Sustainable Civil Building Management and Engineering Journal Vol: 1, No 3, 2024, Page: 1-9
Compressive Strength Study on Reactive Powder Concrete
with 30% Quartz Sand and Variations in Fly Ash
Composition as Partial Substitution of Cement
Endah Safitri, Wibowo, Bayu Dian Fadhil*
Civil Engineering Study Program, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sebelas Maret
DOI: Abstract: The concrete industry is considered environmentally unfriendly and
https://doi.org/10.47134/scbmej.v1i3.3009 unsustainable due to the significant consumption of natural materials.
*Correspondence: Bayu Dian Fadhil
Currently, the industry predominantly uses Portland cement as its main
Email: fadhilmomo69@student.uns.ac.id
ingredient, leading to an increase in Portland cement production. However, the
use of fly ash can help make the concrete industry more sustainable in the future.
Received: 01-05-2024 Fly ash can be used as a partial replacement for Portland cement in concrete
Accepted: 15-06-2024 production. This study aims to determine the effect of fly ash variations on the
Published: 31-07-2024 compressive strength of reactive powder concrete. The research method used is
experimental. The concrete mix design includes 30% quartz sand and fly ash
variations of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%. The compressive strength test
specimens are cylindrical with a diameter of 7.5 cm and a height of 15 cm. The
Copyright: © 2024 by the authors. resulting test specimens have a compressive strength of more than 41.4 MPa,
Submitted for open access publication thus qualifying as high-strength concrete. The compressive strength test results
under the terms and conditions of the for fly ash variations of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% are 62.62 MPa, 66.27
Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license
MPa, 75.59 MPa, 68.78 MPa, 66.21 MPa, and 63.70 MPa, respectively.
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Keywords: Concrete, High-Strength Concrete, Fly Ash, Compressive Strength,
Quartz Sand
https://journal.pubmedia.id/index.php/civilengineering
Sustainable Civil Building Management and Engineering Journal Vol: 1, No 3, 2024 2 of 9
Introduction
The rapid development of science and knowledge greatly affects all aspects of
humanity. One aspect that has progressed is the construction field (Fedosov, 2024; Liu,
2024). Where we can feel this with the many developments that occur in Indonesia. This
development aims to improve the economic level of the community, with the development
of connectivity infrastructure as a link between regions and regions (Redondo-Pérez, 2024;
Shen, 2024). Equality can occur due to the development of sustainable connectivity
infrastructure as a driver of the community's economy.
The high demand for concrete in construction development in Indonesia encourages
the development of concrete technology (X. Li, 2024; Ye, 2024). The goal is to improve the
performance and durability of concrete in order to meet the need for concrete construction
materials with high compressive strength (Geng, 2024; W. Li, 2024). Concrete technology
innovations, such as Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC), are one of the efforts to meet these
needs (Nie, 2024; Zhang, 2024). RPC is an ultra-strong concrete made by replacing ordinary
aggregates from normal concrete with nanometer-sized particles such as cement, natural
sand, quartz sand, water, superplasticizer and steel fibers (optional) so that unlike in the
manufacture of ordinary concrete RPC not only has high strength but also has high ductility
(Alabduljabbar, 2023; Fatriliani, 2024). The compressive strength of this concrete ranges
from 200 Mpa to 800 Mpa.
The use of Reactive Powder Concrate (RPC) has been applied to major projects in
Dubai, the United States, Taiwan, and countries in Europe (Arora, 2023; Bayrak, 2023). The
use of RPC has benefits, such as reducing column dimensions and fire damage (Ge, 2023;
Shantanu, 2023). However, the significant increase in the compressive strength of the
concrete can cause brittleness in the concrete (Magureanu at al 2012). This brittleness needs
to be avoided to maintain occupant safety in case of structural failure (Guan, 2023; Khunt,
2023). One approach to reduce the brittleness of structures is to use different types of fibers
that have flexible characteristics and are able to indirectly increase the compressive strength
of concrete, according to the type and properties of the fiber. In our research on RPC, we
used steel fibers that help limit the spread of cracks and increase the strength of concrete.
