Performance of Dry Waste Okra Powder Concrete Produced With Fly-Ash as Partial Replacement of Cement Subject to Different Curing Conditions

Abstract

The research investigates the performance of Dry Waste Okra Powder (DWOP) concrete produced with Fly-Ash as partial replacement of cement 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. Mold of size 100 x 100 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 H2O, HCl and H2SO4 curing 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.