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EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION ON THE FEASIBILITY OF USING SAWDUST

AS PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF FINE AGGREGATE IN CONCRETE

Technical Report · April 2018

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.15053.95206

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 EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION ON THE
FEASIBILITY OF USING SAWDUST AS PARTIAL
REPLACEMENT OF FINE AGGREGATE IN
CONCRETE
A report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements
for the degree of

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLGY
IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

by

Biswaroop Ghosh
(Roll No: 1401028)

Supervisor
PROF.ROHAN KAR

School of Civil Engineering

KALINGA INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL TECHNONOLOGY
751024
April 2018

i
 APPROVAL SHEET

It is certified that the work contained in this report entitled ““EXPERIMENTAL

INVESTIGATION ON THE FEASIBILITY OF USING SAW-DUST AS PAR-
TIAL REPLACEMENT OF FINE AGGREGATE IN CONCRETE" submitted
by Biswaroop Ghosh (Roll No: 1401028) in partial fulfilment of the requirements for
the award of Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering at the Kalinga Institute of
Industrial Technology, Odisha is an authentic work carried out by him under my su-
pervision and this work has been submitted elsewhere for a degree.

April 2018

KIIT, BHUBANESWAR Rohan Kar

(Project Supervisor)
School of Civil Engineering
KIIT (Deemed to be University)

ii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

It is with immense pleasure that I express my sincere sense of gratitude and humble
appreciation to Rohan Kar for his invaluable guidance, whole-hearted co-operation,
constructive criticism and continuous encouragement in the preparation of this thesis.
Without his support and guidance, the present work would have remained a dream.

I would also like to thank Dr.B.G.Mohapatro, Dean, School of Civil Engineering Ka-
linga Institute of Industrial Technology. Also I would like to thank Laxmi Chemical
Laboratories, Bhubaneswar for providing necessary facilities for the conduction of
chemical analysis test of sawdust.

I take this opportunity to thank all our scholar friends & family for their valuable sup-
port and encouragement throughout the preparation of this work. I also thank all those
who have directly or indirectly helped in completion of this work.

April 2018

KIIT, BHUBANESWAR Biswaroop Ghosh

(Roll No: 1401028)

iii
 DECLARATION OF SCHOLAR

I hereby certify that the work which is being presented in the report entitle “EXPER-
IMENTAL INVESTIGATION ON THE FEASIBILITY OF USING SAW-DUST
AS PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF FINE AGGREGATE IN CONCRETE " in
partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Bachelor of
Technology in School of Civil Engineering under Kalinga Institute of Industrial
Technonology, Bhubaneswar is an authentic record of my own work carried out dur-
ing the period from July 2017 to April 2018 under the supervision of Rohan Kar.

The matter embodied in this thesis has not been submitted by us for the award of any
other degree of this or any other University/Institute.

(Biswaroop Ghosh)

iv
 ABSTRACT

With increase in industrialization in a developing country like India cost is an im-

portant area of concern for the modern day construction. The recent study has shown
us that amount of saw dust waste produced in our country is around 30000-33000 tons
annually. This study focuses on the experimental investigation of using saw-dust as a
partial replacement of sand in the properties of concrete mix. Saw dust also known as
wood dust is a by-product or waste product of wood working operations such as saw-
ing, milling, planing, routing, drilling and sanding. Natural sand was partially re-
placed with saw dust in (10%, 20%, 30%and 40%). The mixed fine aggregate was
pursued through sieve size analysis along with specific gravity test. After this chemi-
cal analysis of saw dust by automated spectrometer was done. This newly formed
blended fine aggregate was used in mortar and concrete to compare with natural con-
crete mixture. The compressive strength, tensile strength and flexural strength up to
28 days of concrete made with natural fine aggregates were (31.56mpa, 3.29mpa,
8.56mpa) which is lower than the values of concrete using 10% of replaced sand by
saw-dust (35.23mpa, 3.7mpa, 8.87mpa). The test results indicate that it is possible to
manufacture concrete containing sawdust with characteristics similar to those of natu-
ral concrete provided that the percentage of saw dust replaced by sand should be with-
in (10 to 20) per cent. Beyond which it violates the IS code requirement as the
strength of concrete lowers down with the increase of replacing % of sand by saw-
dust.

v
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

APPROVAL SHEET ii
ACKMOWLEDGEMENT iii
DECLARATION OF SCHOLAR iv
ABSTRACT v
TABLE OF CONTENTS vi
LIST OF TABLES viii
LIST OF FIGURES ix
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS x
1. INTRODUCTION 1
1.1General 1
1.2 Objectives of Present Study 2
1.3 Organisation of Report 3
2. LITERATURE REVIEW 4
3. MATERIAL 14
3.1 Cement 14
3.2 Aggregates 16
3.2.1 Coarse Aggregate 16
3.2.2 Fine Aggregate(SAND) 17
3.2.3 Saw-Dust 17
3.3 Water 18
4. EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM 19
4.1 Preparation of fine aggregate specimen 19
4.2 Preparation of concrete specimens 20
4.3 Mixing Procedure 20
4.4Testing of fresh concrete 20
4.5 Casting-Compaction and Curing 19
4.5.1 Casting and Curing of Cube Specimens 19
4.5.2 Casting and Curing of Cylinder Specimen 19
4.5.3 Casting and Curing of Prism specimens 19
4.6 Testing of Hardened Concrete 20

vi
 4.6.1 Compressive strength of Concrete 20
4.6.2 Split Tensile strength of Concrete 21
4.6.3 Flexural strength of Concrete 22
5. RESULTS 23
5.1 Particle size distribution 23
5.2 Specific Gravity 24
5.3 Analysis of sawdust 24
5.4 Analysis of coarse aggregate 25
5.5 Analysis of fine aggregate 25
5.3 Mix Design 26
5.3.1 Normal fine aggregate 26
5.3.2 Normal fine aggregate+ 10%saw-dust 30
5.3.3 Normal fine aggregate+ 20%saw-dust 30
5.3.4 Normal fine aggregate+ 30%saw-dust 30
5.3.5 Normal fine aggregate+ 50%saw-dust 30
5.4 Workability 31
5.5 Compressive Strength 32
5.6 Split Tensile Strength 33
5.7 Flexural Strength 35
6. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION 36
FUTURE WORK 37
REFERENCES 38

vii
 LIST OF TABLE

Chapter3

Table 3.1 Physical properties of 43 grade ordinary Portland concrete 14

Table 3.2 Chemical properties of 43 grade ordinary Portland concrete 14

Chapter5

Table 5.1 The table shows sieve size analysis of saw-dust mixed fine aggregate 23

Table 5.2 The table shows specific gravity of saw-dust mixed fine aggregate 24

Table 5.3 Physical properties of saw dust 24

Table 5.4 Chemical properties of sawdust 25

Table 5.5 Physical properties of coarse aggregate 25

Table 5.6 Physical properties of fine aggregate 25

Table 5.7 The table is for correction in estimation of coarse aggregate proportion for normal
fine aggregate 28

Table 5.8 Replacement of Sand by Saw-dust shows the slump height change in mm 31

Table 5.9 Compressive strength of Normal and saw-dust mixed fine aggregate concrete 32

Table 5.10 Split Tensile strength of Normal and saw-dust mixed fine aggregate concrete 34

Table 5.11 Flexural strength of Normal and saw-dust mixed fine aggregate concrete 35

viii
 LIST OF FIGURES

Chapter3

Fig 3.1 Cement 13

Fig 3.2 Fine Aggregate 15

Fig 3.3 Coarse Aggregate 16

Fig 3.4 Saw Dust 16

Chapter5

Fig 5.1 Sieve size analysis of saw-dust mixed fine aggregate 23

Fig 5.2 Bar-chart showing specific gravity of different % of saw dust mixed with sand 24

Fig 5.3 Bar chart showing variability of slump value with increase in % replacement 31

Fig 5.4 Model of slump used for workability test 32

Fig 5.5 Bar chart showing variation of compressive strength values for different % re-
placement at the end of 7and 28 days Graph showing compressive strength test of differ-
ent % of saw dust mixed with sand 33

Fig 5.6 Model cubes used for compressive strength test 33

Fig 5.7 Bar chart showing variation of split tensile strength values for different % re-
placement at the end of 28 days 34

Fig 5.8 Model cylinder used for split tensile strength test 34

Fig 5.9 Bar chart showing variation of flexural strength values for different % replace-
ment at the end of 28 days 35

Fig 5.10 Model beam used for flexural strength test 35

ix
 ABBREVIATIONS

OC Ordinary Concrete
SC Saw-dust Concrete
SDA Saw-dust Ash
SF Steel fibre
FRSDA Fibre reinforced saw-dust ash
CA Coarse aggregate

FA Fine aggregate

OPC Ordinary Portland Cement

PPC Portland Pozzolana Cement

x
 1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 GENERAL

The rising growth of population and economy in India is leading to industrialization.

