Optimum compressive strength of structural concrete containing coarse aggregates and crushed cow bones

Abstract

An exploratory study was carried out on the suitability of crushed cow bones (CCB) as a partial replacement for coarse aggregates in the production of structural concrete. The physical properties of CCB and locally available aggregates (fine and coarse) were determined and compared. The properties investigated are specific gravity, bulk density, sieve analysis, water absorption and compressive strength. The slump test is used to determine the workability of the fresh concrete. The CCB was used to replace coarse aggregates from 0% to 25% in steps of 5%. A total number of 54 concrete cubes of size 150×150×150 mm with different percentages by weight of coarse aggregate to CCB as coarse aggregate in the order 75:25, 80:20, 85:15, 90:10, 95:5 and 100:0 were cast, cured and crushed at 7, 21 and 28days. Compressive strength tests showed that 5% replacement of coarse aggregates with CCB in concrete production was quite satisfactory for structural application, producing concretes in the M20-25 grades, as this results in strengths that are not significantly different from the control at various curing ages. From the outcome of this study, 5% CCB can be used as a partial replacement for granite in concrete production for structural uses.