Investigation and Optimization on Use of Wood Ash as partial Cement Replacement in Cement Mortar

Abstract

Abstract: Management of solid waste is the major concern globally due to increasing quantities of waste materials and byproducts from industries. Lack of space availability for land filling and because of its increasing cost, utilization and recycling of industrial by- products and waste materials has the only option as it is economical and eco friendly. There are several types of such materials, which can be recycled or reused in construction. The utilization of such materials in construction not only makes it economical, but also helps in reducing disposal problems. One such material is wood ash (WA). Wood ash (WA) is the residue generated due to combustion or incineration of wood and wood products (chips, saw dust, bark, etc.).The XRD (X-RAY DIFFRACTION) test results, SEM (scanning electron microscope) analysis and chemical analysis of WA showed that it contains amorphous silica and thus can be used as cement replacing material. Many researches had been carried out to incorporate wood waste ash as a cement replacement material in the production of greener construction material (concrete/mortar) and also as a sustainable means of disposal for wood waste ash. Results of these researches indicated that wood waste ash can be effectively used as a cement replacement material for the production of structural concrete/mortar of acceptable strength and durability parameters.