ENGINEERING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH JOURNAL, VOL.1, NO.3, SEP, 2017

Corresponding Author Email Address: sajjad.nec@gmail.com

Sajjad Ali Mangi1, Norwati Jamaluddin

2, Wan Ibrahim M.H

3, Noridah Mohamad

3, Samiullah Sohu

4

1PhD Research Fellow, Faculty of Civil & Environmental Engineering, UTHM Malaysia

2Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Civil & Environmental Engineering, UTHM Malaysia

3Associate Professor, Faculty of Civil & Environmental Engineering, UTHM Malaysia

4PhD Research Fellow, Faculty of Civil & Environmental Engineering, UTHM Malaysia

Keywords: Sawdust ash, Pozzolanic material, cement replacement, concrete, compressive strength.

1. Introduction

he present boom in the field of construction has caused

the huge rise in the demand for Portland cement which

is the important material in the production of concrete. It

was noted by Ramos, Matos, & Sousa-Coutinho, [1] that

globally more than one cubic meter of concrete is produced

per person per year with Portland cement being the main

component, but it produces the greatest environmental

burden. Currently, about 3 billion tons of Portland cement

are consumed worldwide and for the every 600 kg

production of cement, a 400 kilograms of carbon dioxide

(CO2) gas is released. In the recent years, raising concern

about global environment and utilization of renewable

energy resources leads to modify the traditional practices of

energy production. Among these resources, wood waste is a

promising source of renewable energy [2].

Wood biomasses namely sawdust is the significant

waste produced from the wood industries. The utilization of

wood-fuel for generating energy is the ultimate solution for

problems connected to wood waste. However, the thermal

combustion generally reduces the mass and the volume of

the wood waste but it yields an inheritance problem that is

formation wood ash (Sawdust ash). In the USA alone,

about 3 million tons of wood ash are produced annually [3].

Usually, timber industries have its own small-scale boiler

units which employ generated wood waste in the unit itself

as fuel for heat energy production regarding other processes

like drying the finished products. Moreover, it was detected

that wood ash produced by timber manufacturing industries

is not handled properly, which may cause serious

environmental and health problems. Research has been

conducted on SDA as a cement replacement material.

Findings have indicated that SDA can effectively be used

as cement replacement material in the concrete of adequate

strength and durability performances. In long term, the

utilization of SDA as replacement of cement is expected to

carry substantial decrease in the cost of construction since

cement is the most expensive integral part of the concrete.

2. Previous Research

The summary of literature review has been presented in

Table 1. It indicates the previous findings on the utilization

of SDA as replacement of cement in the concrete. It was

explored by the researchers that the sawdust ash has great

potential to perform as a Pozzolanic material, it can be

considered for the normal and high strength concrete as a

cement replacement. Through the adoption of these

practices can reduce the environmental burden and creates

a solution to the sustainable construction material to build

cost-effective structures.

T

Abstract: Cement is the main materials for the construction and it is very expensive. Considering the growing demand

of cement, the researchers are probing towards the new cement replacement materials. To achieve the sustainable

development, it is imperative to use supplementary cementing materials in the field of concrete engineering. Currently,

numerous research has been conducted on the utilization of sawdust ash as a cement replacement in the production of

green building material and an alternative means of wood waste minimization. The result of this research work has

indicated that sawdust ash has a good potential to be utilized as replacement of ordinary Portland cement for the

production of concrete. The aim of this review work is to summarize previous research studies on utilization of

sawdust ash as a cement replacement. Hence, this review paper will provide the significant idea and valuable

information for the fellow researchers working for the composite cement materials, supplementary cementing materials

in the field of concrete technology and it is the considerable verdict that more research is deserved to be carried out on

the development of high-strength concrete incorporating sawdust ash as a cement replacement.

ISSN (e) 2520-7393

ISSN (p) 2521-5027

Received on 19th Jun, 2017

Revised on 21st Sept, 2017

www.estirj.com

Utilization of Sawdust Ash as Cement

Replacement for the Concrete Production:

A Review

S.A MANGI et.al: UTILIZATION OF SAWDUST ASH AS REPLACEMENT OF CEMENT FOR THE CONCRETE PRODUCTION: A REVIEW

Copyright ©2017 ESTIRJ-VOL.1, NO.3 (11-15)

Table 1: Summary of pervious research findings

Ref. Country Materials Design & Mix Proportion Research Findings

[2]

India

Ash obtained from

uncontrolled burning of

Sawdust,

5, 10, 15,18 and 20%

w/b : 0.4 & 0.45

curing period 7 and 28 days

Strength decrease slightly with increase

in wood ash content

[3]

Malaysia

OPC, Silica fume,

Rubber wood ash with

SP dosage 0.5 to 3.0

7% Silica fume with

0, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21,

24 & 27%

w/b ratio: 0.32

curing period 3,7, 28, 90,

180 and 364 days

As compared to OPC, Silica fume with

OPC with 6% wood ash gives higher

compressive strength.

[4]

Nigeria

Species are Abura,

Afara, Obeche,

Mahogany and Iroko.

Open burning method

used

1:2:4 with 0%, 5%, 10%,

15%, 20%, 25%, 30% SDA

w/b ratio: 0.32 to 0.42

curing period 3, 7, 14 and

28 days

At 28-day, 68% increased while 15% of

cement replacement

[5] Malaysia wood ash obtained from

different species

0%, 10% to 40% SDA

w/b ratio: 0.60

curing period 7, 18, 91 and

180 days

Use of wood ash as a cement

replacement in concrete up to 25% of

binder weight does not have adverse

effects.

