Evaluation of the strength variation of carbonous concrete

Olusunle S.O.O, Oyelami A.T*, Akinribide O.J

Engineering Materials Development Institute, Km4 Ondo Road, Akure

*Corresponding Author’s E-mail: tolusunle@yahoo.co.uk

Accepted 18 April 2013

Abstract

The effect of carbon inclusion on the mechanical properties of concrete with emphasis on strength is the focus of this paper. Graphite being the most stable form of carbon under standard conditions was introduced at different proportions in different samples of pure concrete from Portland cement. A range of 0 – 10% graphite of particle size variation of 75 to 53 microns was introduced into known % weight of cement, and mixed together to form paste of dimension 150x150x150mm. The pastes cast in molds were allowed to set for 28days as curing time under room temperature and the compression test was thereafter carried out. A crushing strength of 33.33N/mm² was achieved for pure cement while the highest crushing strength 26.67N/mm² was achieved for a composition of 99% weight cement and 1% weight graphite and the least crushing strength of 6N/mm² was obtained for the 93% weight cement and 7% weight graphite. A 5th Order Polynomial equation representing the variation in Crushing Strength as a function of Density was also established for the Carbonous Concrete.

Keyword: Graphite, Particle Size, Crushing Strength, Polynomial Equation, Carbonous Concrete