Innovations, Number 74 October 2023

Experimental Evaluation of M35 Grade Conventional Concrete by

Supplementing Natural Fibers, Foundry Sand and Sea Sand as Partial
Replacments

Narmeta Kanaka Raju*, T. Jayakrishna**

*
PG Student, Department of Civil Engineering, Marri Laxman Reddy Institute of
Technology and Management, Hyderabad, India.
**
Assistant Professor Department of Civil Engineering, Marri Laxman Reddy Institute of
Technology and Management, Hyderabad, India.
Corresponding Email: * kanakarajustructural@gmail.com
DOI: 10.54882/74202374112023

Abstract: Present urbanization required a huge variety of concretes and minimized effects of newly
developed composite materials. This development leads to adverse effects on the surrounding
environment. As a part of environmental concern, we have to minimize the negative effects. The use of
fine aggregate in the construction industry is more. Therefore, the use of river sand can be replaced with
other materials to protect the environment of the river as well as prevent erosion and flood, in My present
research paper is similar to this, based on the recycling technique I used to do materials replacements of
natural fibers and waste foundry sand & sea sand are the major partial replacements of fine aggregate
and grade of concrete are M-35. Afterthe preparation of M-35 Grade concrete, it should be validated with
conventional concrete. The major tests are conducted on M-35 grade hardened concrete, which are
Concrete cube tests, Cylinder Test & flexural tests. After the test results are verified with referenced
documents andsatisfactory results are obtained, the complete discussions and results are listed separately
in further chapters.
Key words: Recycled Materials, Natural fibers, M-35 grade, Foundry waste, Foundry sand.

1. INTRODUCTION
When aggregate is assessed in terms of volume, it accounts for around eighty percent of the total weight of
concrete. During the manufacturing process of concrete, both fine and coarse aggregates are used. This is for the
purpose of producing concrete. In the building sector, the use of sand as a fine aggregate has reached heights that
have never been seen before on account of the breathtakingly rapid rate at which it has been growing. As a result
of the restricted supply of natural river sand in the sector, it is becoming more difficult to satisfactorily meet the
ever-increasing demand for the material. In an effort to find a solution to this issue, the building industry has
developed a variety of options to choose from. There are a variety of choices available, some of which include
rock dust, synthetic sand, robot sand, and other materials such as gravel. Additional alternatives to this include
the use of waste material in the construction of concrete buildings, which is still another possibility. The ferrous
metal casting industry and the non-ferrous metal casting industry both produce their own unique types of waste
materials. These waste products may be classified into two categories. Waste materials consist of sedimentary

104 www.journal-innovations.com
 Innovations, Number 74 October 2023

sand and waste foundry sand, among other types of garbage. In addition to making the manufacture of concrete
more cost-effective, it is likely that the use of such a material in concrete would help reduce the environmental
difficulties associated with waste foundry sand and other resources. This is a possibility. On a huge scale, sand
is a vital component that finds widespread use in the building sector. Besides being a necessary component in
the creation of mortar and concrete, it is also an essential component in the formulation of concrete mixes. Both
of these processes are essential to the production of concrete.
Fibers are materials that have the appearance of threads and may be used for a large variety of diverse
applications that are not limited to just one. The term "natural fibers" refers to materials such as vegetables,
leaves, and wood. Additionally, both the geological processes that take place on earth and animals can produce
natural fibers. They are classified as either synthetic fibers or natural fibers, which are the two groups that they
belong to. In order to improve the strength properties of composites (such as cement paste mortar and/or
concrete), researchers have used plant fibers as an alternative source of steel and/or artificial fibers to be used in
composites. This has been done in order to increase the strength of composites. In order to assist in increasing
the strength attributes of composites, this course of action has been taken. In the context of this conversation, the
term "natural fibers" refers to a wide range of plant fibers, some of which include, but are not limited to, the
following: coir, sisal, jute, Hibiscus cannabinus, eucalyptus grandis pulp, malva, ramie bast, pineapple leaf, kenaf
bast, sansevieria leaf, abaca leaf, vakka, bamboo, palm, banana, hemp, flax, cotton, and sugarcane.
2. PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS

2.1 Foundry Sand

The industrial sector, which is ultimately to blame for these issues, produces a lot of garbage, which is the source of
many environmental problems. Because of this, it is probable that the significance of recycling and reusing this waste
material will be brought to some degree. Foundry sand is a kind of silica sand that is of high quality and is created as
a by-product when ferrous and nonferrous metal casting businesses are in the process of making their own products.
Foundry sand is a by-product of the production process. Since it is both adaptable and flexible, foundry sand is used
in a significant number of diverse applications. Since the beginning of time, foundry sand has been used for the
purpose of casting and molding owing to its exceptional heat conductivity. This has been the case for hundreds of
years. Sand from foundries has been used in each and every one of these operations. In order to ensure that foundry
sand has certain chemical and physical characteristics, it is essential to take into account a lot of different key
parameters. One of these variables is the kind of casting process that is used, and another is the industrial sector that
is the source of the foundry sand. It is important to recycle and reuse the sands that were used in the molding process
several times during the course of the operation in order to finish the casting process.

