Study on Strength Properties of Concrete using Pumice Powder Pozzolan and Polypropylene Fibers

Abstract

Abstract The construction industry is flourishing day by day, as a result, cement consumption also increases. Since cement production causes carbon footprint, partial replacement using waste materials from various industries is one of the solutions. Pumice powder, generated by the stone processing industry, is an inert by-product possessing excellent cementitious characteristics. Utilisation of pumice powder in concrete can reduce the cost of construction and at the same time address the waste disposal problem. The fiber dispersion into concrete is one of the techniques to further improve the ductile properties of concrete. This study is focused on the strength properties of pumice powder pozzolan concrete reinforced with polypropylene fibers. Mechanical strength characteristics were evaluated for normal and varying contents of pumice powder and polypropylene fiber added mix after 7 and 28 days of curing. The results indicate that the strength properties of the modified mix has improved considerably. The significance of this study is to promote the usage of by-product waste as a replacement for cement thereby reducing CO2 emissions and thus resulting in the development of environmentally friendly concrete.