An Experimental Investigation on the Compression Strength of M25 Grade Concrete with Replacement of Quartz Sand and Comparison with Conventional Concrete

Abstract

Aim: The study aimed to understand the impact of incorporating 10% quartz sand in M25 grade concrete on its compressive strength and workability compared to regular concrete. Materials and Methods: The study tested the properties of two types of concrete, one with a regular mix and one with 10% quartz sand replacement of fine aggregate, using grade 43 cement, a water-cement ratio of 0.5, and 20mm aggregate. The specimens were cast and cured for 28 days before being tested for compression strength using universal testing equipment. The compressive strength of M25 grade concrete (N=10) was compared to normal concrete (N=10) using statistical analysis with G-power 0.8 software and a 95% confidence interval. Results: The analysis found that adding 10% quartz sand as a replacement for fine aggregate in M25 grade concrete improved its compressive strength in comparison to conventional concrete. At 28 days of curing, the compressive strength of concrete containing 10% quartz sand was 27.5 MPa, while that of regular concrete was 25 MPa. Conclusion: The results indicated that using quartz sand as a substitute for fine aggregate in concrete is a realistic option in the building sector. The addition of quartz sand enhances the compressive strength and flowability of concrete compared to standard concrete.