. Verma ajay et al, (2012) :- Have studied the effect of micro silica and the
strength of concrete with ordinary Portland cement. They observed that silica
fume increases the strength of concrete and reduces capillary pores.
2. T.Shanmugapriya (2013): Strength and Studied the influence of silica fume
on M60 concrete and found that 7.5% of silica fume replacement increases the
maximum compressive strength, split tensile flexural strength.
3. Ye Qing et al, (2007) :- Studied the influence of silica fume and nano silica
individually on fresh concrete and hardened concrete and found that consistency
and setting times were different for NS and SF.
 NS makes cement paste thicker and accelerated the hydration process which
improves the bond strength and compressive strength when compared with that of
SF in concrete.
 CONCLUSIONS

 In the literature it is found that the concrete is made with various admixtures to improve its properties .
 Extensive research work has been seen in usage of fly ash and micro silica as partial replacement of cement
 But not much study is found in the literature for usage of all these two admixtures for working the economic
concrete.
 There is no such research is seen concrete cured at short time
 Hence the project work is completed
 MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY

Introduction
 This chapter deals with the mix design for M40 conventional concrete .
 The concrete mix for M40 grade as per IS 10262-2009 has been used.
 The specified concrete grade involves the economical selection of relative proportions of cement ,
fine aggregate ,coarse aggregate and water.
 Although compliance with respect to characteristics strength is the main criteria for acceptance .
 It is implicit that concrete must also have desired workability in the fresh state and impermeability
and durability in hardened state
 MIX DESIGN FOR M40 GRADE CONCRETE

• Mix design on recommended guide lines is a process of assessiting the optimum

combination of ingredients initially and final mix proportion is obtained only on the
basis of further trail mixes .

• To arrive at a concrete mix design M40 concrete is carried as per IS code

• Specific gravity of cement 3.12
• Specific gravity of fine aggregate 2.65
• Specific gravity of coarse aggregate 2.6
• Water absorption

Coarse aggregate 0.5%

Fine aggregate 1.0%
 Maximum water - cement ratio 0.45
 Maximum water content 197 liters/m3
 Vol of cement 438.5 kg/m3
 Vol of coarse aggregate 794.5 kg/m3
 Vol of fine aggregate 696.5 kg/m3
 For w/c Ratio 0.45 the quantities are1:1.5:1.8
 METHODOLOGY – CONVENTIONAL CONCRETE
• The methodology used for making the conventional concrete is given below.it consists
of mainly four steps.
STEP 1: Preparatory Modules
a) Collection of materials
b) Mix design for the work – M40 grade concrete
STEP 2: Work Planned
a) Casting of 3 cubes , 3 cylinders in conventional method
b) Coarse and fine aggregate ratios = 1.20
c) Water – cement ratio = 0.45
• STEP 3: Specimens and testing
a) Specimens are casted for every mix
b) Compressive testing is done at 28 days under normal curing condition – 3 samples each
 STEP 4: Results
Results are noted after 28 days under normal curing conditions and mean results are calculated for
respective compressive strength of cubes and cylinders
 MIX DESIGN FOR MICRO SILICA CONCRETE

• Amar Devendra Shitole and Sandhya Mathapati have noted that unlike
conventional cement concretes Micro silica concretes are a new class of construction
materials and therefore no standard mix design approaches are yet available for micro
silica .

• Micro silica involves more constituents in its binder ,Whose interactions and final
structure and chemical composition are under intense research
  ASSUME THAT NORMAL DENSITY AGGREGATES ,THE COMBINED
AGGREGATES MAY BE SELECTED TO MATCH THE STANDARD GRADING
CURVES USED IN THE DESIGN OF PORTLAND CEMENT CONCRETE MIXES

• The unit weight of concrete = 2400 kg/m3

• The mass of combined aggregate = 1491 kg/m3
• Mass of coarse aggregate = 795kg/m3
• Mass of fine aggregate = 696 kg/m3
• Mass of cement = 438 kg/m3
• Mass of fly ash = 7.7 kg/m3
• Mass of micro silica = 7.7 kg/m3
• For w/c ratio o.45 the quantities are 1:1.5:1.8
 METHODOLOGY – MICRO SILICA CONCRETE

