The Use of Taro Leaf Ash (Colocasia esculenta) and Corncob Ash (Zea mays) as Aggregate for the Production of Cylindrical Concrete

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

One of the major concerns in building is the use of frangible materials. This problem is more often addressed by researchers and manufacturers by adding concrete aggregates to the mixture, resulting in products with higher compressive strengths. Previous studies confirm that adding ash to the mixture will improve the product’s sturdiness. Hence, the researchers venture to conduct a study on the use of taro leaf and corn cob ashes to improve the compressive strength of concrete.

METHODS

Corn cobs and taro leaves were gathered, air dried, and pulverized. These concrete cylinders were air dried for lack of the following treatments and tested for compressive strength.

T0: 1, 850 g sand + 630 g cement + 630 g gravel + 625 mL water

T1: 1, 300 g sand + 630 g cement + 630 g gravel + 625 mL water + 200 g CCA + 0 g TLA

T2: 1, 300 g sand + 630 g cement + 630 g gravel + 625 mL water + 100 g CCA + 100 g TLA

T3: 1, 300 g sand + 630 g cement + 630 g gravel + 625 mL water + 0 g CCA + 200 g TLA

RESULTS

Result show that the mean value for the samples are as follows: T0 = 710 psi, T1 = 73.3 psi, T2 = 23.33 psi and T3 = 133.33 psi.

DISCUSSIONS

Results reveal that the concrete cylinders with the highest compressive strength are those without any concrete aggregates. Next to this are the cylinders with an aggregate of 200 g taro leaf ash. Following are the concrete cylinders with 200 g corn cob ash. And last are the concrete cylinders with 100 g taro leaf ash and 100 g corn cob ash. This means that claims that ashes can increase the compressive strength of concrete do not apply insofar as using corn cob ash and taro leaf ash are concerned. Hence, it is not conclusive to say that the use of ash can increase the compressive strength of concrete.