Cow Dung Ash (CDA) as Partial Replacement of Cementing Material in the Production of Concrete

Abstract

This research project presents the result on the study for the use of Cow Dung Ash (CDA) as partial replacement in production of concrete. The experiments were designed to study the effects of adding Cow Dung Ash (CDA) in various percentages by weight (10%, 20% and 30%) of cement and cure for the periods of 7, 14, 21 and 28, days respectively before testing for the Compressive strengths. It also involves determination of setting time, Bulk Density, and Workability of Cow Dung Ash in various percentages by mixing with Portland cement. The Compressive test results are 21.33 N/mm3, 21.11 N/mm3, 11.11 N/mm3 and 6.00 N/mm3 for 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% replacement of cement with CDA respectively at 28 days. The Workability results gives 40mm, 48mm, 80mm and 100mm respectively for 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% replacement of cement with CDA. Among the main conclusions, it should be highlighted that the initial and final setting time increases as the percentage of Cow Dung Ash is added, (CDA) has an advantage that offers lightness of weight and low thermal conductivity, Cow Dung Ash requires more quantity of water as the percentage increases in the concrete therefore it has a serious limitation that must be understood before it is put to use. Cow Dung Ash concrete is recommended for use only when a ten percentage (10%) of Cow Dung Ash is added. While the concrete is suitable for use on certain floor and wall that will not be subjected to heavy load or structures that are of temporary use (CDA) concrete is not to be use in a water accumulated area or for structures that are related to water.