• STEP 1: Preparatory Modules

a) Collection of materials
b) Mix design for the work – Micro silica
c) Cement replaced with fly ash and micro silica at 10% , 20% , 30% .
 Step 2: Work Planned
a) Casting of 3 cubes , 3cylindersfor every mix
b) Coarse and fine aggregate ratios = 1.20
c) Water – cement ratio = 0.45
• Step 3: Cubes and testing

a) Specimens are casted for every mix

b) Compressive testing is done under accelerated and conventional curing conditions – 3 samples each

 Step 4: Results

I. Results are noted after curing under accelerate curing tank ,and conventional curing at 28 days .the
curing follows according to the code rules , conditions .
II. Mean results are calculated for respective compressive strength of cubes and cylinders
III. Comparative results are analysed between conventional and accelerator curing of micro silica
concrete.
 SUMMARY
• Finally the quantities of cement , coarse aggregate ,fine aggregate are calculated for
conventional and accelerator micro silica concrete by using mix design procedure .

• Specimens were casted for various mixes .

• Testing is done for the compressive strength of cubes and cylinders and test results are
noted
 EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
Introduction

• This chapter presents the experimental study on the behaviour of cubes and cylinders with micro silica
concrete.

• This chapter gives a brief overview of the casting of specimens, test set-up and testing procedures.

• Experimental investigations are carried out on specimens to ascertain the strength of micro silica concrete.

• The compressive strength and spilt tensile strength of concrete mixes using 10%, 20% and 30% replacement
of cement with fly ash and micro silica of concrete mix under accelerated curing and normal curing at 28
days are done.

• Total of 36 specimens of cubes and cylinders were tested. Out of 6 are made of M40 conventional concrete.
The following materials are used:
• Ordinary Portland cement, 53 Grade conforming to IS:12269-1987.
• Fly ash this conforms to Grade 1 as per IS 3812:2003.
• Locally available quarried and crushed blue granite stones conforming to graded aggregate
of nominal size 20mm as per IS: 383-1970.
• Locally available river sand conforming to grading zone II of IS: 383-1970.
• Water: Normal ground water for concreting and curing.
There are major materials used in the concrete mix
• Cement
• Fly ash
• Micro silica
• Sand
• Coarse aggregate
• Water
Experimental study on materials.
• Following are the various test performed on materials like cement, fly ash, micro silica, fine aggregate
and coarse aggregate. It is also studied about the chemical composition of fly ash, micro silica and sand.
Tests on cement
• Specific gravity
• Standard consistency
• Initial setting time
• Final setting time
• Fineness
• Soundness
 SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF CEMENT
Sr. No Description Weight (Kg)
1 Empty weight of empty bottle 0.455
(w1)
2 Empty weight+ water (w2) 1.125
3 Empty weight + kerosene 0.980
(w3)
4 Empty weight +kerosene+ 1.025
cement (w4)
5 Weight of cement 0.050

From table specific gravity of cement is performed by taking the empty weight of bottle, weight of water, weight of
kerosene and weight of cement.

specific gravity is determined as 3.12.

• Test results: The following results are obtained from laboratory tests
• Soundness of cement = 0.53mm
• Fineness of cement = 95%
• Standard consistency = 32%
• Initial setting time = 30 min
• Final setting time = 350 min for the future tests
Tests on Fly ash cement

• Fly ash, which is largely made up of silicon dioxide and calcium dioxide, can be used as a
substitute for portland cement, or as a supplement to it.
• The materials which made up of fly ash are pozzolanic, meaning that they can be used to bind
cement materials together.
• Pozzolanic materials, including fly ash cement, add durability and strength to concrete.
 SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF FLY ASH
Sr.No Description Weight (Kg)

1 Empty weight of empty 0.455

bottle (w1)
2 Empty weight + water (w2) 1.125
3 Empty weight + kerosene 0.980
(w3)
4 Empty weight + kerosene + 1.025
fly ash (w4)
5 Weight of fly ash 0.050

From table specific gravity of fly ash is performed by taking the empty weight of bottle, weight of water, weight of kerosene
and weight of fly ash.

specific gravity has been determined as 2.10.

