Strength And Elasticity of Concrete Incorporating with Coal Bottom Ash (CBA) as Cement and Sand Replacement Material

The project investigates the effect of CBA as sand and cement replacements towards the elasticity and strength of concrete. The optimum content of grinded and un-grinded CBA as cement and sand replacement material in concrete is identified. The microstructure properties of concrete containing grinded and un-grinded coal bottom ash are investigated.

CE 3.1 Project Information
Name of the project: Strength And Elasticity of Concrete Incorporating with Coal
Bottom Ash (CBA) as Cement and Sand Replacement Material
Location of the project: Please fill
Project Duration: Please fill
Organization: Please fill
Role and Designation during the time: Project Developer
CE 3.2 Project Background
CE 3.2.1 Characteristics of the project
The incrementing CBA or coal bottom ash wastes are mainly because of the
continuous demands of resource utilization. CBA is applied as the part of cement mixing or
as the aggregate in concrete for the purpose of maintaining the sustainability. Due to the
environmental impact problem, CBA is used as the alternate material in production of
concrete. During this project, I investigated the effect of CBA as sand and cement
replacements towards the elasticity and strength of concrete. I sieved the raw materials of
CBA for passing 5mm sieve size as un-grinded CBA. The replacing sand content was 5%,
10%, 15% and 20% replacement levels. I even evaluated the mechanical properties with the
compressive strength test for 150mm diameter x 300mm height of cylindrical mould.
Therefore, in this project the grinded and the un-grinded CBA were utilized for sand and
cement replacement materials for giving better strength and elasticity results.

CE 3.2.2 Objectives developed for the project
Coal bottom ash or CBA is the portion of non combustible residue of combustion in
incinerator and furnace. In this project, I have explored the possibility of utilization of
grinded and un grinded coal bottom ash (CBA) in cement and sand in concrete. Hence, in
order to identify the uses of un grinded and grinded coal bottom ash, I have eventually
developed the following objectives.
 To identify the optimum content of grinded and un grinded CBA as cement and sand
replacement material in concrete.
 To determine the effect of grinded and un-grinded CBA on the strengths and elasticity
of concrete.
 To investigate the microstructure properties of concrete containing grinded and un-
grinded coal bottom ash.
 To set up an experimental design for better analysis and evaluation.
CE 3.2.3 My area of work
Before starting the work, I started to research on the previous records and data for
understanding the entire project properly. I learnt that cement is the most significant
construction material nowadays and it is facing an important issue of economy, productivity,
environment and quality. I identified the optimum content of all the grinded as well as un
grinded coal bottom ash as the replacements of cement and sand within concrete. I even made
the entire project report so that the entire project is documented perfectly. My other area of
work was to determine the elasticity and strength of concrete.

Head of the Department
Project Leader
Me (Project Developer)
CE 3.2.4 Project Group
Figure 1: People involved in the project
CE 3.2.5 My responsibilities throughout the project
In this project, I was responsible for investigating the microstructure properties of the
concrete slab that is containing grinded as well as un grinded coal bottom ash. My next
responsibility includes proper identification of the optimum content of the un grinded and
grinded coal bottom ash as the replacement of sand and cement respectively. For this
purpose, I had to clear all my doubts related to the un grinded and grinded concrete. I even
had to determine the total effect of the grinded and un grinded CBA over the strength as well
as elasticity of concrete slabs.

CE 3.3 Distinctive Activity
CE 3.3.1 Comprehending the Theory of Project
The CBA has angular rough particles with a very porous surface texture. I had to
innovate the CBA material to its maximal finest size that can be obtained to replace cement
and sand content. It needs to be grinded before replacing cement contains to ensure its
fineness besides, sieve passed through sand gradation size to replacing sand content. The
usage of the CBA will be contributed to innovate new cement composite. The proportion of
concrete mixture was designed using the British DOE method and the water cement ratio
used in this study is 0.54. A control mix was prepared without any replacement level of CBA.
Finally, I tested the deteriorated parts of the broken samples after 28days after choosing the
microstructure observation.
CE 3.3.2 Engineering knowledge and skills applied in the project
I have utilized civil engineering skills as well as knowledge for completing the project
successfully. The first skill that I have utilized here is critical thinking and logical reasoning.
Moreover, my knowledge of mathematics and physics were also helpful here. These skills
helped me in identification as well as solving the issues of the project. I even have used my
various computer proficiencies within this project, which included AutoCAD, Microsoft
Office and Microsoft Project.
CE 3.3.3 Accomplishment and Task Performed
I executed and accomplished the project with utmost perfection. Segregation may be
of three types. CBA material also requires more water cement ratio to become workable fresh
concrete. For instance, the slump values decreased from 53 mm to 40 mm when grinded CBA
replacing cement content, 53 mm to 47 mm when un-grinded CBA replacing sand and 53 mm
to 45 mm when the grinded and un-grinded CBA is combined. In cement replacement, the

10% replacement level shows a good result as all the compressive strength value were
increase compared to control with 4 % to 10% difference in percentage. Hence, the results
obtained in this study clearly indicates that the addition of CBA will increase the strength and
elasticity of concrete although the fresh concrete at the beginning is not so workable.
CE 3.3.4 Identified issues and their solutions
3.3.4.1 Issues
The first issue that I had faced in this project was the presence of cracks in our
designed. The cracks were subsequently diminishing the longevity of this storage reservoir
and hence were very risky for using in our project. The next problem, which I had faced here,
was the loose railings. When the concrete cracks form, the adjacent railing along step or the
perimeter could easily become loose. These two problems were substantially bringing
significant delay in the project.
3.3.4.2 Solutions
For the first significant issue of the detection of cracks in our project, I suggested that
these cracks within the slab or driveway, which are about ½" wide to about ¼" deep, could be
easily fixed by the repair material that is based on polymers. This type of repair material then
helped us to detect these cracks promptly. For the next issue of the loose railings, I provided
the suggestion using the all purposes grouting materials for the purpose of re-anchoring the
various bolts or the railings for the most secured and lasting placement.
CE 3.3.5 Plan to produce creative and innovative work
I had made a significant plan for this particular project. My plan was simple to bring
out the best creative works by doing our work mutually. I divided my entire work perfectly

and hence every part was carried out with utmost sincerity or perfection. Hence, this project
became successful and perfect.
CE 3.3.6 Collaborative Work
I worked collaboratively with my project leader for completing this project. I arranged
regular meetings to discuss the flaws of the project of coal bottom ash effectively and for all
the issues faced here, I took help from my project leader.
CE 3.4 Project Review
CE 3.4.2 Project Overview
I have explored the possibility of utilization of grinded and un-grinded coal bottom
ash or CBA in cement and sand in concrete. Compressive strength test was conducted with
150 mm x 150 mm x 150 mm cube mould and150 mm diameter x 300 mm height of the
cylinder mould subjected after 7 and 28 days of curing age.
CE 3.4.3 My Contribution to work
I have effectively identified the optimum content of grinded and un-grinded CBA as
cement and sand replacement material in concrete. My other contribution to this work
included determination of the effect of grinded and un-grinded CBA on the strength and
elasticity of concrete.