The urbanization is leading to various kinds of researches in the engineering fields
over recent years. The field that has been prone to better and more efficient changes
is undoubtedly, the construction industry.

With technological developments sky-rocketing, the traditional methods are slowly

replaced with better alternatives. While some of these alternatives push forward the
efficiency rate, some of them ease the demand of the traditional raw materials. For
instance, in frame structures, walls act as screen to maintain a room’s privacy. These
walls support self-weight, and for that masonry component of low density and low
strength materials can be used, which can help in reducing the dead load of the struc-
ture effective. Since most of the concrete mixture is expended in the walls, a compo-
nent of the mixture can be considered to be substituted in a manner that it did not
compromise the performance of the mixture.

Sand is traditionally used as fine aggregate in the concrete mixture. Saw dust (or
wood dust in industrial terms) is a by-product or waste produced in work working
operations. These may include sawing, milling, routing, drilling and sanding. It con-
sists of fine wood particles and shows properties of moisture holding which proper-
ties can be helped to use this sawdust concrete as a self-curing concrete. It has been
proven that in a concrete mixture it doesn’t compromise the performance of the mix-
ture and acts just like the traditional alternative.

Saw dust, can be used as fine aggregate substituting the previously used sand in a
concrete mixture. By being an effective alternative for sand as the fine aggregate, it
accomplishes the two requirements of an alternative. As mentioned earlier, it doesn’t
compromise the performance of the concrete mix but rather makes the quantity
lighter compared to the sand mix concrete.

1
 This option also addresses the issue of excessive usage of sand which was further
leading to raising serious threats concerning the environment, especially the river
habitats.
1.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE PRESENT STUDY

The objectives of the present study are stated below

1. To carry out the literature review for detailed study on partial replacement of sand by
saw dust as fine aggregate in concrete mixture.

2. To mix saw dust sample with sand in 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% and record the detail
observations to check efficient percentage of the saw-dust that can be replaced by
sand in the construction field.

3. To find the particle size distribution by sieve analysis for getting an idea of the grada-
tion of the proportionate mixture of sawdust.

4. To find the chemical composition of sawdust by automated spectrometer in order to

find its suitability for the use in concrete mixture.

5. To find the specific gravity of the saw-dust mix in order to use it for mix-design of
concrete.
6. To prepare the mix design of concrete in order to get the adequate proportions of the
mix and also to find the workability of concrete by using slump test.
7. To find out the compressive strength test at different percentages of mixing saw dust
(10%, 20%, 30% and 40%) in the concrete preparation at the end of 28 days using cu-
bic moulds to check the optimum percentage sawdust that can be replaced in conven-
tional concrete mix.
8. To carry out the tensile strength & flexural strength test at the end of 28 days using
prism and cylindrical moulds for the sample in order to check the tension and flexural
crack in the beam.
9. Finally an attempt has been made to analyze and compare the above results obtained
with the properties of conventional concrete to understand the feasibility of using
sawdust as partial replacement of fine aggregate in construction industry.

2
 1.3 ORGANISATION OF THE REPORT

The present work has been organised into six chapters. Following is a brief outline of
the different chapters included in this report.

In the first chapter the brief outline of the topic along with objectives of the study and
work schedule plan is mentioned.

In the second chapter, general overview of literatures from various journals and publi-
cation are overviewed and discussed.

The third chapter presents the general overviews of various raw materials used in this
study.

The fourth chapter presents the experimental program like mixing procedure, specifi-
cation, detail of various tests and their procedure.

The fifth chapter deals with the various results and discussions of the present work.
Finally the scope of future work is mentioned.

3
 2 LITERATURE REVIEW

Joy et al. [1] checked the 28 days compressive strength, flexural strength and splitting tensile
strength at various mix proportions. They cast specified number of cubes, cylinder and beams
by replacing fine aggregate with sawdust by 15%, 20%, 25% & 30% and to compare their
property with standard mix (M25).Based on the investigation on sawdust, following conclu-
sions were made i.e. in 28 days compressive strength and splitting tensile strength of the
concrete is not increased to large extent but it almost matches with the compressive and split-
ting tensile strength of nominal mix concrete. The compressive strength obtained for the re-
placement of fine aggregate with 25% sawdust was proved to be the optimum mix to get M25
grade of concrete. But the flexural strength gradually increases as sawdust content increases.
The fibre content in sawdust is very high and is responsible for the increase of strength.
Weight of the sawdust concrete was reduced as compared with normal concrete and also be-
come more economical. As a result of this experiment it was observed that the concrete con-
taining sawdust get compacted more efficiently than the normal concrete. Dry porous saw-
dust could absorb sufficient amount of water that could be an effective mean of internal cur-
ing and absorb the excess water in the mix and provide the water required for the hydration of
the cement.

Abdullahi et al. [2] checked the compressive strength of concrete and analyse its effect on the
construction cost. They casted (150x150x150)mm cube & evaluated the compressive
strength of concrete at 7,14,21and 28 days by replacing fine aggregate from 0% to 50% (in
percentage gap of 10). Based on the investigation following conclusions were made i.e. Saw-
dust as an air-entraining agent has no appreciable positive effect on the compressive strength
of concrete. Variation in the compressive strength results is traceable to the fact that it is dif-
ficult to obtain sawdust which is not a mixture of several species. A possibility exists for the
partial replacement of sand with sawdust in the production of Lightweight concrete. Opti-
mum replacement of sand with sawdust has been found to be 10%. Beyond this limit, the
concrete produced did not meet code requirements. As a result of this experiment it was ob-
served that as the percentage sawdust content increased in the mix the compressive strength
decreased. The low values of the compressive strength of the concrete used in this investiga-
tion could be attributed to the fact that sawdust contains some substances which are injurious

4
to the cement. These substances actually inhibit the hydration of cement and hence the devel-
opment of strength.

Suji.D et al. [3] determined the optimum quantity of river sand to be replaced by Quarry dust
and saw dust and to obtain maximum results and compared the characteristic strength of
normal concrete and concrete with Quarry dust and Saw dust. In this experimental study, the
test was conducted for M30 mix containing Quarry dust ranging from 0, 10%, 20%,30%,40%
combined with Saw dust ranging from 0,5%,10%,15% &20% remaining percentage river
sand is used. Based on the experimental study following conclusions were made i.e.The com-
pressive strength of quarry dust and saw dust up to 30% and 15% respectively is almost simi-
lar to that of control mix. Split tensile strength of quarry dust and saw dust up to 30% and
15% respectively is almost similar to that of control mix. Two-point loading test result shows
that the first crack load is almost same for both control mix and quarry dust and saw dust
concrete. As a result of this experiment Quarry dust and saw dust content of 30% and 15% by
weight has shown the best results. Thus indicates the possibility of using quarry dust and saw
dust as a partial replacement of fine aggregate up to this level. The weight can be reduced up
to 20%.

Kumar et al. [4] carried out an experimental study to compare the cost of sand used concrete
block and saw dust used concrete block and also compared the reduction in weight of two
blocks. In this experiment, they prepared 6 test specimens of control concrete & 10%, 15%,
& 20% fine aggregate replaced by saw dust by volume each. Based on the study carried out
on the strength behaviour of saw dust the following conclusions are drawn i.e.at the initial
ages, with the increase in the percentage replacement of saw dust, the strength as well as
compressive strength increases. Moreover with the use of saw dust, the weight of concrete
reduces, thus making the concrete lighter which can be used as a light weight construction
material in many civil engineering purposes.