Test results: The following results are obtained from laboratory test.
• Fineness of fly ash is 92%.
Tests on Micro silica cement

• Micro silica in concrete contributes to strength and durability two ways: as a pozzolana, micro silica
provides a more uniform distribution and a greater volume of hydration products;

• As a filler, micro silica decreases the average size of pores in the cement paste. Used as an
admixture, micro silica can improve the properties of both fresh and hardened concrete.

• Used as a partial replacement for cement, micro silica can substitute for energy-consuming cement
without sacrifice of quality.
• Addition of micro silica to a concrete mix alters the cement paste structure. The resulting paste
contains more of the strong calcium-silicate hydrates and less of the weak and easily soluble
calcium hydroxides than do ordinary cement pastes.
• Because the micro silica particles are so small they disperse among and separate the cement
particles. The resulting fine, uniform matrix can give markedly higher compressive and bond
strength.
 SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF MICRO SILICA
Sr. No Description Weight
(Kg)
Empty weight of empty bottle(w1) 0.455

1
Empty weight +water(w2) 1.125

2
Empty weight +kerosene(w3) 0.980

3
Emptyweight+kerosene+ microsilica 1.025
(w
From table specific gravity of micro silica is performed by taking
4)
the empty weights of bottles, weight of water, weight of
4
kerosene and weight of micro silica.
Weight of micro silica 0.050
specific gravity has been determined as 2.20.
Test results: The following results are obtained from laboratory test.
• Fineness of micro silica is 95%. 5
 Tests on fine aggregate

• In the present investigation, the river sand, which was locally available, was used as fine aggregate and the
following tests were carried out on sand.
• The specific gravity test conducted on fine aggregate in the laboratory for calculating the mix design, values
observed are tabulated below.
• River sand and gravel provide greater workability to concrete than crushed sand. For a given volume or
weight, it has less surface and less void, so excess paste is available to give better lubricating effect.
• Due to rounded shape it has less friction resistance. Because of the above mentioned reasons rounded
aggregate shows a high workability as compared to angular, flaky or elongated aggregates
SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF FINE AGGREGATE
Sr.N Description Weight (kg)
o
1 Empty weight of measuring bottle 0.560
(w1)

2 Empty weight + fine aggregate 0.860

(w2)
3 Empty weight +fine aggregate 1.550
+water
(w3)
4 Empty weight +water 1.360
(w4)
From table specific gravity of sand is performed by taking the empty weights of bottle, weight of water,
weight of kerosene and weight of sand. And specific gravity has been determined as 2.4.
• Test results: The following results are obtained from laboratory test.
• Bulking of fine aggregate = 12.8 at 6%.
• Fineness modulus of fine aggregate = 2.47 conducted on fine aggregate.
 SIEVE ANALYSIS OF FINE AGGREGATE

Sieve size Cumulative % of passing

4.75 mm 98.8
2.36 mm 96.8
1.18 mm 70.8
600 µ 48.2
300  µ 14.4
150  µ 6.5

Table shows the sieve analysis of fine aggregate having different sieve sizes of 4.75mm, 2.36mm, 1.18mm, 600 µ,
300µ,150 µ.
The sieve analysis, commonly known as the gradation test, is a basic essential test for all aggregate technicians.
The sieve analysis determines the gradation in order to determine compliance with design, production control
requirements, and verification specifications.
 TEST ON COARSE AGGREGATE
• Locally available crushed blue granite stone aggregate of size 20mm and less was used and the
various tests were carried out on the aggregate are given below. Table shows the specific gravity
calculation and 4.9 shows sieve analysis of coarse aggregate.
• The specific gravity test conducted on coarse aggregate in the laboratory for calculating the mix
design, values observed are tabulated below.
• Sieve analysis have conducted for coarse aggregate having sizes at 20mm, 16mm,
12.5mm,10mm, 4.75mm.
• Most of the aggregate is passed through 20mm size and shape of the aggregate selected is round
in shape which as high workability.
 SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF COARSE AGGREGATE
Sr. No Description Weight (Kg)

1 Empty weight of measuring bottle(w1) 0.560

2 Empty weight + coarse aggregate (w2) 0.860

3 Empty weight +coarse aggregate+ water(w3) 1.551

4 Empty weight+ water (w4) 1.360

From table specific gravity of coarse aggregate is performed by taking the empty weights of bottle, weight of water
and weight of coarse aggregate.
specific gravity has been determined as 2.75.

