Experimental Investigation on Properties of Concrete by Partial Replacement of Cement with Groundnut Shell Ash and Metakaolin

Abstract - Concrete is a widely utilized material in the construction industry, forming the foundation of numerous buildings, bridges, and infrastructure projects across the globe. Given its extensive use, concrete is often referred to as the backbone of construction. However, India faces challenges in meeting the demand for cement, a critical component of concrete, as domestic production falls short of requirements. This imbalance between supply and demand contributes to increased construction costs. To address these issues, numerous studies have explored the partial replacement of cement and sand with alternative materials. In this project, cement is partially replaced with groundnut shell ash (GSA) at 20% and metakaolin (MK) at varying levels (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%) using M20 grade concrete with a water-cement ratio of 0.6. Five trial mixes were prepared to evaluate mechanical properties such as compressive strength, split tensile strength, ductility, and wear resistance. For each mix, four concrete cubes and four cylinders were cast. The standard cube size of 150 mm x 150 mm x 150 mm was used to assess compressive strength, while standard cylinders with a diameter of 150 mm and a height of 300 mm were tested for split tensile strength. These specimens were cured and tested at intervals of 7 and 28 days, with the results compared to those of conventional concrete. The findings analyzed both mathematically and graphically, indicate that the compressive strength and split tensile strength of the modified concrete are lower than those of conventional concrete. This study highlights the potential and limitations of using GSA and MK as partial cement replacements in concrete. Key Words: Groundnut Shell Ash (GSA) and Metakaolin (MK)