Tomas et al. [5] carried out the experiment study to analyse the effect of sawdust concrete
mixture in terms of adhesion of aggregates, thermal insulation, workability and surface quali-
ty. This study also aims to determine the factors affecting the performance of sawdust in con-
crete mixture in terms of humidity and temperature and design a sawdust concrete mixture as
an alternative fine aggregate. In order to contribute to the industry and saving the environ-
ment, to provide new knowledge to the contractors and developers on how to improve the
construction industry methods and services by using sawdust concrete mixture, and sustain

5
good product performance this study was done. This experimental research tries to implicate
that sawdust-cement-gravel mix has an equal advantage than the standard mix of cement-
sand-gravel. Both mixed in proportions of 1:2:4 of cement, a fine aggregate, and a coarse ag-
gregate respectively. Two sets of sample with three sample of each were made for a total of 6
specimens to be tested. The first set of three samples consists of the sawdust-cement-gravel
mix, the second set of the ordinary concrete mix. Each set were mixed and moulded in the
same way and with the same volume proportions. After placement in moulds, both sets were
left to cure for a number of days. The curing samples will then be tested at a given period of
days specified under the National Structural Code of the Philippines or NSCP (7, 14, and 28
days). The seven day specimen was not cured, the fourteen day specimen was soaked, and the
twenty-eight day specimen was washed with a little bit of water every morning. Analysis
showed a difference in each specimen tested. Since the curing of specimens were altered in a
way to be able to explore other aspects of the research. Experimentation and data analysis
shows that the higher the saturation of water deposits in the sawdust particles during curing
tend to weaken the sample, making it softer than it was designed for, thus explaining why the
soaked and splashed sample appeared weak.

Jeson.P et al. [6] carried out the test experimental study on properties of concrete by partial
replacement of cement with silica powder and fine aggregate with saw dust ash. In this exper-
iment natural sand was partially replaced (5%, 10%, and 15%) with SDA. Compressive
strength and Tensile strength (cubes and cylinders) on 7, 14 and 28 days of age were com-
pared with those of concrete made with natural fine aggregate. Based on the study carried out
on the strength behaviour of saw dust the following conclusions are drawn i.e.in the project it
is observed by 5%, 10% and 15% partial replacement of Fine Aggregate with SawDust Ash
and 25% partial replacement of Cement with Silica Powder, the 5% of Compressive Strength
is more than the Conventional Concrete Target Strength. The other percentage mix has a low
Compressive and Tensile Strength this may be due to low bulk density of Saw Dust Ash. But
literature says that Saw Dust Ash give good strength if replacement with fine aggregate on
concrete.

Oyedepo et al. [7] carried out the test for investigation of properties of concrete using saw-
dust as partial replacement for sand. The concrete mix ratio of 1:2:4. was prepared using wa-
ter/cement of 0.65 with 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% sawdust as partial replacement for
fine sand. The coefficient of uniformity and coefficient of curvature of the sand are used in

6
this study. Concrete produced using sawdust as partial replacement of sand has influence on
the properties of the concrete. The result of the analysis carried out shows that the workability
of concrete with partial replacement of sand with sawdust reduces at constant water-cement
ratio; while the use of sawdust in concrete at high percentage of sawdust replacement of sand
affected the strength of the concrete as there was a decrease in the strength value, and the
density requirement of 1480 to 1840 kg/m3 was not meet. However, use of sawdust as partial
replacement of sand at 25 percent by weight gives the same strength requirement when saw-
dust was not used. Thus, the use of sawdust as partial replacement of sand between 0 to 25%
will contributes to reduction in sawdust waste generated in the society without adversely af-
fecting concrete strength.

Osei et al. [8] has carried the experiment on the topic of the effect of replacing sand with
sawdust on the properties of concrete. A concrete mix of 1:2:4 was used as control while
sawdust was used to replace 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of sand by volume. In this study the
effects of the replacement of sand with sawdust on the strength and density were investigated.
Based on the results obtained, the following conclusions are drawn i.e. the compressive
strength and density of concrete reduced as the percentage replacement of sand by sawdust
increased.The effect of sawdust on the strength of concrete was more pronounced than the
effect on the density of concrete. Sawdust concrete can potentially be used in situations
where compressive strength is not a major requirement. A percentage replacement of at least
14% can potentially be used in producing structural concrete. Sawdust can potentially replace
16% of sand in the production of structural lightweight concrete. Since sawdust may be ob-
tained at virtually no cost, the cost of concrete can potentially be reduced by replacing sand
with sawdust in concrete. Further studies should be conducted on the potential of sawdust as
replacement of sand in the production of structural concrete.
Mageswari et al. [9] has carried the experiment by replacing natural sand with SDA (5%,
10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and30%). This paper consists of fineness modulus, specific gravity,
moisture content, water absorption, Bulk density, %voids, % porosity (loose and compact)
state for sand and SDA. In this paper he had found compressive strength test, tensile strength
test , flexural strength test of concrete sample for 28,45, 60, 90, 180 days. The fineness modu-
lus, specific gravity, moisture content, uncompacted bulk density and compacted bulk density
of Sawdust ash were found. Along with that it was concluded that water requirement increas-
es as the SDA content increases. The compressive strength of cubes and cylinders of the con-
crete for all mix increases with age of curing and decreases as the SDA content increases.

7
The Tensile strength of cubes and cylinders of the concrete for all mix increases with age of
curing and decreases as the SDA content increases. The Flexural strength of the beam of the
concrete for all mix increases with age of curing and decreases as the SDA content increases.
SDA is available in significant quantities as a waste and can be utilized for making concrete.
This will go a long way to reduce the quantity of waste in our environment. The optimum re-
placement level in fine aggregate with SDA is 10%. Workability of the concrete decreased as
the percentages of SDA replacement increased. So there is a possibility that 10% of SDA can
be used in the field purpose.

Thomas Joseph Odero et al. [10] has carried the experiment by replacing 5%, 10% and 25%
by volume of sand with sawdust. In this paper different properties of sawdust and sand (mois-
ture content, specific gravity, fineness modulas, grading of aggregate)was tested along with
compressive tensile and flexural strength test of SC and OC of 7& 28 days. As lowering the
value of sawdust in the concrete mixture giving higher strength in 28 days but by increasing
sawdust content the 7 days strength get on increasing. Results showed that the compressive
strength decreased with higher sawdust content with replacements beyond 10% resulting in a
considerable strength decrease. From the above paper we have a clear ideation that saw-dust
can be used in field purpose having 10% of saw-dust of total fine aggregate volume.

Gopinath et al. [11] performed a series of experimental study on the Utilization of saw dust in
cement mortar and cement concrete where the saw dust would be used as a substitute for the
fine aggregates like sand and/or silica in the concrete mixture. The experiment was carried on
with partial replacement of sand with dry saw dust and saw dust ash as well in 0, 10, 30, 50
percentages. Compressive strength test for both sample were conducted and the observations
were recorded in 7, 21 and 28 days. This test was followed by density test and slump test on
both the samples. It was concluded from the observations that as the percentage of saw dust
increased, the density decreased. Density of Dry Saw Dust (DSD) is 90% less than normal
river sand and the density of Saw Dust Ash (SDA) is 60% to 80% less than Ordinary Portland
Cement (OPC). The compressive strength results for 1:5 cube mortar after 7 days of curing
gained 92%, 77%, 50% of strength for 10%, 30%, 50% respectively. The reduction in self
weight for the same sample was recorded to be 5%, 10% and 15% for the same percentages
mentioned earlier. For design mix of 1:1.5:3 M20 grade concrete, the compressive strength of
concrete after 28 days of curing was 80%, 75%, 47% of strength for the same percentages
mentioned earlier. For saw dust ash, compressive strength achieved 91%, 80%, and 78% for

8
10%, 30%, 50% replacement of saw dust ash respectively after 28 days. For replacement of
10%, 30% and 50% density reduced by 9%, 16% and 23%. From the experiment it was in-
ferred that the sawdust mortar is used as plastering and Sawdust concrete may be used in
structural members like beams, columns etc. The sawdust can hence, be recycled in a re-
sourceful manner minimizing wastage and extreme demand for sand.

Obilade et al. [12] conducted experiments to check the validity of using sawdust ash as partial
replacement for cement in concrete. The experiments were run with partial replacement of
cement with Saw dust ash (SDA) in 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30%. The compres-
sive strength test of the sample was carried out and the compressing factor values were rec-
orded to be 0.91, 0.89, 0.88, 0.87, 0.86, 0.86 and 0.85 respectively. The bulk densities of the
concrete cubes were recorded at interval of 7, 14 and 28 days for the same SDA percentages
mentioned earlier the trend shows a decrease in the densities with increasing percentages.
From the investigation carried out, the optimum addition of SDA as partial replacement for
cement ranges up to 15%. The compressive strength of the concrete, however, took a dip
when percentage SDA replacement increased. From the study it was further recommended
that the use of local recycled materials like SDA as pozzolanas should be encouraged more in
this sector to enhance material usage efficiency and reduce the usage of sand or silica as a
fine aggregate in concrete mixtures.