Test results: The following results are obtained from laboratory test.
• Fineness modulus for 20mm coarse aggregate = 6.95.
 Sieve analysis of coarse aggregate
Sieve size Cumulative % of passing

20mm 100
16mm 56.17
12.5mm 22.32
10mm 6.1
4.75mm 0

Table shows the sieve analysis of coarse aggregate having different sieve sizes of 20mm, 16mm, 12.5mm,
10mm, 4.75mm.
 Casting and Testing of cubes
• For every mix 3 cubes were casted at replacement levels of cement as
• 10% (5% fly ash + 5% micro silica)
• 20% (10% fly ash+ 10% micro silica)
• 30% (15% fly ash+ 15% micro silica)
• Accelerated curing and conventional curing is adopted and compressive strength results were taken.
• Mixing concrete is simply defined as the “complete blending of the materials which are required for the
production of a homogeneous concrete”. This can vary from hand to machine mixing, with machine mixing
being the most common.
• The successful placement of concrete is dependent upon careful mixing, the proper equipment, and
adequate transportation. This site will define, analyze, and demonstrate the importance of each in the
overall process of placing concrete.
• Quality assurance, suitable arrangement of materials and equipment, and correct weighing of the
materials are the essential steps that must be completed before any mixing takes place.

Figure1: Materials for casting

 Figure 2: Casting of cubes

Fig 2 shows the cube having volume 150*150*150 which is casted by properly placing all the mixed material and
compacted properly. The casted cube is tested for compressive strength after curing it for 28 days .

The cube mould plates should be removed, properly cleaned assembled and all the bolts should be fully tight. A thin layer of
oil then shall be applied on all the faces of the mould. It is important that cube side faces must be parallel.

The concrete sample shall be filled into the cube moulds in 3 layers, each layer approximately 5cm deep. Each layer shall be
compacted either by hand or by the vibration.
 Testing of cubes
• Fig 3 show test set up for cubes. Testing of cubes are done in compressive testing machine. For each mix
proportion 3 cubes are to be casted, cured and compressive strength is tested. For one

Figure 3: Cubes before testing

• Testing of cubes are done in compression testing machine. Fig 3 shows test set up for cube. The cube
(150*150*150mm) testing setup is placed on testing machine shown in fig 3.
• The load is applied gradually and values are noted when concrete starts failing by formation of cracks.
 Casting of Testing of cylinders

• For every mix 3 cylinders were casted at replacement of cement as:

• 10% (5% fly ash +5% micro silica)
• 20% (10% fly ash+ 10% micro silica)
• 30% (15% fly ash+ 15% micro silica)

Accelerated curing and conventional curing is adopted and spilt tensile strength test results were taken.
Mixing of materials like coarse aggregates, fine aggregates, cement, fly ash, micro silica and water is
done. All the quantities are taken by weighting according to the mix design.
 Figure 4: Casting of cylinders

Fig 4 shows the cylinder having volume 300*150 which is casted by properly placing all the mixed material and compacted
properly.

The casted cylinder is tested for spilt tensile strength after proper curing.
 Testing of cylinders
Fig 5 shows test setup for cylinder. Testing of cylinders are done in spilt tensile strength testing
machine. For each mix proportion 3 cylinders are to be casted, cured and spilt tensile strength is tested.
For one test result average of 3 cylinders values are taken.

Fig 5: Cylinder before testing

The cylinder (150*300mm) testing setup is placed on testing machine shown in figure 5. The load is applied
gradually and values are noted when concrete cylinders starts failing by formation of cracks.
Summary

• The specific gravity, standard consistency, initial and final setting time of cement and specific
gravity of coarse aggregate has been calculated. The casting of cubes and cylinders has been
casted for the conventional and accelerated concrete and other specimens at various mix levels.
Finally the test setup of cube and cylinder had shown.
 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Introduction

• This chapter presents the experimental results of the fly ash based micro silica concrete and conventional
concrete. The performance of fly ash based micro silica concrete with different replacement levels of
cement and with fly ash and micro silica.

