Analysis of the Mechanical Performance of f’c = 210 kg/cm² Concrete with Volcanic Ash as a Partial Cement Replacement and Aggregates from the Megarok Quarry
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61236/xwn77163Keywords:
concrete, volcanic ash, natural pozzolan, compressive strength, partial cement replacementAbstract
The use of natural pozzolans as partial replacements for Portland cement represents an alternative for reducing cement consumption and promoting concrete with a lower environmental impact. This study aimed to analyze the mechanical performance of concrete with a specified compressive strength of f’c = 210 kg/cm², produced with aggregates from the Megarok quarry and volcanic ash from Cotacachi as a partial cement replacement. A quantitative experimental study was conducted. The materials were physically and chemically characterized, and the concrete mixtures were proportioned using the ACI 211.1 method. Four cement replacement levels were evaluated: 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%. A total of 32 cylindrical specimens measuring 10 × 20 cm were tested for compressive strength at 7, 14, 28, and 56 days. The volcanic ash showed a combined SiO₂ + Al₂O₃ + Fe₂O₃ content of 82.56%, an SO₃ content of 0.11%, and a loss on ignition of 1.39%, values consistent with the chemical criteria evaluated for a Class N natural pozzolan. At 28 days, mixtures M0, M10, M20, and M30 achieved compressive strengths of 218.08, 214.19, 153.91, and 107.90 kg/cm², respectively. The 10% replacement mixture exhibited the closest performance to the control concrete and exceeded the specified compressive strength, whereas higher replacement levels progressively reduced strength. It is concluded that, among the proportions studied, 10% was the most technically favorable replacement level
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