Batt et al. [13] carried out his experimentation with the Partial Replacement of Wood Ash
with Ordinary Portland Cement and Foundry Sand as Fine Aggregate. His team recorded the
observations of the compressive strength, Split tensile strength, Flexural test, Water absorp-
tion, Soundness, Carbonation, Bulk Density and Drying Shrinkage at 7, 28 and 56 days.
Some interesting revelations were made in the conclusions drawn by his team. Wood ash may
vary in quality and quantity because of variable factors controlling its nature, such as temper-
ature, type of wood, combustion time to name a few. The Wood Dust Ash must hence be
thoroughly analysed before being used in practical purposes. The strength parameters ob-
tained were quite better than the attaining target of M20. The results for compressive strength
were much significant. The optimum level of replacement with wood ash produced positive
results. Water absorption favoured the new substitution. The new mixture was now able to
handle load more effectively and did not result in sudden failures – the concrete mix was
thus, more ductile. Incorporation of wood ash enhanced the quality of paste, thereby increas-
ing both split tensile strength and flexural strength of concrete.

9
Sasah et al. [14]reports results of study on standard masonry mortar containing sand and
sawdust as aggregates in a mix proportion of 1:3 and water-cement ratio of 0.55. A modified
mortar of same design mix proportion (1:3) but varying water/cement ratio and constant
slump of 74.3 mm to achieve higher workability was also evaluated. Six different percentages
(5, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 50%) of sand replacement were investigated. The flexural tensile
strength, compressive strength, dry density, masonry wallet compressive strength, water ab-
sorption and slump were evaluated. The British code recommended masonry wallet compres-
sive strength of 5.3 N/mm2 was achieved with 8 and 13% sawdust contents in the standard
and modified mortars, respectively. Such mortars can be used as jointing and rendering mate-
rials on interior walls of buildings where water absorption by the mortar would be reduced.
The mortar mix ratio resulted in inadequate workability. The results showed that the sawdust
possessed the characteristics of a well-graded aggregate. The dry density, compressive
strength and flexural tensile strength were observed to decrease with increasing sawdust con-
tent. A more porous mortar was produced with increased sawdust content. However the mod-
ified mortar was slightly impervious compared with the standard mortar. Therefore in terms
of durability the modified mortar could be presumed to be more durable. Failure in this mix-
ture was notably characterized by cracking along masonry units while that of standard mortar
was observed to fail along brick-mortar joint. On microscopic scale, adhesion of the mixture
was enhanced due to the presence of saw dust.

Chitra et al. [15] has used saw dust as a partial replacement for fine aggregate in concrete. In
this fine aggregate was replaced by saw dust as 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% by weight for m-20 mix.
The concrete cubes were tested for compressive strength at the age of 7 days and 28 days.
M20 grade of concrete was designed for this experiment with mix proportion of 1:1.60:2.78
with water cement ratio 0.45. In this paper chemical and physical properties of cement,
coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, saw-dust were tested. From this page we can conclude that
partial replacement of saw sawdust reduces the cost of making concrete. It has been observed
that when we increase the saw dust percentage the compressive strength of the concrete de-
creases. Increase in water cement ratio also decrease the compressive strength of the con-
crete. Water absorption increased with increasing saw-dust percentage. So we can conclude
that the saw-dust can be used as a max of 10% in field purpose.

Anandaraj.S.L et al. [16] has experimented on concrete in partially replacement of fine ag-
gregate with saw dust added by 10, 20 & 30percentage of weight of the fine aggregates to

10
compare with conventional concrete. Compressive Strength test, Split tensile Strength test,
Flexural Strength test of saw-dust was tested for 7-28 days. Addition of 30% of saw dust in
concrete mix gives nearly 6.2% increases in tensile strength compared with conventional
concrete and 13% increase in compressive strength and 8.12% increases in flexural strength
compared with conventional concrete. The result concluded the saw dust increases 30% of
characteristic strength of concrete. It is clearly identified that the saw dust increases the crack
arresting property of the concrete with the increment of saw dust. Addition of minimal per-
centage saw dust itself increases the compressive strength in higher manner. From the above
paper we can conclude that the sawdust of 30% can be used easily in the field purpose to get
the proper strength.

Nayak et al. [17] executed compressive strength test, tensile strength test, flexural strength
test for the study on strength of concrete due to partial replacement of cement with saw-dust
and steel fibre. The compressive strength test was done for 3,7,28,56 days for normal and
SDA concrete and FRSDA concrete tests were done on 3,7,28 days. The split tensile test for
the concrete cylinders were done for 3,7,28,56 days for normal, SDA, FRSDA concrete.
Flexural strength test were done for 28 days for normal, SDA, FRSDA concrete. The worka-
bility of concrete decreases significantly with the increase of SDA content in concrete mixes.
It was also seen that at 20% SDA + 1% SF the compressive strength increases & again it is
decreased at 20% SDA + 1.5% SF.
Prasanna et al. [18] has experimented strength of concrete by partial replacement of riversand
with sawdust and robosand. In this paper fineness modulas, bulk density, specific gravity,
moisture content of the sawdust, robosand, river sand were tested along with different physi-
cal properties of cement and coarse aggregate were tested. Compressive strength and tensile
strength were tested for 7, 28 days. Cost analysis for M20 grade of optimum mix concrete
which is totally 50% replacement with 10% of saw dust and 40% of robosand were done in
this paper. From this paper we can conclude that the cost reduction up to Rs.123.75 per cubic
meter of concrete is achieved replacing 50% of fine aggregate with 40% Robosand and 10%
sawdust for M20 grade concrete. 70% of the characteristic compressive strength is obtained
at 7days. 28-day characteristic strength of the concrete decreases gradually for the increasing
replacement percentages. So we can take the conclusion that for 7 days strength this changes
will be useful but not for 28 days strength.
Ambiga et al. [19] has studied on strength of concrete by partial replacement of sand with
sawdust. In this paper compressive strength of solid concrete cubes were tested by partial

11
replacement of sand with a varying proportion (10%, 20%, 30%) of sawdust. The weight of
the cubes was also tested in this paper along with the stress and strain variation of different
proportion was done. In this above paper Increase in the replacement level also increases the
water ratio used. The project work confirms that the presence of tannin in sawdust acts as re-
tarder, adversely affecting cube strength. Though, as the percentage sawdust content increas-
es in the mix, the compressive strength decreases. But, for the cubes manufactured with
10%replacement level however, the sawdust replacement did not appear to have a significant
effect on the compressive strength of the concrete cubes. The water /cement ratio increases as
the percentage of sawdust increases. At 10% sawdust replacement, there is about 10% reduc-
tion in weight and 3% reduction in production cost. It could, therefore, be concluded that to
achieve a better result in the use of sawdust for concrete cubes production, the percentage re-
placement of sand should not be more than 10%.
Chandana et al. [20] has on Strength of Concrete by Partial replacement of Fine Aggregate
with Sawdust and Robosand. In this paper different physical properties of robosand riversand
sawdust were tested. The compressive strength, tensile strength of the concrete using
25%(5% sawdust+ 20% robosand),50%(10% sawdust+ 40% robosand), 75%(15% saw-
dust+60% robosand),100%(20% sawdust+ 80% robosand) replacement of fine aggre-
gate.Along with in this paper the cost analysis has also done. We can conclude that 28-day
compressive strength and split tensile strength of the concrete decreases gradually for the in-
creasing re-placement percentages. The cube compressive strength at 7 days results in 70% of
the characteristic compressive strength at 28days acquired. The compressive strength ob-
tained for the replacement of fine aggregate by 50% totally with sawdust 10% and robosand
40% was proved to be the optimum mix to get M20 grade of Concrete. For the optimum mix
the weight reduction up to 7% and the cost reduction up to Rs.85 per cubic meter of concrete
is achieved. There are possibilities to increase the strength by adding admixtures. The thermal
and fire resistance properties are to be tested for the performance of sawdust under such con-
ditions.

