INVESTIGATION ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE WITH PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF FINE AGGREGATE BY SAWDUST ASH FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable construction materials has led to the exploration of alternative solutions to reduce environmental impact and conserve natural resources. This study investigates the feasibility of using sawdust ash (SDA) as a partial replacement for fine aggregate (sand) in concrete, focusing on its effects on compressive strength, tensile strength, and workability. Sawdust ash, a waste byproduct from wood processing industries, was incorporated into concrete mixes at varying replacement levels (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% by weight of sand). The experimental program involved casting and testing concrete specimens at different curing periods (7, 14, 21, and 28 days) to evaluate mechanical performance. Results indicate that the inclusion of sawdust ash influences concrete properties in distinct ways. Compressive strength exhibited a gradual decline with increasing SDA content, with reductions of 2%, 7.36%, and 12% observed at 5%, 10%, and 15% replacement levels, respectively, after 28 days of curing. Conversely, tensile strength showed significant improvement, with increases of 13.04%, 22.36%, and 26.96% for the same replacement levels at 28 days. Workability, assessed via slump tests, decreased as SDA content increased, highlighting the need for mix adjustments in practical applications. The study concludes that while higher SDA content reduces compressive strength, it enhances tensile properties, making it suitable for applications requiring improved crack resistance. The optimal replacement level was identified as 5– 10% for balancing strength and sustainability. These findings contribute to the development of eco-friendly concrete by repurposing industrial waste, aligning with global sustainability goals. Further research is recommended to address long-term durability and large-scale implementation challenges.