Compressive Strength and Microstructural Properties of Bituminous Sand Concrete

Abstract: The compressive strength and microstructural characteristics of bituminous sand-based concrete are the main subjects of this investigation. Open excavation was used to obtain bituminous sand, which was then crushed with a scoop to sand sizes. Bituminous sand and river sand, which served as a control, were combined with regular Portland cement. Cement, aggregates, water content, and the ratio of water to cement did not change. The fresh concrete was subjected to tests for slump and compacting factor. The fresh property test, compressive strength test and microstructural analysis were done for normal strength concrete as well as bituminous sand concrete (BSC). The fresh property of concrete was evaluated using slump test and compacting factor test. The compressive strength was done after curing the samples for 7, 14, 21, 28, 56, 90 and 150 days respectively. Microstructural analysis was done via scanning electron microscope and Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) for all concrete mixes. From the investigation, BSC concrete is more workable compared to the control. The compressive strength of the samples increased with increase in curing age though at a different rate with the control concrete gaining the highest strength. The BSC attained grade C15 status at 28 days of curing. SEM micrograph for the BSC showed a crystalline-like irregular shaped structure and the refined patterns and voids were more noticed compared to the control. From the EDS, the control concrete gave high silica to calcium, S/Ca ratio of 1342.2 while the BSC had S/Ca ratio of 46. Thus, this could be responsible for the low strength of the BSC at 28 days compared to the control at same curing age. This study has revealed that BSC is an excellent choice for developing unreinforced foundations for houses, paving, residential flooring and freestanding retaining walls. Keywords: Bituminous sand, Bituminous sand concrete, Compacting factor, Compressive strength, Microstructural analysis. Title: Compressive Strength and Microstructural Properties of Bituminous Sand Concrete Author: Chidiebere Sampson Ezenkwa, David Ogbonna Onwuka, Chinenye E. Okere, Joan I. Arimanwa, Moses O. Utoyo, Sylvia Ulari Onwuka International Journal of Novel Research in Civil Structural and Earth Sciences ISSN 2394-7357 Vol. 12, Issue 1, January 2025 - April 2025 Page No: 6-15 Novelty Journals Website: www.noveltyjournals.com Published Date: 10-March-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14998758 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.noveltyjournals.com/upload/paper/Compressive%20Strength%20and%20Microstructural-10032025-1.pdf