12
 3. MATERIALS

3.1 CEMENT

Cement has different properties and characteristics which depend upon their chemical com-
positions. By changing in fineness of grinding, oxide compositions cement have exhibit dif-
ferent properties and different kind of cement. The use of additives, changing chemical com-
position, and use of different raw materials have resulted in the availability of many types of
cements. Cement used in the experimental work is OPC (43 grade) conforming to IS:
8112/1989. The physical properties & chemical properties of the cement obtained on con-
ducting appropriate tests and the requirements as per IS: 8112/1989 is given in the Table 3.1
and Table 3.2

Fig 3.1 Cement sample

13
 Table 3.1 Physical Properties of 43 grade Ordinary Portland Cement
(Source: Rupak Kumar Patro et al. [21])
SL.NO PARTICULARS TEST RESULTS REQUIREMENT OF
IS:8112/1987
1 Fineness obtained (in m2/Kg) 310 225 (min)
2 Setting time (Minutes)
1. Initial 170 30 (min)
2. Final 235 600 (max)
3 Soundness
1. Lechatiler expansion (mm) 1.50 10(max)
2. Autoclave (%) 0.012 0.8(max)
4 Compressive strength (MPa)
1. 72+1Hr 30.2 23.0(min)
2. 168+2Hr 40.1 33.0(min)
3. 672+4Hr 52.8 43.0(min)

Table 3.2 Chemical Properties of 43 grade ordinary Portland cement

(Source: Rupak Kumar Patro et al. [21])
SL.NO PARTICULARS TEST RESULTS REQUIREMENT OF
IS:8112/1987
1 Lime (% by mass) 60.87
2 Soluble silica (% by mass) 20.55
3 Alumina (% by mass) 5.36
4 Iron Oxide(% by mass) 4.00
5 Magnesia(% by mass) 0.74 6 (max)
6 Sulphuric Anhydride(% by mass) 1.83 3 (max)
7 Loss on Ignition(% by mass) 3.10 4 (max)
8 Insoluble Reside(% by mass) 2.93 5(max)
9 Chlorides (% by mass) 0.0173 0.05 (max)
10 Lime saturation Factor 0.90 0.66-1.02
11 Al2O3/Fe2O3 1.34 0.66(min)

14
 3.2 AGGREGATES

Aggregates are the important constituents in concrete. They give body to the concrete,
reduce shrinkage and effect economy. The fact that the aggregates occupy 70-80 present of
volume of concrete, it has some impact on various characteristics and properties of concrete.
Earlier, aggregates were considered as chemically inert material but now it has been recog-
nised that some of the aggregate are chemical active and also certain aggregates ere exhibit
chemical bond at the interface of aggregate and paste.

3.2.1 COARSE AGGREGATE

Crushed granite of 10mm & 20mm size were used as coarse aggregate. The sieve
analysis of aggregates confirms to the specifications of IS: 383-1970. The Physical Properties
are given in the Table 3.3

Fig 3.2 Coarse aggregate sample

3.2.2 FINE AGGREGATE (SAND)

Fine aggregate which satisfied the required properties for experimental work and con-
forms to zone as per the specification of IS: 383-1970. . The Physical Properties are given in
the Table 3.4

15
 Fig 3.3 Fine aggregate sample

3.2.3 SAW DUST

Saw dust is produced by cutting or chopping the log & thin flat sheet of wood. Saw-
dust is partially mixed with sand by 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% and its different characteristics
as a fine aggregate were tested as per specification of IS: 383-1970. The Chemical properties
are given in Table 3.5

Fig 3.4 Sawdust sample

3.3 WATER

Clean potable water as obtained from Structural laboratory of School Civil Engineer-
ing, KIIT was used for mixing and curing of concrete.

16
 4. EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM

4.1 PREPARATION OF FINE AGGREGATE SPECIMEN

Different mix of sawdust and sand (10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%) obtained to conduct the sieve
size analysis test and specific gravity test in order to know the Cu, Cc value and to use the
specific gravity value for mix design purpose.

4.1.1 DRY SIEVE ANALYSIS

Sieve size analyses of the mixed fine aggregate were done to find out the gradation of the fine
aggregate with saw-dust mix. Fine aggregate means the aggregate which passes through
4.75mm sieve. To find the fineness modulus of fine aggregate mix we need sieve sizes of
4.75mm, 2.36mm, 1.18mm, 0.6mm, 0.3mm and 0.15mm. Fineness modulus of finer aggre-
gate is lower than fineness modulus of coarse aggregate

Coefficient of Uniformity (Cu)

Coefficient of uniformity represents particle size range of distribution curve. It is defined as

ratio D60 size of particle to the D10 size of particle.

D
C =
D

D60 = size in mm such that 60% particles are finer this size.

D10 = size in mm such that 10% particles are finer this size.

Coefficient of Curvature (Cc)

Coefficient of curvature represents particle size distribution curve.

D
C =
D ×D

D30 = size in mm such that 30% particles are finer this size.

17
 4.2 PREPARATION OF CONCRETE SPECIMENS

Different mix of saw-dust and sand obtained by mix-design to conduct compression test on
standard BIS specimen of size 150×150×150 mm, split tensile test on standard BIS specimen
of size 150 mm(diameter) and 300 mm (height), flexural test on standard BIS specimen of
size 100×100×500 mm. The curing period for the BIS specimen are 7 and 28 days respecta-
bly.

4.3 MIXING PROCEDURE

Uniform mixing of concrete should be ensured to get correct test results of the speci-
men. For ordinary concrete, initially the coarse aggregate is weighed for required quantity per
mix proportioning in tray 1; the Sand is weighed and poured into another mixing tray 2,
which is completely dry. Cement is weighed and uniformly spread on the surface of sand into
tray 2 and uniform mixing is ensured. Mixed cement and sand from tray 2 is uniformly
spread on the coarse aggregate in tray 1, dry mixing is carried out, later water mixed with the
dry mix, mixing is ensured up to a minimum of 5 minutes until uniform colour of concrete is
seen. Immediately the concrete is measured for slump and placed in moulds as per procedure.

For Sawdust Concrete (SC), the above-explained procedure is followed except that
before adding cement and sand to coarse aggregate. Saw-Dust is thoroughly mixed with sand,
then the mixture of saw-dust, sand and Cement is mixed with aggregate and further procedure
is followed to achieve the different types of saw-dust concrete with 10%, 20%, 30% and 40%
by replacement of fine aggregate over volume of ordinary concrete.

4.4 TESTING OF FRESH CONCRETE

The slump test was conducted to measure the degree of workability for ordinary con-
crete and sawdust concrete. The factor which has a major effect on workability is the ratio of the
saw-dust used.

18
 4.5 CASTING COMPACTION AND CURING

4.5.1 Casting and Curing of Cube Specimens

The steel cube moulds were coated with oil on their inner surface and were placed on granite plat-
form. The amount of cement, saw-dust, sand, coarse aggregates required for cubes, was weighed.
The materials were first dry mixed then mixed with one third amount of total water. Slump test is
conducted to measure the degree of workability of mix. Concrete was poured in to the moulds in
three layers: each layer was uniformly tamped by a tamping rod with twenty five numbers of
blows. The top surface was finished using a trowel.

Moulds were safely demoulded causing no damage to the specimen and immediately concrete
cube specimens and immediately concrete cube specimens were kept in curing tank, com-
pletely immersed in for curing.

4.5.2 Casting and Curing of Cylinder Specimens

The steel cylinder moulds were coated with oil on their inner surfaces and were placed on a
granite platform. The amount of cement, sand, saw-dust, coarse aggregates required for cyl-
inders were weighed. The materials were first dry mixed, then mixed with, one third amount
of total water, Chemical admixture mixed with left amount of water is now added and mixed
thoroughly to get a homogeneous mix. Slump lest conducted to measure the degree of work-
ability of mix. Slump lest conducted to measure the degree of workability of mix. Concrete
was poured in to the moulds in four equal Layer each layer as uniformly tamped by a tamping
rod with thirty five numbers of blows. The top surface was finished using a trowel.

Moulds were safely demoulded causing no damage to the specimen and immediately con-
crete cylinder specimen were kept in curing tank completely immersed for curing up to de-
sired period.

4.5.3 Casting and Curing of Prism Specimens

The steel prism moulds were coated with oil on their inner surfaces and were placed on a
granite platform. The amount of cement, sand, saw-dust, coarse aggregates required for
prisms were weighed. The materials were first dry mixed then mixed with one third amount
of total water. Slump test is conduced to measure the degree of workability of mix. Concrete

19
was poured in to the moulds in two equal layers: each layer was uniformly tamped by a tamp-
ing rod. The top surface was finished using a trowel.

