Effect of Molasses on the Strength and Workability of Concrete with Cement Partially Replaced by Saw Dust Ash (SDA)

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating the effect of molasses on the workability of concrete with Saw Dust Ash (SDA) as partial replacement of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) in normal strength concrete of C25/30. Concrete samples with varying percentages of SDA, Molasses by weight of cement was made, cured at 28 days and tested for workability and strength. Results of the study indicated that the slump values increased linearly with increase in percentage of molasses from 0.1% to 0.20% respectively. The 0.15% of molasses added to 10% replacement of cement with SDA gave a slump of 110 mm along with the highest Cylinder strength result of 30.2 Mpa at 28days. From the study, it was seen that the slump values remained in the range of 100-110mm for 0.10% and 0.15% of molasses added and this implied that molasses can maintain acceptable workability of concrete up to 0.15% by mass of cement.