• The compressive strength and spilt tensile of the concrete mixes using 10%, 20% and 30% replacements
under accelerated curing are compared with results of conventional concrete for 28 days.
• The concrete mix using 30% replacement of cement (15%fly ash+ 15% micro silica) has higher
compressive strength and spilt tensile strength when compared to the conventional concrete mixes
at 28 days.

• Hence 15 specimens are tested under accelerated curing with 10%, 20% and 30% replacement of
cement. And another 15 specimens are tested under conventional curing with replacement of
cement with 10%, 20% and 30, 6 specimens are tested in conventional method.

• Comparison of strength results between micro silica concrete and conventional concrete is
presented
Preliminary Tests
• In the first stage of the project work, the theoretical investigation and literature review are carried out and the
following results are obtained.

• The specific gravity of cement tested is 3.12

• The specific gravity of the fine aggregate tested is 2.4
• The specific gravity of coarse aggregate tested is 2.6
• The specific gravity of fly-ash is 2.1
• The specific gravity of micro silica is 2.2
• Fineness modulus of the fine aggregate tested is 2.47
• Fineness modulus of the coarse aggregate tested is 2.9
• Fineness of cement is 95%
• Fineness of fly ash is 97%
• Fineness of micro silica is 96%
• Soundness of cement is 0.53mm
• Water content for the mix is 197 L
• Bulk density of cement id 438 kg /m3
• Bulk density of fine aggregate is 696 kg /m3
• Bulk density of coarse aggregate is 956 kg /m3
• The aggregate ratio of this mix is 1.40
• The mix design for m40concrete arrived as1:1.6:2.2
• The mix design for fly ash based micro silica concrete arrived as 1:1.5:2.18
 Tests on cubes
• The test on cubes was conducted for its compressive strength under accelerated curing and normal
curing at 28 days. The average strength of 3 cubes was recorded for each category of cement
replacement.

Compressive strength of cubes

• The Compressive strengths of the concrete cube mixes using 10%, 20% and 30% replacement of cement
with fly-ash and micro silica are compared with conventional concrete of grade M40.
 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH RESULT FOR CUBES
Sr. No Replacement Compressive Compressive Compressive
levels strength for strength for strength for
7days (N/mm2) 28days accelerated
(N/mm2) curing (N/mm2)
1 0% 30.62 47.11 32.45
2 10% 34.9 40.74 37.81
3 20% 35.1 48.88 39.80
4 30% 35.9 53.33 43.61

From the table the compressive strength values for 30% (15%fly ash+15% micro silica) replacement for 28
days is having higher result value compared to conventional concrete cubes and accelerating curing cubes.
 60

50

40
ve strength
Compressi

(N/mm 2)

30

20
Compressive strength for 28
10 days (N/mm2)

0
0% 10% 20% 30%

Replacement levels

Figure 1: Compressive strength of concrete cubes for 28 days

• From the table 1 and figure 1 compressive strength test results are shown for cubes.
• The compressive strength values for 30% (15%fly ash+ 15% micro silica) cement replacement for 28
days is having higher result value when compared to conventional concrete cubes and accelerated curing
cubes.

60

50

40
(N/mm 2 )

Compressive strength for 28

Compres

strength

days(N/mm2)
30
sive

Compressive strength for 7 days

20
(N/mm2)
10
Compressive strength for acclerating
0 curing (N/mm2)
0% 10% 20% 3000%

Figure 2: Comparison of compressive strength of cubes

• Fig 2 shows compressive strength test results of conventional and micro silica concrete cubes for
accelerated curing, normal curing and conventional curing at 7 and 28 days at various mix
proportions.
• It can be seen that 30% (15% fly-ash+15% micro silica) cement, having high compressive strength.
The strength is increased by 13.5% when compared to other concrete mixes and also with
conventional concrete at 28 days and accelerating curing.
 Tests on Cylinders

• The test on cylinders was conducted for its split tensile strength under accelerated curing and
normal curing. The average strength of 3 cylinders was recorded for each category of cement
partial replacement along with micro silica and fly-ash

