Investigation towards strength properties of ternary blended concrete

This study relates to a production of Quaternary Cement Concrete (QCC) prepared by using Micro Silica (MS), Marble Dust (MD) and Rice Husk Ash (RHA), followed by an investigation towards fresh and hardened properties of blended concrete. A total of 39 mixes were cast by incorporating different percentages of MS (6%, 7% and 8%), MD (5%, 10% and 15%) and RHA (5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) as partial replacement of Ordinary Portland Cement. The workability of fresh concrete was maintained in the range of 100+-25 mm by adding 0.7% of Super Plasticizer in the mix. Optimum mechanical strength was observed at combination of 8% MS+5% MD+10% RHA. Marble dust replacement from 10 to 15% and Rice husk ash replacements from 15 to 20% depicted a substantial reduction in compressive strength at all ages. Durability parameter with respect to water absorption at 28 days shows an increasing trend as the percentage of blending increases.