Suitability of Cordia millenii Ash Blended Cement in Concrete Production

Abstract

Supplementary cementitious materials are most needed to enhance a sustainable development in poor communities. It is pertinent to investigate the suitability of such alternative materials for construction. The present study evaluates the strength characteristics of concrete made with varied proportion of Cordia millenii ash blended with Portland cement. Chemical composition of Cordia millenii and the setting time when blended with cement was determined. Other laboratory tests performed on Cordia millenii blended cement include: sieve analysis and specific gravity. Five replacement percentages of Cordia millenii (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) were blended with cement in concrete. Control specimens were also produced with only cement. Tests to determine the workability, air entrained, bulk density and compressive strength properties of the concrete were also conducted. Results obtained revealed that optimum Cordia millenii mix is 10%, which yielded the highest density and compressive strength in the concrete.