study on the properties of fibre reinforced laterized concretes

This paper reports on a study of strength properties of fibre reinforced laterized concretes. The variables in this experimental work are: laterite content in the concrete mix, which was varied from 0% to 100% at 10% interval; curing ages - 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. The concrete mix of 1:2:4 (Cement: Laterite/Sand: Granite) was used with a constant water/cement ratio of 0.65. The fibre content was kept at 2% at all replacement levels with 0% fibre content as control experiment. Three (3) 150mm cube specimens were cast and tested for each mix of concrete with laterite content varied at 10% at the curing ages of 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. The specimens were cured in water at temperature of 21° + 1°C. The average load at which a set of three specimens failed was determined and used to compute the strength of each group of cubes. A consistent trend of increase in values of strength with age was observed in the specimens. A proportion of 45% laterite content as replacement of sharp sand in concrete produced the highest compressive strength. At 45% laterite content, a reduction of 18% in cost of fine aggregate in concrete was obtained. Although the strength characteristic of laterized concrete was found to be generally lower than that of normal concrete, notwithstanding, the strength is sufficient for use in normal concrete works