Effect of binders on the properties of concrete – A Review

Abstract

Abstract There is a need for alternative materials which will partially or fully replace cement used in concretes and mortars without affecting the quality and other desired properties. The blending of cement with supplementary cementitious or non-conventional material is vital in low-cost construction; these materials are referred to as binders or pozzolanas. The binders discussed in this study are; Ordinary Portland cement, Fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag, silica fume, metakaoline and Cassava peel ash. The properties considered in the study were grouped into fresh properties, mechanical properties and durability properties. Findings from this study reveals that cassava peel ash, metakaoline, ground granulated blast furnace slag, fly ash and silica fume enhance the workability of fresh concrete when added as blended material. These binders also enhance the compressive, tensile and flexural strength of concrete when administered optimally. Ordinary Portland cement has poor acidic attack resistance and weak resistance to extreme temperature thereby putting its durability on doubt. Cassava peel ash, metakaoline, ground granulated blast furnace slag, and Fly ash tend to exhibit reasonable durability properties even at adverse conditions such as acidic attack. This study reveals that these binders which are waste products can be used to enhance durability and mechanical properties of concrete. Rather than these binders been discarded, they can be used in concrete production thereby promoting the sustainability of the environment.