Moulds were safely demoulded causing no damage to the specimen and immediately concrete
prism specimen and immediately concrete prism specimens were kept in curing tank com-
pletely immersed for curing up to desired period.

4.6 TESTING OF HARDENED CONCRETE

4.6.1 Compressive Strength of concrete

The compressive strength of concrete that is ultimate strength of concrete is defined as the
load to which causes failure of the specimen divided by the area of the cross section in uniax-
ial compression, under a given rate of loading. To avoid large variation in the results of com-
pression test, a great care is taken during the casting of the test specimens and loading as
welt. It is however realized that in an actual structure, the concrete at any point is in a com-
plex stress condition and not in uniaxial compression. However it is customary to conduct the
test in uniaxial compression only. Concrete under triaxial state can offer more resistance and
will fail only after considerable large deformations, the use of 150 mm cubes has been made
as per code of practices IS 456. The advantage of selection of Section IS-516 1959 (24) cube,
as the standard test specimen is that tow plane and parallel surfaces can always he found be-
tween which the load can he applied. Compression testing machine is used to test the con-
crete cubes. The compressive strength is calculated using the formula.

Compressive Strength = N/mm2

4.6.1.1 Testing of cube specimen

At each desired curing periods, cube specimen were taken out of water and kept for surface
drying. The cubes were tested in 40 tonnes compressive testing machine to get the compres-
sive strength of concrete.

20
 4.6.2 Split tensile Strength of concrete

The split tensile strength of concreter can be obtained indirectly by subjecting a concrete cyl-
inder to the action of a compressive force along two opposite ends of a base of compression
testing machine.

Due to the compressive force, the cylinder is subjected to a large magnitude of the compres-
sive tress near the loading region. The large portion corresponding to a depth of about 87%
and length of the cylinder is subjected to a uniform tensile stress (σ ) is taken as an index of
the tensile strength of concrete and is given by the formula.

p
σ = 0.637
dl

where, σsp = the indirect tensile strength of concrete in N/mm2.

p = Load causing rupture in kN

d = Diameter of cylinder in mm.

l = length of cylinder in mm.

The load has to be applied to be cylinder through a packing plate of rubber or ply-
wood. The packing plate should be of a width of not more than 13mm and thickness 3mm.

4.6.2.1 Testing of cylinder specimen

At each desired curing period, the cylinder specimen were taken out of water and kept for
drying. The cylinders were tested in a 40 tonnes capacity compressive testing machine to get
the split tensile strength of concrete. Each specimen is carefully placed in position, so that
loading is uniformly distributed over the length of the specimen, in split tensile test; the spec-
imen is supported with two timber pieces on top and bottom of the specimen and uniformly
distribute the load. Load is applied without shock and increased continuously until no greater
load can be sustained. Maximum load applied on the specimen is recorded.

21
 4.6.3 Flexural Strength of concrete

Modulus of rupture is defined as the normal tensile stress in concrete, when cracking occurs
in flexure test (IS 516-1599). This tensile stress is the flexural strength of concrete and is cal-
culated by the use of the formula, which assumes that the section is homogeneous.

F =

where, Fb= Modulus of rupture, N/mm2

b = Measured width in mm.

d = Measured depth in mm.

l = Span length in mm

p = Maximum load in kN applied to the specimen.

The symmetrical two points loading creates a pure bending zone with constant bend-
ing moment in the middle third span and thus the modulus of rupture obtained is not affected
by shear, as in the case of single concentrated load acting on the specimen. The concrete test
specimen is a prism of cross section 100 mm × 100 mm and 500 mm long. It is loaded on a
span of 400 mm.

4.6.3.1 Testing of prism specimen

At each desired curing periods the Prism specimens were taken out of water and kept for sur-
face drying. The prisms were tested in Flexure testing machine by arranging two point load-
ing system. Each Specimen is carefully placed in position. Load is applied without shock and
rate of increase in loading is maintained. Maximum load applied on the specimen is recorded
at the point of failure of the specimen and flexural strength is calculated.

22
 5. RESULTS

This chapter deals with the presentation of test results obtained, and discussion on dry sieve
size analysis along with specific gravity of the fine aggregate mixed with saw-dust mix.

5.1 PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION

This experiment is done to get the particle size distribution of the saw-dust mixed fine aggre-
gate. The table shows the sieve size analysis report of the same.

Table 5.1 Sieve size analysis of saw-dust mixed fine aggregate

Sieve Sizes Sawdust (10%) Sawdust (20%) Sawdust (30%) Sawdust (40%)
(mm) +Sand (90%) +Sand (80%) +Sand (70%) +Sand (60%)
10 100 100 100 100
4.75 92.36 93.24 94.12 95.12
2.36 62.34 68.75 75.16 81.57
1.18 32.53 38.78 45.03 51.28
0.6 16.78 17.46 18.14 18.82
0.3 6.89 7.26 7.63 8.3
0.15 5.67 5.98 4.29 4.6
0.075 1.21 1.34 1.47 1.6

100
90
Percentage Fineness (%)

80
70
60 SawDust (10%)
50
40 SawDust (20%)
30 SawDust (30%)
20
10 SawDust (40%)
0
0.01 0.1 1 10
Sieve Size(mm)

Fig 5.1 Particle size distribution curve of sawdust mixed fine aggregate

23
 5.2 SPECIFIC GRAVITY

Specific Gravity of the fine aggregate mixed with sawdust shows the result that can be used
further in mix-design purpose.

Table 5.2 Specific gravity of saw-dust mixed fine aggregate

Sawdust (10%) Sawdust (20%) Sawdust (30%) Sawdust (40%)
+Sand (90%) +Sand (80%) +Sand (70%) +Sand (60%)

Specific Gravity 1.40 1.53 1.67 1.89

1.5

1
Specific Gravity
0.5

0
Saw-Dust (10%) Saw-Dust (20%) Saw-Dust (30%) Saw-Dust (40%)
+Sand (90%) +Sand (80%) +Sand (70%) +Sand (60%)

Fig 5.2 Bar-chart showing specific gravity of different % of saw dust mixed with sand

5.3 ANALYSIS OF SAWDUST

Table 5.3 Physical properties of Saw Dust

SL.NO PARTICULARS TEST RESULTS
1 Specific Gravity 1.2
2 Fineness Modulus 2.11
3 Water Absorption 1.8%

24
 Table 5.4 Chemical properties of Sawdust
SL.NO PARTICULARS TEST RESULTS (%MASS)
1 CaO 10.2
2 SiO2 64.8
3 Al2O3 4.9
4 Fe2O3 3.26
5 MgO 6.1
6 Na2O 0.09
7 SO2 0.43

5.4 ANALYSIS OF COARSE AGGREGATE

Table 5.5 Physical Properties of coarse aggregate

SL.NO PARTICULARS TEST RESULTS
1 Specific Gravity 2.7
2 Fineness Modulus 6.2
3 Water Absorption 0.4(%)

5.5 ANALYSIS OF FINE AGGREGATE

Table 5.6 Physical Properties of fine aggregate

SL.NO PARTICULARS TEST RESULTS

1 Specific gravity 2.65

2 Fineness Modulus 2.47

3 Water Absorption 0.85(%)

4 Free Surface Moisture 0.90(%)

25
 5.6 MIX DESIGN

5.6.1 Data Required for Concrete Mix Design of regular fine aggregate

(i) Concrete Mix Design Stipulation

(a) Characteristic compressive strength required in the field at 28 days grade designation —
M 25

(b) Nominal maximum size of aggregate — 20 mm

(c) Shape of CA — Angular

(d) Degree of workability required at site — 50-75 mm (slump)

(e) Degree of quality control available at site — As per IS: 456

(f) Type of exposure the structure will be subjected to (as defined in IS: 456) — Mild

(g) Type of cement: PPC

(h) Method of concrete placing: pump able concrete

(ii) Test data of material used

(a) Specific gravity of cement — 3.0

(b) Specific gravity of FA — 2.65

(c) Specific gravity of CA — 2.7

(d) Aggregates are assumed to be in saturated surface dry condition.

(e) Fine aggregates conforming to Zone II of IS – 383

5.6.2 Procedure for Concrete Mix Design of M25 Grade Concrete

Step 1 — Determination of Target Strength

Himsworth constant for 5% risk factor is 1.65. In this case standard deviation is taken from
IS:456 against M 25 is 4.0.

f = f + 1.65 × S = 25 + 1.65 x 4.0 = 31.6 N/mm2

26
where,

f target = Target strength of concrete in MPa

fck = Characteristic strength of concrete in MPa.

