Keywords

Abstract

High strength concrete; 

Zeolite; Silica fume; 

 Class C fly ash; 

Elevated temperature

In this study, the effect of utilizing zeolite and industrial by-products, silica fume, and Class C fly ash, as partial replacement for cement is investigated at room and elevated temperatures of 200°C, 400°C, and 600°C. Four different high-strength concrete mixes of M50 concrete grade with varying proportions of zeolite, silica fume, and Class C fly ash are tested and observed for workability, compressive strength, and microstructural characteristics using Scanning Electron Microscope analysis, and the optimum mix has arrived. The results indicate that the addition of zeolite, silica fume, and fly ash resulted in lesser early-age strength development but the strength after 28 days of curing is found satisfactory and the desired target strength is achieved. Temperature rise resulted in degradation of concrete properties for both conventional and optimum mix but the concrete cubes with 10% of zeolite, 7.5% of silica fume, and 10% of fly ash have higher retainment of strength at elevated temperatures compared with conventional mix. The results from the microstructural study are found to correlate with strength test results. Incorporation of 10% zeolite, 7.5% silica fume, and 10% fly ash improved mechanical and microstructural characteristics at room and elevated temperature, however, the replacement is effective for 28 days of curing.

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