Authors :
Ogunjiofor I. Emmanuel; Nzenwa I. David; Ugochukwu O. Kingsley; Afamefuna C. Chukwuemeka
Volume/Issue :
Volume 8 - 2023, Issue 12 - December
Google Scholar :
http://tinyurl.com/yd3fn4c8
Scribd :
http://tinyurl.com/ybv9vs6t
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10418250
Abstract :
Thermal cracking in concrete structures poses
a significant challenge, jeopardizing their structural
integrity and long-term performance. This study focuses
on reducing thermal cracking by utilizing coal ash as a
complete replacement for Ordinary Portland Cement
(OPC) and reinforcing the concrete with coconut fiber.
The objective is to investigate the potential of these
sustainable materials in mitigating thermal cracking and
improving the overall behavior of concrete.The
experimental program involves producing various
concrete mixtures, where coal ash replaces OPC entirely,
and coconut fiber is incorporated as a reinforcement
material. The mixtures are subjected to compressive
strength testing to evaluate their mechanical properties.
The compressive strength test results are then compared
between OPC and coal ash-based concrete
specimens.The findings reveal that the compressive
strength of OPC-based concrete is greater than that of
coal ash-based concrete. However, despite the lower
compressive strength, the coal ash-based concrete
exhibits improved resistance to thermal cracking. The
reduced heat of hydration and thermal stresses
associated with coal ash contribute to the enhanced
crack resistance of the concrete.This study demonstrates
the feasibility of utilizing coal ash as a full replacement
for OPC and incorporating coconut fiber as
reinforcement to reduce thermal cracking in concrete.
The results highlight the importance of considering not
only the compressive strength but also other factors such
as crack resistance and overall performance when
assessing the effectiveness of alternative materials in
mitigating thermal cracking.
Keywords :
Thermal Cracking, Concrete, Coal Ash, Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), Coconut Fiber, Sustainable Materials, Compressive Strength, Crack Resistance, Heat Of Hydration, Thermal Stresses, Ductility.
Thermal cracking in concrete structures poses
a significant challenge, jeopardizing their structural
integrity and long-term performance. This study focuses
on reducing thermal cracking by utilizing coal ash as a
complete replacement for Ordinary Portland Cement
(OPC) and reinforcing the concrete with coconut fiber.
The objective is to investigate the potential of these
sustainable materials in mitigating thermal cracking and
improving the overall behavior of concrete.The
experimental program involves producing various
concrete mixtures, where coal ash replaces OPC entirely,
and coconut fiber is incorporated as a reinforcement
material. The mixtures are subjected to compressive
strength testing to evaluate their mechanical properties.
The compressive strength test results are then compared
between OPC and coal ash-based concrete
specimens.The findings reveal that the compressive
strength of OPC-based concrete is greater than that of
coal ash-based concrete. However, despite the lower
compressive strength, the coal ash-based concrete
exhibits improved resistance to thermal cracking. The
reduced heat of hydration and thermal stresses
associated with coal ash contribute to the enhanced
crack resistance of the concrete.This study demonstrates
the feasibility of utilizing coal ash as a full replacement
for OPC and incorporating coconut fiber as
reinforcement to reduce thermal cracking in concrete.
The results highlight the importance of considering not
only the compressive strength but also other factors such
as crack resistance and overall performance when
assessing the effectiveness of alternative materials in
mitigating thermal cracking.
Keywords :
Thermal Cracking, Concrete, Coal Ash, Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), Coconut Fiber, Sustainable Materials, Compressive Strength, Crack Resistance, Heat Of Hydration, Thermal Stresses, Ductility.
