STRUCTURAL VALUE OF BAMBOO LEAF ASH AS A POZZOLANIC MATERIAL IN A BLENDED PORTLAND CEMENT

The paper investigates the pozzolanic properties of bamboo leaf ash (BLA) in in a blended portland cement. The structural value of the bamboo leaf ash in a blended Portland cement was evaluated with consideration for its suitability in concrete. Varied percentage of bamboo leaf ash at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% replaced cement in 1:2:4 concrete mix. Sieve analysis of the BLA, fine aggregate and coarse aggregate were carried out. The workability of the mix was determined through slump; standard consistency test was carried on the cement and BLA at a replacement level of 5% to determine the strength and soundness of the cement in comparison with BLA. The chemical composition of BLA in comparison with ordinary Portland cement (OPC), while tests to determine the pozzolanicity of BLA such as determination of liquid phase of Ca2+ and pozzolanic reactivity in suspension at a varying temperature of 30oC and 75oC were carried out. Compressive strength of hardened cured (150 x 150 x 150) mm concrete cubes at 7days, 14days, 21days and 28days were tested. The results showed that at 5% BLA, the compressive strength was 14.67N/mm2 at 28 days curing. This research showed that up to 10%-15% replacement of cement with BLA is feasible for lightweight and mass concrete.