A study of durability properties of concrete using Geo cement and Vermiculite

ABSTRACT Cement manufacturing industry is one of the carbon dioxide emitting sources besides deforestation and burning of fossil fuels. The global warming is caused by the emission of green-house gases, such as CO2, to the atmosphere. Among the greenhouse gases,CO2 contributes about 65% of global warming. The global cement industry contributes about 7% of greenhouse gas emission to the earth's atmosphere. In order to address environmental effects associated with cement manufacturing, there is a need to develop alternative binders to make concrete. Consequently extensive research is on-going into the use of cement replacements, using many waste materials and industrial by products. This work examines the possibility of using Geo Cement as a complete replacement of cement for new concrete and tested for its water absorption 28 days of age and was compared with those of conventional concrete. To assess effectiveness of partial replacement of sand by its weight with 10%, 15%, 20% of vermiculite. Concrete containing 10% Vermiculite exhibits higher water absorption compared to the rest. The least Percentage in gain weight is 3.46 % for Concrete with 10% Vermiculite Specimens for M30 Grade of Concrete. Similarly for M35 Grade of Concrete – The Concrete with 10% Vermiculite exhibits3.98 % least Percentage in gain the control concrete and other Vermiculite proportions.