PSI - Issue 70

J. Arun Prasad et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 70 (2025) 690–697

696

Fig. 5. Comparison of mechanical performance between conventional concrete beams (CC1, CC2) and beams incorporating 10% Cenosphere replacement (CCC 10%). The figure presents (a) first crack load, (b) deflection at first crack, (c) ultimate load, and (d) ultimate deflection 7. Conclusions This study investigated the mechanical performance of M20 grade concrete with partial replacement of cement by 10% Cenospheres. The experimental results indicate that the incorporation of Cenospheres contributes positively to various strength parameters, with notable findings as follows: • Concrete with 10% Cenosphere replacement exhibited a consistent improvement of approximately 3 – 7% at 7, 14, and 28 days of curing, attributed to the micro-filling and pozzolanic properties of Cenospheres. • Enhanced tensile strength, with gains of 8 – 13%, was observed at all curing intervals, reflecting improved internal bonding and matrix densification due to Cenosphere inclusion. • Similar improvements (8 – 13%) were noted in flexural strength tests of standard prisms, suggesting the beneficial effect of Cenospheres on bending resistance and structural performance. • Although concrete beams with 10% Cenospheres showed reduced first crack and ultimate loads compared to conventional concrete, they demonstrated significantly higher deflections, indicating improved ductility and energy absorption. This trade-off suggests potential use in applications where deformability and toughness are critical design considerations. Overall, the findings support the use of Cenospheres as a viable supplementary cementitious material to enhance the sustainability and mechanical behaviour of concrete. Their inclusion leads to lighter concrete with improved microstructural properties, making them particularly suitable for structural applications that demand both performance and environmental benefits. References Ahmaruzzaman M. A review on the utilization of fly ash. Prog Energy Combust Sci 2010;36(3):327 – 63. Chávez-Valdez A, Arizmendi-Morquecho A, Vargas G, Almanza J, Alvarez Quintana J. Ultra-low thermal conductivity thermal barrier coatings from recycled fly-ash cenospheres. Acta Mater 2011;59(7):2556 – 62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actamat.2011.01.039