Split tensile strength of Cylinders

• The split tensile strength of the concrete cylinder mixes using 10%, 20% and 30% replacement of
cement with fly-ash and micro silica are compared with conventional concrete of grade M40.
 Spilt tensile strength result for cylinders
Sr.No Replacement Split tensile Split Split tensile
levels strength tensile strength for
for7days strength accelerated curing
(N/mm2) for28day (N/mm2)
s
(N/mm2)
1 0% 3.01 3.80 2.89
2 10% 3.15 4.24 2.01
3 30% 3.28 4.34 2.85
4 30 3.40 4.70 3.30

From the table the split tensile strength values for 30% (15% fly ash+ 15% micro silica) replacement for 28 days is having
higher result value.
It was found that the strength has been increased by 10.4% when compared to other concrete mixes and also with
conventional concrete at 28 days and accelerating curing cylinders.
Figure 3: Split tensile strength of concrete cylinder for 28 days
• From the table and figure 3 spilt tensile strength strength test results are shown for cylinders.
• The compressive strength values for 30% (15% fly-ash+15%micro silica) cement replacement for 28
days is having higher result value when compared to conventional concrete cylinders and
accelerated curing.

Figure 4: Comparison of Spilt tensile strength of cylinders

• From figure 4 spilt tensile strength test results for 7 and 28 days are shown for cylinders.
• The spilt tensile strength test results of conventional and fly-ash based micro silica concrete
cylinders for 7 and 28 days at various mix proportions. It can be seen that for 30% (15% fly-ash+
15% micro silica) cement replacement having high compressive strength of cylinders.
 Summary
• Experimental investigation was carried out on conventional and fly- ash based micro silica
concrete.
• Tests were carried for compressive strength of cubes and spilt tensile cylinders are calculated at
various mix proportions.
• And it was found that for 30%(15%fly-ash+15% micro silica) cement replacement with fly- ash
and micro silica having high compressive strength and spilt tensile strength at 28 days curing.
 CONCLUSIONS

Summary
• In this project, the strength characteristics of fly ash based micro silica concrete are studied at varying
temperatures. The performance of fly ash based micro silica concrete with different replacement levels
under conventional and accelerated curing was studied. thirty six specimens were casted and tested at
different replacement levels of 10%,20% and 30%.Here cement is partially replaced with fly-ash and micro
silica.
• The compressive strength and spilt tensile strength of the concrete mixes under conventional and
accelerating curing were tested and the test results are noted. Fly –ash based micro silica concrete for 28
days curing are showing high strength values when compared with accelerating curing and conventional
curing specimens for 28 days.
CONCLUSIONS

• The strength of fly-ash based micro silica concrete for 28 days curing is more when compared to
accelerating curing and conventional concrete of grade M40.
• The fly-ash based micro silica concrete mix cubes using 30% replacement of cement with (15% fly ash+
15% micro silica) for 28 days curing has higher compressive strength.
• It was found that the compressive strength increased by 13.5% when compared to other concrete
mixes and also with conventional concrete at 28 days and accelerated curing.
• The fly-ash based micro silica concrete mix cylinders using 30% replacement of cement with (15% fly-
ash+15%micro silica) for 28 days curing has higher spilt tensile strength.
• It was found that spilt tensile strength increased by 10.4% when compared to other concrete mixes and
also with conventional concrete for 28 days curing and accelerated curing.
 RECOMMENDATIONS

• In the short term, there is large potential of fly-ash based micro silica concrete applications for
bridges, such as precast structural elements and decks as well as structural retrofits using different
composites.
• Fly-ash based micro silica technology is most advanced in precast applications due to the relative
ease in handling sensitive materials.
• Other potential near-term applications are pre-cast pavers and slabs for paving, bricks and pre-cast
pipes.
• Furthermore, the low drying shrinkage, low creep, excellent resistance to sulphate attack, good acid
resistance and excellent fire resistance offered by fly-ash based micro silica concrete may yield
additional economic benefits when it is utilized in infrastructure applications.
FUTURE SCOPE

• All the above aspects prove that fly ash based micro silica concrete to be highly beneficial in the
construction industry.
• Fly –ash based micro silica concrete has high fire resistance, different elevated temperature for
different molarities can be studied.
• Replace sand by quarry dust to increase the strength results and economic in construction.
• This can be improved in the further studies.
 REFERENCES

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