These fibers exhibit strain hardening or deflection properties in the presence of micro-
cracks, and various relevant studies are actively being conducted for further development
(Wille and Naaman, 2013).
The study conducted by Fitriana (2023) focused on Reactive Powder Concrate (RPC)
using 15% silica fume and fly ash variations of 0%; 2.5%; 5%; 7.5%; 10%; and 12.5% of the
total cement mass and using a quartz sand composition of 30% of the total aggregate mass.
The results showed that concrete with 0% variation produced the maximum compressive
strength value of concrete. This study noted that the maximum compressive strength of
https://journal.pubmedia.id/index.php/civilengineering
Sustainable Civil Building Management and Engineering Journal Vol: 1, No 3, 2024 3 of 9
concrete achieved was 83.36 MPa, with a modulus of elasticity reaching 37409.48.90 MPa.
While research (Mufti and Raudha, 2019) on the average compressive strength of normal
mortar (0%) and fly ash mortar with variations in the addition of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and
50% are 24.91 MPa, 26.68 MPa, 29.61 MPa, 27.87 MPa, 23.97 MPa and 23.54 MPa respectively.
The compressive strength of mortar after adding fly ash at 10% increased by 7.08%, the
addition of 20% increased the compressive strength by 18.85%, the addition of 30%
increased the compressive strength by 11.85%, then at the addition of 40% and 50% the
compressive strength decreased by 3.77% and 5.51% respectively. The addition of quartz
sand, and steel fiber and the use of fly ash variations with levels of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%,
and 25% as a substitute for cement materials are expected to increase the durability of
concrete and quality of concrete.
Methodology
The method used in this research is the experiential method which utilizes two
variables. The independent variable involves the variation of fly ash composition (0%; 5%;
10%; 15%; 20%; 25% by weight of se-men) while the dependent variable includes the value
of compressive strength. The test specimens were in the form of cylinders with a height of
15 cm and a diameter of 7.5 cm as many as 18 pieces with 3 pieces each in each fly ash
variation. After 24 hours, the test specimens that have been made are left before
disassembling from the mold. The next stage is to aerate the specimens in a humid place for
24 hours. Then, curing or concrete treatment is carried out by soaking the specimens in
water for 21 days.
RPC Mix Design
The mix design of 30% quartz sand Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC) with the addition
of fly ash variation was made based on Richard & Cheyrezy (1995). The cement water factor
(FAS) used was 0.19 and the superlasticizer was 1.90% of the binder weight. Recapitulation
of RPC mix design of fly ash variation can be seen in Table 1.
Table 1. Recapitulation of RPC Mix Design
Sementitius Agregat
Fly Ash Quartz Steel Superplasticizer Water
Fly Ash Semen Fine Sand
Content 𝟐 Sand Fiber (lt/𝐦𝟑 ) (lt/𝐦𝟑 )
(Kg/𝐦 ) (Kg/𝐦𝟐 ) (Kg/𝐦𝟐 )
(Kg/𝐦𝟐 ) (Kg/𝐦𝟐 )
0% 0 1.59 1.97 0.88 0.02 0.01 0.30
5% 0.07 1.51 1.97 0.88 0.02 0.01 0.30
10% 0.15 1.43 1.97 0.88 0.02 0.01 0.30
15% 0.23 1.35 1.97 0.88 0.02 0.01 0.30
20% 0.31 1.27 1.97 0.88 0.02 0.01 0.30
25% 0.39 1.19 1.97 0.88 0.02 0.01 0.30
https://journal.pubmedia.id/index.php/civilengineering
Sustainable Civil Building Management and Engineering Journal Vol: 1, No 3, 2024 4 of 9
Testing of Concrete Ingredients
Testing of concrete constituent materials is done to determine the standard and quality
of concrete constituent materials used. Testing of mud content, fineness modulus, organic
matter, specific gravity, absorption for fine aggregates was carried out at the Civil
Engineering Materials Laboratory of Sebelas Maret University.
