STRENGTH PERFORMANCE OF LATERIZED CONCRETE AT ELEVATED TEMPERATURES

Abstract

The study presents the results of an experimental program to investigate the strength performance of Laterized concrete at elevated temperature. Four concrete mixes incorporating 0, 10, 20 and 30% laterite as a replacement by weight of sand was prepared. A concrete mix ratio of 1:2:4(Cement: laterite/sand: granite) with water/cement ratio of 0.65 was used for the study. The laterite content in the fine aggregate was varied from 0 30% at 10% interval. Specimens cured for 7, 14, 21 and 28days were subjected to uniaxial compressive loading tests at room and elevated temperatures of 200, 400 and 600oC. Results showed that for the varying percentage replacement of sand with laterite, compressive strength of laterized concrete decreases; and with increase in temperature, the strength decreases. It was also observed that an air-cooled lateritic concrete specimen has higher residual strength values than water- cooled specimens. A maximum compressive strength value of 24.10N/mm2 was obtained for the mix with 30% laterite 70% sand at 400oC which indicates the strength of laterized concrete that is sufficient for use at elevated temperature not exceeding 400oC.