Behavior of GGBS concrete with pond ash as a partial replacement for sand

An attempt is made to develop an eco-friendly concrete with ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and pond ash as partial replacement materials for cement and fine aggregate, respectively without compromising the strength and durability. Sixteen concrete mixes were developed by replacing cement and fine aggregate by GGBS and pond ash, respectively in stages of 10%. The maximum replacement levels of cement and fine aggregates were 50% and 30% respectively. Experimental results revealed that the optimum percentage of GGBS and pond ash replacement levels were 30% and 20% respectively. The optimized mix was used further to study the flexural behavior and durability properties. Reinforced Concrete (RC) beams were cast and tested under a four-point bending configuration. Also, the specimens prepared from the optimized mix were subjected to alternate wet and dry cycles of acid (3.5% HCl and H2SO4) and sulphate (10% MgSO4) solutions. Results show that the optimized concrete mix with GGBS and pond ash had a negligible weight loss and strength reduction.