Fresh Concrete Testing
Fresh concrete testing is done to determine the workability of reactive powder
concrete. The test carried out is the slump flow test.
Compressive Strength Testing
Concrete compressive strength testing is carried out using a Compression Testing
Machine (CTM) tool. Testing was carried out on 28-day-old concrete. The results of the CTM
tool will determine the maximum value of concrete when receiving external forces. In
testing the compressive strength of concrete, testing is carried out based on SNI 2847-2019.
The formula used in calculating the compressive strength of concrete can be seen in
Equation 1:
f^' c=P/A ...............................[1]
With:
f'c = compressive stress (MPa)
P = compression force (N)
A = cross-sectional area (〖mm〗^2)
Result and Discussion
Testing Results of Reactive Powder Concrete Ingredients
The results of the fine aggregate test consisting of specific gravity, silt content, organic
matter content, and fineness modulus can be seen in Table 2.
Table 2. Testing Results of Natural Sand and Quartz Sand
Type of Testing Fine Sand Quartz Sand Standard Description
Absorbsion 3.92% 2.06%
Apparent Spesific
2.85 2.69
Grafity
Bulk Spesific Gravity 2.56 2.55
Bulk Spesific Gravity 2.66 2.60 2.5 – 2.7 (ASTM C. Qualified
SSD 128-79)
https://journal.pubmedia.id/index.php/civilengineering
Sustainable Civil Building Management and Engineering Journal Vol: 1, No 3, 2024 5 of 9
Type of Testing Fine Sand Quartz Sand Standard Description
Sludge Content 2.10% 1.30% <5% (PBI Qualified
1971,ASTM
C.117)
Organic Matter Dark Light Reddish Yellow Qualified
Content Yellow Yellow (PBI 1971, ASTM
C.40)
Modulus of Fineness 2.53 3.42 1.5 < MH < 3.8 (SII Qualified
0052-80)
Fresh Concrete Testing Results
The results of the slump flow test on fresh concrete in this study can be seen in Table 3.
Table 3. Slump Flow Test Results RPC
Fly Ash Content D1(mm) D2(mm) Daverage (mm) T average (detik)
0% 360.00 355.00 362.50 15.00
5% 355.00 350.00 352.50 14.80
10% 350.00 345.00 347.50 14.60
15% 345.00 340.00 342.50 14.30
20% 340.00 335.00 337.50 14.10
25% 335.00 330.00 332.50 13.80
Based on the data in Table 3, the graph of the relationship between the slump flow test
results and the variation of fly ash content can be seen in Figure 1.
Figure 1. Graph of the relationship between the diameter of the slump flow test and the
variation of fly ash content
Based on Figure 1, it can be seen that the additional use of fly ash content variations in
the RPC concrete mixture causes the diameter and flow time of the slump flow test results
to decrease in each additional fly ash content. This is because fly ash can absorb water better
than cement, resulting in decreased workability.
https://journal.pubmedia.id/index.php/civilengineering
Sustainable Civil Building Management and Engineering Journal Vol: 1, No 3, 2024 6 of 9
Results of Concrete Compressive Strength Testing
Testing the compressive strength of concrete is carried out using a Compression
Testing Machine (CTM) tool in the Materials Laboratory of the Faculty of Engineering UNS
on 28-day-old concrete. The results of the concrete compressive strength test can be seen in
Table 4.
