Influence of fibres in enhancing strength and corrosion resistance of fly ash blended quarry dust concrete

Quarry dust which is generally considered as a waste material can be used as an economical alternative to the river sand since it has become a meager construction material and also highly pricey. Fly ash, which is the residue from coal-fired power plants, when used as partial replacement of cement in concrete, results in reduction of cement consumption and CO2 production besides enhancing strength and durability properties. Deterioration of concrete structures due to rebar corrosion is a matter of significant concern since the cost of repairing and rehabilitation of these structures is very expensive. Fibres can be utilized to obtain a durable concrete with low shrinkage and improved strength properties. The objective of this work is to study the influence of polypropylene fibre in enhancing the strength and durability properties of fly ash blended concrete containing quarry dust as fine aggregate. The mechanical properties studied were compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength in addition to water absorption. The resistance to corrosion was evaluated by means of impressed voltage technique in saline medium, rapid chloride penetration test (RCPT) and weight loss method. From the results it has been arrived that fly ash blended quarry dust concrete along with polypropylene fibre can be effectively and economically utilized in the construction industry.