EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF SCC BY ADDING POLYPROPYLENE FIBER WITH CASHEW NUT SHELL ASH AS PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF CEMENT

International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 10 Issue: 04 | Apr 2023 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072
© 2023, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 8.226 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 762
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF SCC BY ADDING POLYPROPYLENE FIBER
WITH CASHEW NUT SHELL ASH AS PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF
CEMENT
Swetha Chandran1, Er. Rajeev V. S.2
1PG Student, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Universal Engineering College, Vallivattom, Kerala, India
2Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Universal Engineering College, Vallivattom, Kerala, India
---------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract - In the present day, for the purpose of replacing the cement there is much research is being globally to identify a
suitable cementitous material to take the role of cement. In this paper, the main aim of the project is to study the mechanical
properties of the self-compacting concrete (SCC) by adding polypropylene fiber with cashew nut shell ash (CNSA) as partial
replacement of cement with different proportions. The fresh and hardened properties of the SCC with this materials with
different proportions and control one were investigated. The cashew nut shell ash is an excellent cementitious material used
as partial replacement of cement and which have similar properties compared to cement. Polypropylene fiber (PPF) was
added to concrete at 1% and replacement of cement with CNSA at 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%. The mould used for casting SCC
are cube (150mmx150mmx150mm), cylinder (150mmx300mm). The compressive strength and split tensile strength of casted
SCC are noted along with the curing period of 7 and 28 days. The results showed that 10% mix have the optimum value more
than control mix.
Key Words: Cashew nut shell ash, Polypropylene fiber, Compressive strength, Split tensile strength, Self-
compacting concrete
1. INTRODUCTION
Self-compacting concrete is cutting edge method that does not require vibration for placing and compaction. The serious
durability issues arises in place like the marine environment, underground etc. due to sulphate attack chloride attack and
carbonation can be eliminated by using SCC. Which make quick concrete placement compared to normal concrete,
homogeneity, which does not use vibrating equipment for placing, which have higher productivity, which need fewer air
spaces, which reduce the noise, and also enhance the strength and durability.
The industrial by-products like fly ash, silica fume, metakaolin etc., provide excellent binding properties to concrete and
which used as a replacing material of cement. These substances are generally termed as supplementary cementitious
materials. Self-compacting concrete is a mix of cement as binding material, water, sand and coarse aggregate. The expanding
need for the use of cement could be increased day by day. There for the need of substitutive binder or replacement
materials to cement is increased and which make to find the possibilities of utilizing industrial waste products as
cementitious material.
Some of the reports shows that the construction industry is responsible for 23% of the total CO2 released in global
economic activities because the demand for concrete in the construction sector is ever-growing today, that also increases
the production of cement, which causes the emission of CO2. The substitution of supplementary cementitious material
(SCM) reduces the clinker production, which in help to reduce the energy demand. Considering the chemical and physical
properties of the agro-waste ashes (AWAs) which can be used as the replacing material. In this way, we can reduce the
environmental impact by reducing the clinker production, and the open field burning of agro-based wastes. In his project
we can used as the SCM as cashew nut shell ash. Which reduces the amount of cement and attain the strength more than
control mix.
The Polypropylene Fiber is a kind of linear polymer synthetic fiber having lightweight, high strength, high toughness and
corrosion resistance. The main role of polypropylene fiber is to overcome shrinkage and limit the formation of cracks in
the concrete. Which is used in self-compacting concrete to reduce shrinkage and formation of cracks.

2. MATERIALS USED
2.1 Cement
Portland Pozzolona Cement, (Ultratech ) is used for this study. Tests were conducted as per IS: 4031-1988 and the results
were as per IS Standards. Unlike Ordinary Portland Cement, Portland Pozzolana cement (PPC) is manufactured by
combination of pozzolanic materials. Pozzolana is an artificial or natural available material. Silica in the cement is in a
reactive form. The pozzolanic materials in specific proportions, the PPC also contains OPC clinker and gypsum. These
pozzolanic materials include volcanic ash, calcinated clay or silica fumes and fly ash which make around 15 percent to 35
percent of cement weight.
Table 1 Properties of Cement
SI. No. Test Conducted Result
1 Fineness 6.33 %
2 Standard Consistency 34 %
3 Specific Gravity 3.06
4 Initial setting time 80 min
2.2 Fine Aggregate
M – Sand was used as fine aggregate. Availability of river sand is less there for artificial sand has been employed as an
alternative for construction. Which is made by crushing hard granite stone. It is commonly used because of readily
available and cost less to transport. Laboratory test were conducted on fine aggregate to determine the different physical
properties as per IS 2386 (Part I and III) and IS: 383-1970
Table 2 Properties of Fine Aggregate
Sl. No. Tests Conducted Result
1 Sieve Analysis (%) 3.84
2 Zone of aggregate II
2.3 Coarse Aggregate
Crushed rock of 12.5 mm size is used as coarse aggregates. Concrete benefits from coarse aggregate’s strength, hardened
quality and toughness various tests on coarse aggregate were conducted based on IS: 2386 (Part I and Part III) – 1963 and
IS: 383 – 1970.
Table 3 Properties of Coarse Aggregate
Sl. No. Tests Conducted Result
1 Sieve Analysis (%) 5.73
2.4 Water
Water is required to wet the surface of aggregate to develop adhesive quality as the cement paste where it binds quickly
and satisfy to the wet surface of the aggregates than dry surface. It is commonly accepted view that any portable water is
suitable to be used in concrete making. It should have inorganic solid less than 1000 ppm and should be free from
injurious quantities of alkalies , acids ,oils, salts, sugars, organic materials, vegetable growth or other substance that may
be damage to bricks, stones, concrete or steel.