Table 4. Results of Concrete Compressive Strength Testing
Fly Ash F’c (MPa) F’c average (Mpa)
Code Pmax(kN) Correlation Factor
Content
A 265 1.06 63.41
0% B 260 1.06 62.05 62.62
C 260 1.06 62.38
A 275 1.06 65.98
5% B 280 1.06 67.18 66.27
C 275 1.06 65.63
A 310 1.06 74.38
10% B 315 1.06 75.78 75.59
C 315 1.06 76.60
A 285 1.06 68.75
15% B 290 1.06 69.21 68.78
C 285 1.06 68.38
A 275 1.06 65.81
20% B 280 1.06 67.18 66.21
C 275 1.06 65.63
A 270 1.06 64.78
25% B 265 1.06 63.08 63.70
C 265 1.06 63.24
The difference in compressive strength values is presented in graphical form in Figure
2. While the comparison of concrete with fly ash to concrete without fly ash can be seen in
Table 5.
Figure 2. Graph of the Relationship between Compressive Strength and Fly Ash Content
https://journal.pubmedia.id/index.php/civilengineering
Sustainable Civil Building Management and Engineering Journal Vol: 1, No 3, 2024 7 of 9
Table 5. Effect of Fly Ash on the compressive strength value of RPC concrete
Percentage change of
Fly Ash Content F’c (MPa)
f'c against FA0% (%)
0% 62.62 0.00
5% 66.27 5.83
10% 75.59 20.71
15% 68.78 9.84
20% 66.21 5.73
25% 63.70 1.73
Based on the results of testing the compressive strength of all RPC concrete test
specimens exceeds 41.4 MPa so that it meets the requirements as high quality concrete
according to SNI 03-6468 (2000). The maximum 7.5 cm x 15 cm RPC concrete compressive
strength value occurs in the 10% fly ash variation of 75.59 MPa. The compressive strength
value of RPC concrete with 30% quartz sand, and variations in fly ash content as a partial
substitution of cement increased up to 10% fly ash content and decreased at each addition
of fly ash content above 10%. The increase in compressive strength of concrete is due to the
pozzolanic properties of fly ash. The compressive strength value increases to the maximum
at 10% fly ash variation level. This occurs due to the suitability of fly ash content with FAS.
While the decrease occurs at fly ash variation levels above 10% due to the increasing amount
of fly ash used. This results in the quality of concrete going down due to reduced adhesion.
Conclusion
The reactive powder concrete with 30% quartz sand, and variation of fly ash content in
this study is qualified as RPC parameter i.e. compressive strength more than 41.4 MPa. The
maximum increase in the compressive strength of concrete occurs at 10% fly ash content
and then decreases up to 25% fly ash content. The concrete compressive strength values for
cylindrical specimens of 7.5 cm diameter and 15 cm height with fly ash variations of 0%; 5%;
10%; 15%; 20%; and 25% are 62.62 MPa; 66.27 MPa; 75.59 MPa; 68.78 MPa; 66.21 MPa; and
63.70 MPa, respectively.
References
Alabduljabbar, H. (2023). Predicting ultra-high-performance concrete compressive strength
using gene expression programming method. Case Studies in Construction Materials, 18.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2023.e02074
Arora, S. (2023). Strength, durability, and microstructure of self-compacting geopolymer
concrete produced with copper slag aggregates. Environmental Science and Pollution
Research, 30(1), 666–684. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-22170-1
Badan Standardisasi Nasional. (2000). Sni 03-6468-2000 Tata cara perencanaan campuran
tinggi dengan semen portland
https://journal.pubmedia.id/index.php/civilengineering
Sustainable Civil Building Management and Engineering Journal Vol: 1, No 3, 2024 8 of 9
Badan Standarisasi Nasional. (2019). SNI 2847-2019 : Persyaratan Beton Struktural untuk
Bangunan Gedung. Standar Nasional Indonesia, 8, 720.
Bayrak, B. (2023). The effect of clinker aggregate on acid resistance in prepacked
geopolymers containing metakaolin and quartz powder in the presence of ground
blast furnace slag. Journal of Building Engineering, 69.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2023.106290
Fatriliani, I. S. (2024). Mechanical and Physical Characteristics of Aerated Concrete with Fly
Ash Variations. Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Sciences and Engineering
Technology, 34(2), 374–385. https://doi.org/10.37934/araset.34.2.374385
Fedosov, S. V. (2024). Corrosion-resistant concretes for coastal underground structures.
