PERFORMANCE OF CONCRETE PRODUCED WITH FLY-ASH AND DRY WASTE OKRO POWDER SUBJECT TO DIFFERENT CURING CONDITIONS

Abstract

The research investigates the performance of concrete produced with Fly-Ash (FA) and Dry Waste Okro Powder (DWOP) subject to different curing conditions. The DWOP was mixed in concrete at various percentages of 0%, (control), 10%FA, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75% and 1% DWOP content, 10% by weight of cement was used for all concrete with admixture. Mould of size 100mm x 100mm x100mm was used with a mix ratio of 1:2.43:2.85 and 0.5 w/c ratio, cured for 7, 14, 28, 56 and 90days in of H₂O, Hcl and H₂SO₄ media. Result indicated that curing condition significantly affect strength, absorption capacity and resistance to abrasion properties of concrete. The density of concrete increase as the curing ages of concrete increases. 0% control concrete exhibited the highest 28days compressive strength while at later stages 0.75% DWOP content has the highest strength. In addition, concrete with DWOP content has reduced water absorption capacity and have high resistance to abrasion in all curing conditions. In conclusion, fly-ash is a good pozzolana and DWOP is a suitable admixture, therefore, it was recommended to be used to produce a strong, dense and durable concrete which can be used both in normal and chemically aggressive environments.