Table: 1 Physical properties of Foundry sand

Characteristics Values
Bulk Relative Density 2592 kg/m3

Absorption 0.43 %

Moisture Content 0.1 – 9.8

Clay Lumps and Friable Particles 1 – 42

Coefficient of permeability 10-3 – 10-6 cm/s

Plastic Limit Non Plastic

Specific gravity 2.49

2.2 Sea Sand

105 www.journal-innovations.com
 Innovations, Number 74 October 2023

In this work, sea sand is used to partially replace fine aggregate as a fine aggregate replacement. It was obtained from
Bapatla beach, which is located inside Zone IV. The following are the specific gravity, fineness modulus, and sieve
analysis results for sea sand:

Table 2: Physical Properties of Sea Sand

S.no Property Test results
1 Specific Gravity 2.16
2 Fineness modulus 0.90
3 Zone 4
4 pH value 8.2

2.3 Natural Fibers

Fibers are materials that have the appearance of threads and may be used for a wide number of purposes, including
but not limited to just one. Fibers can be used for a multitude of purposes. In the context of this article, the word
"natural fibers" refers to materials such as wood, leaves, and vegetables. Additionally, in addition to the production
of natural fibers by earth's geological processes, animals may also produce them. They are categorized as either
synthetic fibers or natural fibers, which are the two categories that they fall under within the category of fibers.
Researchers have utilized plant fibers as a substitute for steel and/or artificial fibers for the purpose of including them
in composites (such as cement paste mortar and/or cement) so as to enhance the strength characteristics of the
composites (such as cement paste mortar and/or building materials). Utilizing plant fibers in composites served this
purpose. It is for the purpose of enhancing the composites' strength that this action has been taken.

Table 3: Physical Properties of Natural Fibers

Physical properties % of composition
Lignin 45.84
Cellulose 43.44
Hemi Cellulose 0.25
Pectin 03.00
Water Soluble 05.25
Ash 02.22
Banana fibers
Tenacity 29.98
Fineness 17.15
Moisture regain 13.00
Elongation 6.54
Total cellulose 81.80
Lignin 15
2.4 Concrete Materials

Cement is a binder, which means it is a substance that sets and hardens on its own and may be used to bind other
materials together as a binding agent. Cement is generally composed of components in the form of limestone, chalk,
and marl, as well as argillaceous minerals, as well as other additives. It is necessary to use standard Portland cement
grade 53.

106 www.journal-innovations.com
 Innovations, Number 74 October 2023

Obtainable from a nearby quarry, machine-crushed granite according to IS 383-1970 [23] and consisting of aggregates
with a maximum size of 20 mm was used in this project. This product has been evaluated for physical and mechanical
properties, such as specific gravity and sieve analysis, as well as bulk density, Cushing and impact values, the results
of which are displayed in the table below: Specific Gravity and Sieve Analysis.

Fine aggregate is a material such as sand, crushed stones, or crushed gravel that has been crushed to a size less than
4.75 mm. Fine aggregate in the concrete mix is made from readily accessible sand from the local area.

Table 4: Properties of Cement

S NO Property Value
1 Fineness of cement 4.12 %
2 Specific gravity 3.15
3 Normal consistency 28 %
4 Setting time
60 Mins
i. Initial setting time
360 min
ii. Final setting time
5 Compressive strength at
34 N/mm2
i. 3 days
44.8 N/mm2
ii. 7 days
53 N/mm2
iii. 28 days

Table 5: Properties of Coarse Aggregates

S.No. Property Value

1 Specific Gravity 2.65
2 Bulk
Density 13.29 N/mm2

i. Loos 15.00 N/mm2

e

ii. Compacted
3 Water Absorption 0.7%
4 Flakiness Index 10.22 %
5 Elongation Index 11.54 %
6 Crushing Value 21.43 %
7 Impact Value 15.50 %