S = standard deviation in N/mm2 = 4 (as per table -1 of IS 10262- 2009)

Step 2 — Selection of water / cement ratio:-

From Table 5 of IS 456 (page no 20)

Maximum water-cement ratio for Mild exposure condition = 0.6

Based on experience, adopt water-cement ratio as 0.5.

0.5 < 0.6, hence OK.

Step 3 — Selection of Water Content:

From Table 2 of IS 10262- 2009,

Maximum water content = 186 kg (for Nominal maximum size of aggregate — 20 mm)

Estimated water content = 186+ (3/100) x 186 = 191.6 kg /m3

Step 4 — Selection of Cement Content

Water-cement ratio = 0.5

Corrected water content = 191.6 kg /m3

Cement content =383.2 kg/m3

From Table 5 of IS 456,

Minimum cement Content for mild exposure condition = 300 kg/m3

383.2 kg/m3 > 300 kg/m3, hence OK.

This value is to be checked for durability requirement from IS: 456.

27
In the present example against mild exposure and for the case of reinforced concrete the min-
imum cement content is 300 kg/m3 which is less than 383.2 kg/m3. Hence cement content
adopted = 383.2 kg/m3.

As per clause 8.2.4.2 of IS: 456

Maximum cement content = 450 kg/m3.

Step 5: Estimation of Coarse Aggregate proportion:-

From Table 3 of IS 10262- 2009,

For Nominal maximum size of aggregate = 20 mm,

Zone of fine aggregate = Zone II

And For w/c ratio = 0.5

Volume of coarse aggregate per unit volume of total aggregate = 0.62

Table 5.7 Correction in estimation of coarse aggregate proportion

VALUES AS
PER VALUES AS CORRECTION IN
PARAMETERS STANDERD PER PRESENT DEPARTURE COARSE AGGREGATE REMARKS
REFERENCE PROBLEM PROPORTION
CONDITIONS

W/c 0.5 0.5 Nil – See Note 1

pump able
Workability – – -10% See Note 2
concrete
Total -10%

Note 1: For every ±0.05 change in w/c, the coarse aggregate proportion is to be changed by
0.01. If the w/c is less than 0.5 (standard value), volume of coarse aggregate is required to be
increased to reduce the fine aggregate content. If the w/c is more than 0.5, volume of coarse
aggregate is to be reduced to increase the fine aggregate content. If coarse aggregate is not
angular, volume of coarse aggregate may be required to be increased suitably, based on expe-
rience.

28
Note 2: For Pump able concrete or congested reinforcement the coarse aggregate proportion
may be reduced up to 10%.

Hence,
Volume of coarse aggregate per unit volume of total aggregate = 0.62 x 90% = 0.558

Volume of fine aggregate = 1 – 0.558 = 0.442

Step 6: Estimation of the mix ingredients

a) Volume of concrete = 1 m3

b) Volume of cement = (Mass of cement / Specific gravity of cement) x (1/100)

= (383.2/3) x (1/1000) = 0.127 m3

c) Volume of water = (Mass of water / Specific gravity of water) x (1/1000)

= (191.6/1) x (1/1000) = 0.1916 m3

d) Volume of total aggregates = a – (b + c) = 1 – (0.127 + 0.1916) = 0.6814 m3

e) Mass of coarse aggregates = 0.6814 x 0.558 x 2.7 x 1000 = 1026.59 kg/m3

f) Mass of fine aggregates = 0.6814 x 0.442 x 2.65 x 1000 = 798.12 kg/m3

Concrete Mix proportions for Trial Mix 1

Cement = 383.2 kg/m3

Water = 191.6 kg/m3

Fine aggregates = 798.12 kg/m3

Coarse aggregate = 1026.59 kg/m3

Water cement ratio = 0.5

Concrete Mix Proportions for Trial Mix 1- 1:2.08:2.6

Similarly a concrete mix proportion for trial mixes with different % of saw dust is calculated.

Concrete mix proportion of trial mix 2

29
Concrete Trial Mix 2

To increase the workability from 25 mm to 50-75 mm an increase in water content by +3% is

to be made.

The corrected water content = 191.6 x 1.03 = 197.4 kg.

As mentioned earlier to adjust fresh concrete properties the water cement ratio will not be
changed. Hence

Cement Content = (197.4/0.5) = 394.8 kg/m3

This also satisfies durability requirement.

Volume of all in aggregate = 1 – [{394.8/ (3×1000)} + {197.4/ (1 x 1000)}] = 0.671 m3

Mass of coarse aggregate = 0.671 x 0.558 x 2.7 x 1000 = 1010.42 kg/m3

Mass of fine aggregate = 0.671 x 0.442 x 2.65 x 1000 = 785.94 kg/m3

Concrete Mix Proportions for Trial Mix 2 - 1:2:2.56

Similarly concrete mix proportions for different % of saw dust and sand can be calculated
and results are shown in below table.

Sawdust (10%) Sawdust (20%) Sawdust (30%) Sawdust (40%)

+Sand (90%) +Sand (80%) +Sand (70%) +Sand (60%)

Concrete mix
proportion for 1:1.14:2.59 1:1.25 :2.59 1:1.36:2.59 1:1.54:2.59
trial mix 1

Concrete mix
proportion for 1:1.09:2.47 1:1.19:2.47 1:1.3:2.47 1:1.47:2.47
trial mix 2

30
 5.7 WORKABILITY

Workability of concrete is the property of freshly mixed concrete which determines the ease
and homogeneity with which it can be mixed, placed, consolidated and finished.

Table 5.8 Slump value of sawdust mixed concrete at various % replacement

Sand Replacement by Sawdust (%) Slump value (mm)

0 102
10 110
20 105
30 101
40 98

115
Slump Height (mm)

110

105

100

95

90
0 10 20 30 40
Replacement of Sand by Sawdust(%)

Fig 5.3 Bar chart showing variability of slump value with increase in % replacement

31
 Fig 5.4 Model of slump used for workability test

5.5 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

Compressive strength or compression strength is the capacity of a material or structure to

withstand loads tending to reduce size, as opposed to tensile strength, which withstands loads
tending to elongate. In other words, compressive strength resists compression (being pushed
together), whereas tensile strength resists tension (being pulled apart). In the study of strength
of materials, tensile strength, compressive strength, and shear strength can be analyzed inde-
pendently.

Table 5.9 Compressive strength of Normal and saw-dust mixed fine aggregate concrete

Strength
Strength Strength of Strength of Strength of
of Saw-
No. of Saw- Sawdust Sawdust Sawdust
Grade of dust
Compressive of dust (0%) (10%) (30%) (40%)
Concrete (20%)
Strength Days +Sand +Sand +Sand +Sand
+Sand
Values (in (100%) (90%) (70%) (60%)
(80%)
MPa)
7 27.03 31.63 28.05 26.73 24.89
M-25
28 31.56 35.23 32.07 30.28 29.68

32
 40
Compressive Strength (MPa) 35
30
25
20
7 Days
15
28 Days
10
5
0
0 10 20 30 40
Replacement of Sand by Sawdust (%)

Fig 5.5 Bar chart showing variation of compressive strength values for different % replace-
ment at the end of 7and 28 days

Fig 5.6 Model cubes used for compressive strength test

5.6 SPLIT TENSILE STRENGTH

The tensile strength of concrete is one of the basic and important properties. Splitting tensile
strength test on concrete cylinder is a method to determine the tensile strength of concrete.
The concrete is very weak in tension due to its brittle nature and is not expected to resist the
direct tension. The concrete develops cracks when subjected to tensile forces. Thus, it is nec-
essary to determine the tensile strength of concrete to determine the load at which the con-
crete members may crack.

