Predicting the split tensile strength of Saw Dust Ash - Fine aggregate concrete

Abstract

The industrial waste, Saw Dust Ash (SDA), has played a key role in concrete mix research. It has served as an alternative or complementary material to some of the traditional materials of concrete. In this study, SDA was used to replace 5% of the fine aggregate (sand), as the other three ingredients, cement, granite, and water remained constant. Scheffe’s simplex lattice was used for five mix ratios in a {5,2} component mix, which resulted in additional ten mix ratios. Additional fifteen mix ratios were generated for verification and testing. The thirty concrete mix ratios were subjected to laboratory experiments to determine the 28 days Split Tensile Strengths. The results of the first fifteen Split Tensile strengths were used for the calibration of the model constant coefficients using Scheffe’s simplex approach, while those from the second fifteen were used for the model verification. A mathematical regression model was derived from the experimental results, with which the Split Tensile Strengths were predicted. The derived model was subjected to a two-tailed t-test with 5% significance, which ascertained the model to be adequate with an R2 value of 0.8099. The study revealed that SDA can replace 5% of fine aggregate and promote sustainability, without compromising the 28 days Split Tensile Strength.

Keywords: Saw Dust Ash, Scheffe’s simplex lattice, Split Tensile Strength of concrete.