Table 6: Properties of Coarse Aggregates

S.No. Property Value

1 Specific Gravity 2.60

2 Fineness Modulus 3.77

107 www.journal-innovations.com
 Innovations, Number 74 October 2023

3 Bulk Density
14.67 KN/m3
i. Loose
16.04 KN/m3
ii. Compacted

4 Grading Zone II

2.5 Mix Design

Mix design is followed by using IS 10262-2009 For our present M-35 grade of concrete

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

3.1 Compressive Strength

Calculating the uniaxial compressive strength of a material involves determining the value of the uniaxial compressive
stress that a material experiences when it completely fails. This number is used to determine the strength of the
material. The figure is shown in the form of a percentage below. During the course of this examination, cube
specimens that have dimensions of 150 millimeters by 150 millimeters by 150 millimeters are examined in accordance
with the method of testing for concrete strength that is described in IS 516 for the year 1969. This method was created
in 1969. 1969 was the year when this approach was created. These compression tests were carried out with the
assistance of compression testing equipment that was able to generate a force of three hundred kilonewtons. This
piece of machinery is fitted with a control valve that gives the operator the ability to alter the rate at which the weight
is being added. Because of this, the operator is able to complete the task with the necessary degree of efficiency.
Following the standards that have been set, we have made certain that each and every piece of apparatus has been
calibrated in compliance with those requirements. The machine has been cleaned, the plates have been cleaned, the
oil level has been checked, and the machine has been prepared for testing in every imaginable manner. In addition,
the machine has been cleaned. Along with that, the equipment has been thoroughly cleaned.
Once the inspection was performed once again for each of the three specimens, the average strength was
determined by selecting the value that was the mean of the three sets of data. This was done in order to
determine the average strength. The determination of the average strength was made possible as a result of
this. During the course of this investigation, the compressive strength test was carried out on concrete that
included coarse aggregate of varying sizes. In order to conduct the assessment of the M35 grade, the seventh
and twenty-eighth days were both set aside for this purpose.
Table 7: Compressive strength of normal concrete mix [M-35 grade] for 7 and 28 days

S.N CUBE ID % OF REPLACEMNT (%) 7 DAYS N/mm2 28 DAYS

O N/mm2
1 N-MIX 0% 26.01 43.5
2 N-MIX 0% 25.97 43.20
3 N-MIX 0% 25.98 43.00
4 N-MIX 0% 25.90 43.20
5 N-MIX 0% 26.00 43.00

108 www.journal-innovations.com
 Innovations, Number 74 October 2023

Figure 1: Compressive strength of normal concrete mix [M-35 grade] for 7 and 28 days
Table 8: compressive strength of replacement mix – 7 days
S. Cube id % of Replacement(nf) 7 days Foundry Sea sand
no n/mm2 sand only 7 only 7 days
Natural days n/mm2 n/mm2
fibers only
1 RT-X1 3% 21.78 21.01 23.76

2 RT-X1 6% 21.89 21.00 23.98

3 RT-X1 9% 21.87 21.00 23.79

4 RT-X1 12% 21.89 20.96 23.85

Figure 2: Compressive Strength of Replacement mix – 7 days

Table 9: compressive strength of replacement mix – 28 days
S.N CUBE % OF 28days n/mm2 Foundry sand Sea sand only 28
O ID REPLACEMNT(NF) Natural fibers only 28 days days n/mm2
only n/mm2
1 RT-Y1 3% 28.37 28.17 28.35

109 www.journal-innovations.com
 Innovations, Number 74 October 2023

2 RT-Y1 6% 29.50 28.24 28.36

3 RT-Y1 9% 29.53 28.56 28.05
4 RT-Y1 12% 29.55 28.56 27.96

Figure : Compressive Strength of Replacement mix – 28 days

3.2 Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test

For the purpose of determining the quality of natural rocks and concrete, an in-situ ultrasonic pulse velocity test is
often used. This examination is non-destructive and is carried out in the same area as the previous one. The velocity
of an ultrasonic pulse that goes inside a concrete structure or a natural rock formation and then backs out again is
measured during this test. The pulse is going to travel into the building or formation. This makes it possible to evaluate
the quality of the rock or concrete without compromising its strength. In order to carry out the operation, an ultrasonic
wave pulse is first introduced into the concrete that is being assessed, and then the length of time that it takes for the
pulse to travel through the structure is measured. When the material moves at a faster rate, it suggests improved quality
and consistency. On the other hand, when the material moves at a slower pace, it may indicate that the concrete has a
significant number of fractures or cavities inside it.

