Experimental investigation on flexural performance of functionally graded concrete beams using flyash and red mud

ABSTRACT The continuous change in the strength and other properties, environmental problems, hike in cement price, advancement of construction industry makes the usage of alternative materials as Functionally graded materials (FGM) which leads to a new materials on concrete as Functionally graded concrete (FGC), In this present paper, investigation has carried out on the functionally graded concrete by using red mud and also fly ash. In this M20 grade of concrete is used as the conventional concrete in compression zone and M25 with the replacement of cement by red mud and flyash with varying percentage (5%, 10% 15%) respectively in the tension zone. The results indicated that the 10% of the red mud and 10% of the fly ash as the optimum value for the concrete beam and by load deflection curve, it is evident that functionally graded concrete beam has more advantages than ordinary concrete since it has more durability and strength characteristics. Scanning electron microscope analysis was also carried out on the red mud functionally graded concrete and fly ash functionally graded concrete. It clearly indicated the pores present in the materials which tends to increase in strength of the concrete.