BRE Method of Concrete Mix Design using Sawdust Ash as Partial Replacement for Fine Aggregate with the Application of C++ Programming Language

Abstract

The ultimate goal of this research was to
compare and empirically analyze the three
different mix ratios that result from the
Building Research Establishment (BRE)
method of designing concrete mixes using
uncrushed coarse aggregate at different
targeted strengths. These ratios are
1:2.05:2.95/0.54, 1:2.23:3.21/0.58, and
1:2.41:3.47/0.62. Additionally, the study
aimed to evaluate the effects of the mixes on
freshly prepared concrete and measure the
degree of workability of the concrete using
tests for slump and compaction factors.
Experiments were conducted to investigate
the physical characteristics of the components
that make up concrete. These included tests
for specific gravity on the materials, density,
bulk density, and unit weight as well as a
sieve analysis test to grade the aggregates
(fine and granite), which was inferred from
the particle size distribution curve. The
averages of these data were used for the
analyses of the derived results. The fine
aggregate was partially replaced with Saw
Dust Ash (SDA) at various percentages of
replacement. Compressive, Split-tensile and
flexural strength tests at these variable
percentages of partial replacement of fine
aggregate, involving 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and
20% with SDA were done to examine the
effect on their mechanical properties. This
study was geared to determine the optimum
percentage of partial replacement of fine
aggregate by the SDA. The resulting findings
were analyzed using the averages of this data.
SDA was used to partially replace the fine
aggregate at different replacement
percentages. The interest of this study was to
ascertain the ideal proportion of SDA to
substitute fine aggregate in part. After
analyzing the obtained data emanating from
the various mechanical experiments, the
average optimum percentage of sand
replacement by SDA was found to be 5% for
effectiveness. SDA as a waste material should
be used at a maximum of 5% replacement of
fine aggregate to enhance the compressive,
tensile and flexural strength and to minimize
the environmental hazards as well as control
the dead load of structural elements and for
the economy.