Table 10: Ultrasonic pulse velocity test reports for 7 days cubes

S NO CUBE ID % REPLACEMENT Obtained Quality of

average Concrete
velocity(m/s)
1 RT-1 3 3540 Good
2 RT-2 6 3600 Good
3 RT-3 9 3611 Good
4 RT-4 12 4032 Good

Table 11: Ultrasonic pulse velocity test reports for 28 days cubes

110 www.journal-innovations.com
 Innovations, Number 74 October 2023

S NO CUBE ID % REPLACEMENT Obtained average Quality

OF velocity(m/s) of
Concrete
1 RT-Y-1 3 3620 Good
2 RT-Y-2 6 4234 Good

3 RT-Y-3 9 4320 Good

4 RT-Y-4 12 4367 Good

3.3 Rapid Chloride Penetration Test

The RCPT is carried out by keeping track of the quantity of electrical current that flows through a sample that is 6
hours long and has aspects of 50 millimetres in thickness and 100 millimetres in circumference. The sample also has
dimensions of 50 millimetres in thickness and 100 millimetres in circumference. In most laboratories, the sample is
prepared as a slice that is taken from the centre of a cylinder. The voltage between the two ends of the sample is kept
at a constant direct current of sixty volts during the whole of the test. The first lead is immersed in a solution containing
3.0 percent sodium chloride (NaCl), and the second lead is immersed in a solution containing 0.3 M sodium hydroxide
(NoaH). The charge that is permitted to travel through the sample is used to offer a qualitative evaluation of the
permeability of the concrete, as stated in the Table. This is done using the charge that is allowed to go through the
sample.

Table 12: Rapid Chloride Penetration Test

Mix Specimens (Coulombs) Mean (Coulombs)

Specimens- 1 1710
Control Concrete Specimens- 2 1704 1697
Specimens- 3 1679

Specimens- 1 1665
RT-Y-1 Specimens- 2 1602 1648
Specimens- 3 1679

Specimens- 1 1534
RT-Y-2 Specimens- 2 1587 1581
Specimens- 3 1622

Specimens- 1 1653
RT-Y-3 Specimens- 2 1632 1639
Specimens- 3 1630

Specimens- 1 1691
RT-Y-4 Specimens- 2 1718 1706
Specimens- 3 1709

111 www.journal-innovations.com
 Innovations, Number 74 October 2023

Figure 4: Rapid Chloride Penetration Test

4. CONCLUSIONS

To obtain the mechanical properties we run two tests on concrete cubes. A total of 106 Concrete cubes were
casted and obtained reports for 7 &28 days conducted tests are compressive strength and UPV tests.
➢ For normal concrete mix seven days‟ strength achieved is cumulative of 61 % whichis accurate based
on Indian standards
➢ For twenty-eight days‟ concrete mix strength achieved is cumulative of 99 % whichis also accurate
based on Indian standards
➢ For single replacements like natural fibers, foundry sand& sea sand the obtained results are very low
which is very less < 40-45 % of 7 days & 28 days
➢ For combined replacement they obtained results are reached target mean strength 43.25 N/mm2 the
average cube results are 45.04 N/mm2
➢ Finally conducted UPV test on Concrete Test cubes 8 cubes are Obtained result of GOOD‟ Quality of
concrete further replacements up to 15%-25% was not defined by past reviewers andresearchers,
➢ The majority of the moisture content of vegetable fibers is lost during the drying process. The reason
for this is because drying eliminates moisture. In order to get better outcomes, it is essential to have a
certain quantity of moisture present, and because this particular quality requires further research, it is
important to perform additional research. In order to determine the impact that creep and cyclic
reversal of loads have on nerve fiber reinforced concrete (NFRC), it is important to perform an
investigation.
➢ My present research work is limited up to 12 % of replacements of Foundry sand /Sea sand/Natural
fibers.

REFERENCES

[1] M.S. Shetty, Concrete Technology and Practice, 7th edition, Chand and companylimited.

[2] IS: 10262-2009 --- Recommended guide lines for concrete mix design.
[3] SP: 23-1982 --- Hand book on concrete mix design.
[4] Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology (IJETT) Volume 14
[5] R. N. Singh. Flexural Behaviour of Notched Coir Reinforced Concrete P.Paramasivam, G.
K. Nathan and N. C. Das Gupta.

112 www.journal-innovations.com
 Innovations, Number 74 October 2023

[6] Fiber Reinforced Corrugated Slab. The International Journal of Cement Compositeand Light
Weight Concrete, Vol. 6, No. 1, Feb.

[7] H. E. Gram and P. Nimityongskul. Durability of Natural Fiber in Cement-BasedRoofing

Sheets. Journal of Ferro-Cement Vol. 17, No. 4, Oct. 1987.

113 www.journal-innovations.com