Profound probing of Groundnut Shell Ash (GSA) as pozzolanic material in making innovative sustainable construction material

• Main Authors: Premalatha, P.V., Kumar, S. Senthil, Murali, C.S., Aadithiya, K. Vetri
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bricks; Concrete; Fly ash; Groundnut shell ash (GSA); Partial replacement; Pozzolana
• ISSN: 2214-7853; 2214-7853
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2021.06.367

The present study deals with the utilization of Groundnut Shell Ash (GSA) as a partial replacement for fly ash in making unburnt fly ash bricks. The percentage of GSA was varied from 10% to 33% in the manufacturing of bricks. Various tests such as specific gravity, bulk density, SEM, EDX, compressive strength, water absorption and efflorescence tests were conducted to analyse the effect of GSA in fly ash bricks. GSA when used in the making of unburnt bricks gives a satisfactory result in terms of its compressive strength. The strength obtained under optimum combination was found to be nearly equal to the prescribed value for first-class bricks. Water absorption was found to be 12.17% and efflorescence was found to be 8% which is well within the prescribed limit as per Bureau of Indian Standard. From the test results it is concluded that, the maximum optimized compressive strength is obtained for a combination of 25% GSA, 10% Fly Ash, 25%lime, 3%Gypsum and 37%Quarry dust. The GSA brick will be a commercially viable building material and also cheaper as it is abundantly available. Hence, a sincere attempt was made to find innovative, durable and economic alternative construction material in the form of brick by utilising the Groundnut Shell Ash.