Properties of groundnut shell ( Arachis hypogaea ) ash blended portland cement

The study of the properties of groundnut shell ash (GSA) obtained at 500 o C revealed that the ash is a pozzolanic material. Its pozzolanicity was studied by Chemical analysis test conducted with the aid of Minipal 4 Energy Dispensing X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (EDXRF) as well other physical tests conducted on the material. Hydration behavior of 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 12%, 14% and 16% by weight of GSA blended ordinary Portland cement (OPC) was studied through workability measurement, setting time measurement and compressive strength measurement; it was found that at 28 days of hydration the compressive strength value for 12 wt% GSA blended cement concrete was quite comparable to that of concrete made from OPC. However, the highest compressive strength was obtained at 4 wt% GSA replacement with OPC. Chloride Ion penetration of OPC, OPC with 4% GSA and OPC with 12% GSA were then determined using Rapid Migration test. The result showed that application of 12% GSA blended OPC cement in concrete increases the resistance of such concrete to chloride ion penetration. Keywords: Groundnut shell ash, Rapid migration test, chloride ion penetration, compressive strength