2.5 Admixture
In ACI 116R the admixtures are defined as “a material other than water, aggregates, hydraulic cement, and fiber
reinforcement, used as an ingredient of concrete or mortar, and added to the batch immediately before or during its
mixing”. The chemical admixtures are used in concrete to enhance the quality of concrete especially SCC during mixing,
transporting, placement and curing. They fall into the following categories.
1. Air entrainers
2. Water reducers
3. Set retarders
4. Set accelerators
5. Superplasticizers
6. Special admixtures (corrosion inhibitors, shrinkage control, alkali-silica reactivity inhibitors, and coloring)
A new generation of admixture called MASTER RHEOBUILD 1126ND is based on modified poly-carboxylic ether. The
product has been developed primarily for high performance concrete applications where the maximum durability and
performance are required. Low alkali content and chloride-free MASTER RHEOBUILD 1126ND. All kind of cements can be
used with it.
Table 4 Items Details [13]
Item Specifications
Aspect Light brown liquid
Relative density 1. . 1 at 25 c
Chloride iron content ˂ .2 %
In comparison to the conventional super plasticizers, MASTER RHEOBUILD 1126ND has a different chemical structure. It
is made up of a polymer carboxylic ether with lengthy side chains. The side chains connected to the polymer backbone
create a steric barrier that significantly stabilizes the cement particles' capacity to split and disperse. It starts the same
electrostatic dispersion mechanism as the conventional super plasticizers at the beginning of the mixing phase. Along with
the electrostatic barrier, steric hindrance creates a physical barrier between the cement grains. This method yields
flowable concrete with a significantly lower water content.
2.6 Cashew Nut Shell Ash
The cashew tree, which belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, genus Anacardium L., and species Anacardiumoccidentale L.
The cashew tree have an important position among the tropical fructiferous trees on account of the growing
commercialization of its main products like the cashew nut shell.
Fig. 3 Cashew Nut Shell Ash

Most of the production of the cashew nut is destined for exportation. The CNSA is the waste collected from by-product of
combusted cashew nut shell.
Table 5 Properties of CNSA
Sl. No. Properties Magnitude
1 Fineness (%) 1.96
2 Specific gravity 3.11
3 Specific Surface Area 594
2.7 Polypropylene Fiber
Polypropylene fiber have been applied for concrete for many years. Main role is to overcome shrinkage and limit the
formation of cracks in the concrete. The use of this fiber increase the durability and which also prolong the life of the
element. Polypropylene fiber is a kind of polymer material with light weight, high strength, and corrosion resistance.
Fig. 4 Polypropylene Fiber
Properties of polypropylene fiber are;
1. Length (L) = 12 mm
2. Diameter (D) = 20 micron
3. Aspect Ratio (L/D) = 600
4. Density = 1000 kg/m3
3. MIX DESIGN
In the present study M30 grade concrete mix design as per IS: 10262 -2019was carried out. The concrete mix proportion
was 1:2.21:3.4. Water cement ratio was 0.45. For 1m3 concrete, 358.00 kg of cement, 794.00 kg of fine aggregate and
1231.00 kg of coarse aggregate were used. To improve the workability, super plasticizer were used and water content was
reduced to 143.00 l/m3. The proportioned mix for M30 grade of concrete is shown in Table 6.
CNSA and PPF was added as a partial replacement of cement. CNSA was replaced by 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% [1] and PPF
was 1%.
Table 6 Mix Proportion
Materials Composition / M3 Composition For First Trial Mix
Cement 358.00 kg 23.44 kg
Water 143.00 kg 9.374 kg
Fine Aggregate 794.00 kg 31.95 kg
Coarse Aggregate 1231.00 kg 49.53 kg

