Experimental and numerical investigation of the effect of sawdust ash on the performance of concrete

The increasing detrimental impact of climate change is evident all over the world as a result of the rising emission of carbon dioxide into the environment. The cement industry is responsible for about 7% of the world’s anthropogenic carbon emissions. To reduce this negative impact of cement, this study was carried out to investigate the use of sawdust ash (SDA) as a partial replacement of Portland cement up to 20% on the performance of concrete mixtures. Based on the results of the experimental investigations, empirical models were developed to predict the impact of the proportion of SDA on the performance of concrete mixtures. The empirical models for predicting the properties of SDA blended concrete were developed using the multivariate interpolation method, multiple regression analysis and coefficients equations approaches. Experimental results revealed that SDA is a class C type pozzolan. The incorporation of up to 20% SDA as replacement of Portland cement resulted in approximately 10%, 33% and 35% reduction in the slump, compressive strength and split tensile strength, respectively. Nevertheless, the mechanical properties observed for mixtures incorporating SDA showed that these mixtures can still be used for structural applications where sustainable building material is desired. The sustainability assessment of the mixtures showed that the embodied carbon of concrete can be reduced by approximately 20% with the use of SDA as partial replacement of PC. The models developed were found to be in good agreement when compared with experimental data.