33
Table 5.10 Split Tensile strength of Normal and saw-dust mixed fine aggregate concrete

Strength Strength of Strength of Strength of Strength of

Tensile Grade of of Saw- Sawdust Sawdust Sawdust Sawdust
No. of
Strength Concrete dust (0%) (10%) (20%) (30%) (40%)
Days
Test +Sand +Sand +Sand +Sand +Sand
(MPa) (100%) (90%) (80%) (70%) (60%)
M-25 28 3.29 3.7 3.52 3.13 2.98

4
Split tensile strength (MPa)

3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5 28 days
1
0.5
0
0 10 20 30 40
Sand replaced by Sawdust(%)

Fig 5.7 Bar chart showing variation of split tensile strength values for different % replace-
ment at the end of 28 days

Fig 5.8 Model cylinder used for split tensile strength test

34
 5.7 FLEXURAL STRENGTH

Flexural strength, also known as modulus of rupture, or bend strength, or transverse rupture
strength is a material property, defined as the stress in a material just before it yields in a
flexure test. The transverse bending test is most frequently employed, in which a specimen
having either a circular or rectangular cross-section is bent until fracture or yielding using
a three point flexural test technique. The flexural strength represents the highest stress experi-
enced within the material at its moment of yield.

Table 5.11 Flexural Tensile strength of Normal and saw-dust mixed fine aggregate concrete

Strength of
Flexural No. Strength of Strength of Strength of Strength of
Grade of Sawdust(0%)
Strength of Sawdust(10%) Sawdust(20%) Sawdust(30%) Sawdust(40%)
Concrete +Sand
Test Days +Sand (90%) +Sand (80%) +Sand (70%) +Sand (60%)
(100%)
(MPa)
M-25 28 8.54 8.87 8.79 8.01 7.78

9
Flexural strength

8.5
(MPa)

8
7.5 28 days
7
0 10 20 30 40
Sand replaced by Sawdust(%)

Fig 5.9 Bar chart showing variation of flexural strength values for different % replacement at
the end of 28 days

Fig 5.10 Model beam used for flexural strength test

35
 6. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION
In the present study an effort has been made to experimentally understand the feasibility of
using sawdust as partial replacement of sand in concrete and to analyze and compare the re-
sults obtained with the properties of conventional concrete. Based on the current experi-
mental investigations the following conclusions were made
1. The sawdust mixed fine aggregate (10%,20%,30% and 40%) shows mostly the
same properties as that of normal fine aggregate and therefore it is understood as a
well graded aggregate based on Cu and Cc values and also sieve size analysis
curve.
2. The suitability of using coarse and fine aggregate in the concrete mixture was con-
firmed with their physical properties test.
3. Based on the chemical observations of the saw dust it was found that sawdust can
be used as partial replacement of sand in making of concrete such that it will not
cause any further leaching issues or does not react with any chemical composition
of cement, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate.
4. It has been observed that upon increasing the saw dust percentage replacement the
workability, compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength of
the concrete decreases after 10% possibly due to higher moisture holding capacity
of sawdust as mentioned in different literatures also.
5. Based on the above discussions it was decided to consider 10% of partial replace-
ment as an optimum value.
6. Following above discussions it can be concluded that the utilisation of saw dust in
concrete as partial replacement of fine aggregate provides additional environmen-
tal as well as technical benefits for all construction related industries.

36
 FUTURE WORK
1. The saw-dust concrete made by 10% replacement of sand can also be tested in
acidic, basic and neutral solution to test the viability of the sawdust concrete in
different weather conditions.
2. Sawdust from different saw-mills can also be used following the same procedure
for the better understanding of its behavior in concrete preparation.

37
 REFERENCES

[1] Albert M Joy and Amal Jyothi “Partial Replacement Of Fine Aggregate With Sawdust
For Concrete” International Journal For Technological Research In Engineering Volume 3,
Issue 9, May-2016

[2] A. Abdullahi, “Partial Replacement Of Sand With Sawdust In Concrete Production” pub-
lished in 3rd Biennial Engineering Conference, Federal University of Technology, Minna,
May, 2013

[3] Dr.Suji.D “Experimental Study On Partial Replacement Of Fine Aggregate With Quarry
Dust And Saw Dust” International Journal of Advancement in Engineering Technology,
Management and applied science vol.3; issue 6 june2016

[4] Dilip Kumar “Low Cost Construction Material For Concrete As Sawdust”
International Journal of Current Engineering and Technology E-ISSN 2277 – 4106, P-ISSN
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[5] Tomas U. and Ganiron Jr “Effect Of Sawdust As Fine Aggregate In Concrete Mixture For
Building Construction” International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology Vol.63,
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[6] Dixson Jeson.P, Karthikeyan.S and Manikandan.G “Experimental Study On Properties Of

Concrete By Partial Replacement Of Cement With Silica Powder And Fine Aggregate With
Saw Dust Ash” International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET) Volume
8, Issue 3, March 2017, pp. 680–687 Article ID: IJCIET_08_03_068

[7] Olugbenga Joseph Oyedepo and Seun Daniel “Investigation Of Properties Of Concrete
Using Sawdust As Partial Replacement For Sand” Civil and Environmental Research ISSN
2224-5790 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0514 (Online) Vol.6, No.2, 2014.

[8] Daniel Yaw Osei and Emmanuel Nana Jackson “Compressive Strength Of Concrete Us-
ing Sawdust As Aggregate” International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, Vol-
ume 7, Issue 4, April-2016.

38
[9] M. Mageswari and B. Vidivelli “The Use Of Sawdust Ash As Fine Aggregate Replace-
ment In Concrete” Journal of Environmental Research And Development Vol. 3 No. 3, Janu-
ary-March 2009.

[10] Thomas Joseph Odero “Study On The Feasibility Of Using Sawdust As Partial Re-
placement For Sand In Concrete” journal of UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI.

[11] K. Gopinath , k.anuratha, r.harisundar and m.saravanan “Utilization Of Saw Dust In

Cement Mortar &Cement Concrete” international journal of scientific & engineering re-
search, volume 6, issue 8,aug -2015

[12] Obilade , “Use of Saw Dust Ash as Partial Replacement for Cement In Concrete” Inter-
national Journal of Engineering Science Invention, ISSN (Online): 2319 – 6734, ISSN
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[13] Amir Shafi Batt and Anshul Garg “Replacement Of Wood Ash With Ordinary Portland
Cement And Foundry Sand As Fine Aggregate” published in: Journal of Civil & Environ-
mental Engineering Volume 7 • Issue 2 • 1000272

[14] Jonathan Sasah1 and Charles K. “Study Of Brick Mortar Using Sawdust As Partial Re-
placement For Sand” Journal of Civil Engineering and Construction Technology Vol. 8(6),
pp. 59-66, July 2017

[15] R.Chitra, B. Vamshi, B. Kalyan Kumar, D. Guru Mahendra, G. Sunil Kumar “Experi-
mental Study On Strength Of Concrete By Partial Replacement Of Fine Aggregate With Saw
Dust” published in: International Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics Volume 116 No.
13 2017, 261-265

[16] David Anandaraj.S.L, Boobalan.E , Devaraj.M “Experimental Study On Concrete In

Partially Replacement Of Fine Aggregatewith Saw Dust” published in IJMTES | International
Journal of Modern Trends in Engineering and Science Volume: 01 Issue: 05 Year 2014

[17] Ambika Nahak , Mrs. Sabita Dash “A Study On Strength Of Concrete With Partial Re-
placement Of Cement With Saw Dust Ash And Steel Fibre” International Journal of Engineer-
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March-2015

39
 [18] K. Prasanna and K S. Anandh “Analysis On Strength Of Concrete By Partial Replace-
ment Of Riversand With Sawdust And Robosand”. Published in ARPN Journal of Engineer-
ing and Applied Sciences VOL. 12, NO. 8, APRIL 2017 ISSN 1819-6608.

[19] K.Ambiga, P.Meenakshi “Studies On Strength Of Concrete By Partial Replacement Of

Sand With Sawdust” Published in International Journal of Advanced Engineering Research
and Studies /IV/III/April June,2015/01-03.

[20] Dr .P. Sri Chandana,. Shaik Ahamed Mynuddin “Experimental Study On Strength Of
Concrete By Partial Replacement Of Fine Aggregate With Sawdust And Robosand” Pub-
lished in International Journal & Magazine of Engineering, Technology, Management and
Research Volume No: 2 (2015), Issue No: 9 (September) September 2015

[21] Rupak Kumar Patro Mechanical Properties Of Steel Fibre Reinforced Concrete. Final
year project published in: May 2011.

[22] IS 8112/1989 is used for knowing the properties of portland cement.

[23] IS 383/1970 is used to check the gradation and zone of the fine aggregate.

[24] IS 10262/2009 is used to carry out mix design calculations.

[25] IS 456/2000 is used to check the compressive and tensile strength and also as a part of
mix design.

40

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