4. SPECIMEN DETAILS
The mould used for casting SCC are cube of size 150mmx150mmx150mm, and cylinder of size 150mmx300mm. 6
numbers of cube of each mix and 2 numbers of cylinder of each mix casted. After testing the optimum value is obtained at
10% cashew nut shell ash and 1% polypropylene fiber.
5. PREPARATION OF SPECIMENS
For casting the specimens, required quantities of the cement, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, super plasticizer, cashew
nut shell ash and polypropylene fiber were weighed and kept ready for mixing. For easy removal of the specimens, the oil
was applied to the inner surfaces of the moulds. The mixing machine was used to mixing materials. The amount of super
plasticizer to be used to the SCC mix was measured and is also kept ready for mixing. Before mixing the super plasticizer
was mixed with the quantity of water. At first, all the ingredients are mixed well in dry condition and after that calculated
amount of water with super plasticizer were added to the dry mix. All there were mixed thoroughly. After mixing, slump
test was conducted. Finally, concrete was placed into the moulds and filled.
Fig. 3 Casting of SCC Specimens
6. TESTS ON HARDENED SCC
The hardened concrete after curing must be strong enough to withstand the structural and service loads applied on it and
must be durable enough to withstand the environmental exposure for which it has been designed. If the concrete is
properly proportioned, mixed, handled, placed and finished with high-quality materials, it will be the strongest and one of
the most durable building materials.
The properties of hardened concrete, such as compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength of concrete
mixes were determined by casting cube specimens of size 150 mm x 150 mm x 150 mm, cylinder specimens of 150 mm x
300 mm as per IS specifications. The results are tabulated in Table 6.
Table 6 Test Results on Hardened SCC with PPF
Mix Average CompressiveStrength
(N/mm2)
Average Split TensileStrength
(N/mm2)
0.5% PPF 24.25 2.30
1% PPF 30.33 2.82
1.5 % PPF 9.24 2.06
From the above test result, the mix with 1 % PPF shows maximum strength. So this proportion is used to make the mix
with different proportion of CNSA

Chart 1 Results of Split Tensile Strength Tests
Table 7 Test Results on Hardened SCC with CNSA and PPF
Mix Average Compressive
Strength (N/mm2)
Average Split Tensile
Strength (N/mm2)
Control Specimen 36.20 2.5
5% CNSA+ 1% PPF 35.90 2.40
10% CNSA+ 1% PPF 41.66 3.10
15% CNSA+ 1% PPF 32.93 2.35
20% CNSA+ 1% PPF 26.60 2.02
The following graph shows the test results
Chart 2 Results of Compressive Strength Tests
2.3
[VALUE]
[VALUE]
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
0.5% PPF 1% PPF 1.5% PPF
Split
Tensile
Strength
(N/mm
2
)
Percentage of CSNA + PPF
Split Tensile Strength
After 28 Days
21.26
18.5
22.2
15.8 14.26
0
5
10
15
20
25
Control Mix 5%CNSA +
1%PPF
10%CNSA +
1%PPF
15%CNSA +
1% PPF
20%CNSA +
1% PPF
Compressive
Strength
(N/mm
2
)
Percentage of CNSA + PPF
Compressive Strength
After 7 Days

Chart 3 Results of Compressive Strength Tests
Chart 4 Results of Split Tensile Strength Tests
From the above graphs the optimum value is obtained at 10% CNSA + 1% PPF mix.
7. CONCLUSIONS
The main findings of this investigation are described below;
1. SCC with 1 % PPF shows the maximum compressive strength and split tensile strength more than the control mix.
2. More than 1% PPF used in mix which increases the volume of voids and which makes the reduction strength.
3. The optimum value is obtained at the mix made with 10% CNSA and 1 % PPF
36.2 35.9
41.66
32.93
26.6
0
10
20
30
40
50
1%PPF
10%CNSA +
1%PPF
15%CNSA +
1% PPF
20%CNSA
Compressive
Strength
(N/mm
2
)
Percentage of CNSA + PPF
Compressive Strength
After 28 Days
2.5
2.8
3.1
2.35
2.02
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
1%PPF
10%CNSA +
1%PPF
15%CNSA +
1% PPF
20%CNSA +
1% PPF
Split
Tensile
Strength
(N/mm2)
Percentage of CSNA + PPF
Split Tensile Strength
After 28 Days

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I wish to thank the Management, Principal and Head of Civil Engineering Department of Universal Engineering College,
Thrissur, affiliated by All India Council for Technical Education New Delhi and the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological
University for their support. This paper is based on the wok carried out by me (Swetha Chandran), as part of my PG course,
under the guidance of Rajeev V. S. (Assistant professor, Civil Department, Universal Engineering College, Thrissur, Kerala).
I express my gratitude towards him for valuable guidance
REFERENCES
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[2] Arun Kumar et al. (2 22) “Laboratory study on mechanical properties of self compacting concrete using marble waste
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[3] Peihuan Ye t al. (2 22) “ Mechanical properties of fully recycled coarse aggregate concrete with polypropylene fiber”
Science direct, doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2022.e01352.
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[8] Indian Standard Code of Practice for PPC- Specifications (First Revision), IS: 12269-2013, Bureau of Indian Standards,
New Delhi.
[9] Indian Standard Code of Specification for Coarse and Fine Aggregate, IS: 383-1970, Bureau of Indian Standards, New
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[10] Indian Standard Code of Methods of Test for Aggregate for Concrete Particle Size and Shape, IS: 2386 (Part 1)-1963,
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[11] Indian Standard Code of Methods of Test for Aggregate for Specific Gravity,Density, Voids, Absorption and Bulking, IS:
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Standards, New Delhi.
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EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF SCC BY ADDING POLYPROPYLENE FIBER WITH CASHEW NUT SHELL ASH AS PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF CEMENT

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