Statistical Model for Predicting Slump and Strength of Concrete Containing Date Seeds

Abstract

Incorporating agro-based waste in concrete can reduce environmental pollution and lead to preserving the ecosystem. In order to reduce trial and error in achieving desired slump and compressive strength of concrete containing Date Seed (DS), this paper examines the slump and compressive strength of concrete using date seeds as a partial replacement for crushed granite. Preliminary tests were conducted on the aggregates to ascertain their suitability for concrete production. Concrete with DS-crushed granite ratios of 0:100, 5:95, 10:90, 15:85, and 20:80 were prepared using a mix ratio of 1:2:4 and a water-cement ratio of 0.5. Slump loss was used to estimate the workability of the fresh concrete. The freshly prepared concrete was cast in 150 x 150 x 150 mm and the compressive strength was determined after curing by full immersion in water for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. Results showed that the slump of concrete increased with an increase in the content of date seed. The compressive strength was inversely proportional to the date seed content with a DS-crushed granite ratio of 20:80 recording the lowest compressive strength (20N/mm2). Linear regression models for slump and compressive strength were developed and found to be sufficient in explaining the experimental data based on a Mean Square Error (MSE) of 0.37 and 0.029 and R2 of 88% and 99% obtained for slump and compressive strength respectively. The study has concluded that DS can be used as a partial replacement for crushed granite in concrete and a linear model is sufficient in predicting the slump and strength of concrete containing date seeds.