Investigating the effect of locally available volcanic ash on mechanical and microstructure properties of concrete

Abstract

Environmental degradation is developing due to rising pollution from the depletion of raw materials and the growing mandate for concrete goods. Investigators and experts have focused on creating sustainable concrete utilizing renewable elements. Volcanic ash (VA) is a promising supplementary cementitious material among these minerals. Therefore, it is crucial to examine the attributes of voids in aggregate and how they impact the performance of concrete. VA from the Gini Chilas (Gigilat Baltistan) was used to prepare specimens. Mixing regimes of VA concrete with altering concentrations ranging from 0 to 40% replacement was cast. Water-to-cement ratio was reserved persistent for all the mixes. Chemical compositions of VA and properties of concrete in relation to workability, density, and compressive strength were carried out. In addition, thermo-gravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray diffraction analysis were also examined. The analysis of results reveals that VA with 10% replacement gives an adamant response. This is due to the natural pozzolanic effect that details the creation of additional dense gel (C–S–H), and deviation of cracks is observed from SEM. VA₁₀ also exhibits thermally stable behavior at temperature with less percentage mass loss. However, VA up to 10% replacement in cementitious concrete can exhibit better properties than normal specimens.