The Use of Yam Peel Ash as Partial Replacement of Cement Towards Achieving Low Cost Housing

Abstract

Yam Peels are the wastes produced when yam are processed for human consumption. This research investigated the structural strength characteristics of concrete with Yam peel ash (YPA) used as partial substitute for cement. The YPA was subjected to pozzolanicity and setting time tests to ascertain it potential as a pozzolan. Water/cement ratio of 0.6 was used to produce the blended concrete of mix 1:2:4, 1:3:6, 1:4:8 by which cement was replaced partially by YPA at 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% replacement by weight of cement. A total of 64 concrete cubes of size 50×50×50mm were molded and cured for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. While 36 concrete beams of size 50×50×150mm were molded and cured for 7 and 28days. The workability, compressive strength and flexural test were conducted. The result revealed that the water/cement ratio is adequate to make the blended concrete workable. The best 28 th day compressive strength of the blended concrete was observed for mix ratio of 1:3:6 at 5% YPA replacement of cement with a value of 9.857N/mm 2 , an approximate 64% of the strength of the concrete without replacement of cement. The best flexural strength of the concrete was observed at mix ratio of 1:2:4 at 5% YPA replacement with a value of 5.112N/mm 2 , an approximate 97% of the strength of the concrete without replacement of cement. The result further revealed that the increase in %YPA replacement of cement does not have any significant effect on the density of the test specimens of the blended concrete.