Performance of agro-wastes and chemical admixtures used in concrete: A review

Abstract

Concrete is an artificial composite material made up of four main components: cement, fine aggregates, coarse aggregates, and water. Because of its adaptability, durability, and economic issues, it has rapidly gained popularity as a construction material around the globe. The manufacturing process of cement leads to the release of significant quantities of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. Finding alternatives to cement and natural aggregates is becoming more necessary and important.The ash that is produced when agricultural waste is burned as a fuel presents a few problems, such as the contamination of the soil, but it also has the potential to be used as a cement substitutebecause of its pozzolanic qualities. This research paper explores the utilization of agro-waste ashes, including Corn cob ash (CCA), Rice husk ash (RHA), Palm oil fuel ash (POFA), wood waste ash (WWA), bamboo leaf ash (BLA), Coconut husk ash (CHA), Groundnut shell ash (GSA), and sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA), as substitutes for cement in concrete mixtures. Additionally, it delves into a comprehensive examination of various chemical admixtures such as water reducing, corrosion inhibiting, shrinkage reducing which are commonly employed to improve concrete performance. The use of agricultural waste in cement and concrete could lead to a range of benefits which include reduced CO2 emissions, improved strength and durability properties of concrete resulting lower the production costs of concrete. Chemical admixtures help to attain stronger and durable concrete.