INVESTIGATION OF PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF CEMENT WITH NEEM LEAF ASH IN CONCRETE
The economic crisis around the world, in Nigeria in particular, has led to the escalating rise in prices of building materials of which cement is inclusive. Therefore, this study aims at using Neem Leave Ash (NLA) in concrete in place of some of the cement to mitigate the impact on cement prices. Its pozzolanic properties were obtained using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) technique and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The Ordinary Portland cement was partially replaced by NLA at 0 %, 5 %, 10 %, 15 %, and 20% by weight. The workability, consistency and compressive strength of NLA in concrete was evaluated in the laboratory. Concrete mix design of grade C15 was adopted. Cubes of each mix design were crushed on 7 days, 14 days and 28 days to get the compressive strength. The oxide composition of Neem Leave Ash 13.53 % silicon oxide, 49.58 % calcium oxide and 4.32 % aluminum oxide. The FTRI shows OH groups of Si and Al are indicated by the bands at 3641.6 and 3391.9 cm?1. Inner layer water molecules are represented by the band at 1,640.16 cm?1. The outcome demonstrates that as NLA increases, the workability of the NLA concrete declines. As the percentage of cement replaced by NLA increases, the compressive strength falls. Nevertheless, after 28 days of curing, the target value of 15 N/mm2 was reached at replacement value up to 10% NLA. Therefore, a partial replacement of 10% NLA by weight of concrete is recommended in use of neem leaf in concrete.
Authors : Sholadoye, I.O., Achara, B.E. and Adeyinka, A.
Category : Open Access Volume (Issue) : 11(2) Date Uploaded : 23rd July 2025