Magazine of Civil Engineering, 17(2). https://doi.org/10.34910/MCE.126.6
Fitriana, P. J. (2023). Kajian Kuat Tekan dan Modulus Elastisitas Beton Bubuk Reaktif
dengan Silica Fume 15%, Pasir Kuarsa 30%, dan Variasi Kadar Fly Ash Sebagai
Subtitusi Parsial Semen. Universitas Sebelas Maret. Surakarta
Ge, W. (2023). Sustainable ultra-high performance concrete with incorporating mineral
admixtures: Workability, mechanical property and durability under freeze-thaw
cycles. Case Studies in Construction Materials, 19.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2023.e02345
Geng, J. (2024). Properties of artificial lightweight aggregates prepared from coal and
biomass co-fired fly ashes and sewage sludge fly ash. Ceramics International, 50(16),
28609–28618. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2024.05.172
Guan, Y. (2023). Preparation of low-cost green engineered cementitious composites (ECC)
using gold tailings and unoiled PVA fiber. Journal of Building Engineering, 78.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2023.107455
Khunt, Y. (2023). Investigation on properties of autoclave aerated concrete using different
pre-curing and curing techniques. Materials Today: Proceedings.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2023.04.047
Li, W. (2024). Preparation and mechanical properties of novel epoxy mortar incorporating
hybrid toughening constituents. Iranian Journal of Science and Technology - Transactions
of Civil Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40996-024-01452-3
Li, X. (2024). A New 3D printing method and similar materials of the tunnel lining for the
geomechanical model test. Construction and Building Materials, 433.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.136724
Liu, J. (2024). Toughness and strength of PVA-fibre reinforced magnesium phosphate
cement (FRMPC) within 24 h. Construction and Building Materials, 418.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.135339
Magureanu, C., Sosa, I., Negrutiu, C., & Heghes, B. (2012). Mechanical properties and
durability of ultra-high performance concrete. ACI Materials Journal, 109, 177–183.
Mufti, A. S. dan Raudha, H. (2019). Efek Penambahan Fly Ash Terhadap Kuat Tekan Mortar
Semen.
Nie, S. (2024). Magnesium phosphate cement-based engineered cementitious composites
with polyethylene fibers: Performance improvement and design method. Journal of
https://journal.pubmedia.id/index.php/civilengineering
Sustainable Civil Building Management and Engineering Journal Vol: 1, No 3, 2024 9 of 9
Cleaner Production, 450. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.141941
Redondo-Pérez, N. M. (2024). A Comprehensive Overview of Recycled Glass as Mineral
Admixture for Circular UHPC Solutions. Sustainability (Switzerland), 16(12).
https://doi.org/10.3390/su16125077
Shantanu, B. (2023). Criticality of binder-aggregate interaction for buildability of 3D printed
concrete containing limestone calcined clay. Cement and Concrete Composites, 136.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2022.104853
Shen, J. (2024). The research on the mechanical properties, microstructure, environmental
impacts of environmentally friendly Alkali-activated ultra high performance concrete
(AAUHPC) matrix with varied design parameters. Journal of Building Engineering, 94.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2024.110037
Wille, K. and A.E. Naaman, (2013) “Effect of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete on Pullout
Behavior of High-Strength Brass- Coated Straight Steel Fibers”. ACI Materials Journal,
2013. 110(4): p. 451-462
Ye, H. (2024). Solid waste-based low-carbon autoclaved aerated concrete: Relationship
between engineering properties and microstructure. Journal of Building Engineering, 91.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2024.109691
Zhang, H. (2024). Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Highly Flowable
Geopolymer Composites with Low-Content Polyvinyl Alcohol Fiber. Buildings, 14(2).
https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14020449
https://journal.pubmedia.id/index.php/civilengineering
