Experimental Study on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructures of Cenosphere Concrete

Abstract

The most valuable components of coal fly ash are cenospheres. Cenospheres are hollow spherical particles produced during the coal-burning processes. As a result of their excellent characteristics, such as high workability, high heat resistance, low bulk density, and high strength, cenospheres can be used in the manufacturing of lightweight cement concrete. The research efforts and outcomes are to produce long-lasting cement-based lightweight concrete (LWC) composites with good mechanical properties. The novelty of this investigation is to determine the cement concrete strength when silica fume (SF) and cenospheres (CS) were used as a replacement for cement. Throughout the experiments, a consistent substitution of 12% silica fume was incorporated into cement mass. Silica is used as a micro filler and pozzolanic reactant to strengthen concrete. The concrete mixtures were tested to ensure they met the requirements of the lightweight concrete in terms of their mechanical, physical, and durability qualities. According to the findings, lightweight concrete standards were met, and environmental sustainability was improved with the use of these mix proportions. Concrete specimen’s self-weight decreases by 35% with 30% cenosphere as a replacement. The micrograph shows the lack of portlandite is filled by mullite and other alumino silicates from the cenosphere. In order to achieve sustainability in concrete manufacturing, these mixtures can be suggested for the making of structural LWC that makes use of a large volume of industrial waste while conserving cement and natural resources.

Microstructure and Water Retention Kinetics in Autogenous Cured Self-Compacting Concrete Blends Using Super Absorbent Polymer

“…This image demonstrates the uneven morphology of the cement grains. In their investigations, Lija et al [ 34 , 40 ], Karmegam and Kalidass [ 36 ], and I. Mormol et al [ 41 ] all found the same morphology and existence of components.…”

“…In the mixtures, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% of the cement content was replaced by granite pulver by mass with the addition of 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.8%, and 1.0% of super absorbent polymers by volume fraction. Lija et al [ 34 ], Deepankarkumar et al [ 35 ], and Karmegam and Kalidass [ 36 , 37 ] emphasized the importance of particle packing and specific gravity in determining the mix proportion.…”

Investigating the Mechanical, Thermal, and Crystalline Properties of Raw and Potassium Hydroxide Treated Butea Parviflora Fibers for Green Polymer Composites

“…By subjecting fibers to different treatments, it is possible to transit their hydrophilic nature to hydrophobic, resulting in improved performance and easier disposal [9][10][11]. Studies in the literature demonstrate that alkali treatment has caused notable changes in the mechanical properties of reinforcements [12][13][14][15]. Specifically, alkali-treated Borassus fruit fibers exhibited significant increase of 41% in tensile strength, 69% in modulus and 40% in elongation [16].…”

Experimental and Numerical Investigations of Laced Built-Up Lightweight Concrete Encased Columns Subjected to Cyclic Axial Load

“…After curing in hot water, the sintered fly ash aggregate concrete mix containing it showed 62% more compressive strength. Sintered fly ash aggregates have a higher water absorption rate and a specific gravity that is 16 to 46% lower than traditional aggregates [30]. Sintered fly ash aggregate concrete has compressive strengths varying between 27 and 74 Mpa and a density varying between 1651 and 2017 kg/m 3 .…”