[6] Malaysia

OPC, Silica fume,

Rubber wood ash with

SP dosage 0.4 to 2.6

binder: sand 1:2.25 with

7.5% Silica fume with

0, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, & 16%

wood ash

w/b ratio: 0.32

curing period 3, 7 and 28

days

Utilization of wood ash as replacement

of cement up to 16% by weight of

binder corresponding with small

quantity (7.5%) of DFS contribute to

refinement in pore structure of a cement

matrix, hence, it reduces the chloride

diffusivity in mortar.

[7]

Thailand

OPC, LFA and Rubber

sawdust ash

1:2.75 ration cement to sand

by weight

Curing days 7 & 28

Increased 51% with 40% of LFA for

curing period of 28 days.

[8]

Nigeria

SDA was obtained

through uncontrolled

burning and sieved

through 425µm

1:2:4 , with 5%, 10%, 15%,

20% and 25% by weight of

OPC

w/b ratio 0.5-0.6

Curing period 3, 7, 28, 56

and 90 days

Compressive strength of SDA concrete

was inferior at early age but progresses

well up to 90 days.

The optimum compressive strength value

were recorded as 23.26N/mm2 with 5%

SDA replacement at 90 days.

[9] India SDA collected from

different timber mills,

retained on sieve 45 µm,

12, 23, 40, 60 and 90%

5%, 10%, 15%, 20% , 25%

and 30% by weight of OPC

Curing period 3, 7 and28

days

Utilizing wood ash as replacement of

OPC, decreases the slump values of

concrete even increases the water

demand.

10% replacement by weight of binder

found to be good for structural grade

concrete.

[10]

Nigeria

Sawdust ash obtained

through uncontrolled

burning sieved through

212µm

Mortor mix of 1:3 with 0, 5,

10, 15, 20, 25 and 30%

SDA

w/b ration 0.60

Curing period of 3, 7, 28

and 60 days

At 10% replacement of cement with

SDA for curing of 28 and 60days 17.63

& 21.45 N/mm2.

[11]

Nigeria

Ash obtained from

uncontrolled burning of

Sawdust and through

600μm

1:2:4 with 0, 5, 10, 15, 20,

25 and 30% SDA curing

period 7, 14 and 28 days

28days compressive strength were

recorded as 19.05 N/mm2 at 15% cement

replacement with SDA, 32%

compressive strength were increased as

compare with control mix.

OPC: Ordinary Portland cement, FA: Fine Aggregate, SDA: Sawdust Ash, LFA: Lignite Fly Ash, SP: Supper plasticizer

S.A MANGI et.al: UTILIZATION OF SAWDUST ASH AS REPLACEMENT OF CEMENT FOR THE CONCRETE PRODUCTION: A REVIEW

Copyright ©2017 ESTIRJ-VOL.1, NO.3 (11-15)

3. Discussion on Previous Findings

3.1Physical and Chemical characteristics of SDA

The sawdust ash having an angular shape with a

heterogeneous mixture of different particle size. These

particles mostly consisted of partially incinerated or

unburned wood.

To assess the fineness, typical quantity of wood ash

passing through sieve #200 (75 µm) is 50% and

percentage retained on sieve #325 (45 µm) is 31%. It was

noted by Swaptik Chowdhury, Mishra, & Suganya, [2]

that the unit weight of SDA or wood ash as 490 kg/m3 and

827 kg/m3 respectively and average specific gravity were

recorded as 2.48 and 1.65 respectively [2]. It was

generally observed that bulk density reduces as the

percentage SDA is increased.

Figure 1: Setting time of SDA v/s OPC paste [4]

According to the findings of Elinwa & Mahmood, [4]

that that SDA conforms as a similar material as per

specifications for setting as shown in figure 1. Also, the

workability of the concrete decreases as the fraction of

SDA increases. In addition to that it was detected by

Cheah & Ramli, [5] on the basis of chemical

configuration, the important oxide compounds that

recognized appropriateness of wood ash / sawdust ash as a

replacement of cement i.e. Silica (SiO2), alumina

(Al2O3), ferrous oxide (Fe2O3) and lime (CaO) which

varies according to the type of species of the trees.

Table 2: Essential Oxides in SDA from different wood

species

Variety of

Species

SiO2 Al2O3 Fe2O3 CaO Ref.

Pine SDA 9.71 2.34 2.10 48.88

[5] OrkSDA 29.93 4.27 4.20 15.56

Alder-fir

SDA

37.49 12.23 8.09 26.41

High

calcium

Rubber

sawdust

2.70 1.30 1.30 61.0 [6]

Rubber

SDA

9.91 1.19 1.63 40.23 [7]

From table 2. Utilization of SDA as a cement

replacement can justify by requirement of ASTM C-618,

which indicated that SDA has a good potential to work as

pozzolanic material.

3.2 Mineralogical Properties

Considering the mineralogical properties of sawdust ash

(SDA), it has been found by Elinwa, A.U., and Ejeh,

[4]that through the X-ray diffraction analysis, Sawdust ash

has a higher amount of silica dioxide (SiO2) as compared

to the other oxidants as shown in Figure 2. It is the key

indicator for the pozzolanic activity occurs in the SDA.

Therefore, it can be utilized as the replacement ordinary

Portland cement for the production of concrete.

Figure 2: XRD Analysis of sawdust ash [4]

It was also observed by Swaptik Chowdhury, Mishra,

&Suganya, [2] and Raheem, Olasunkanmi, & Folorunso,

[8] that the SDA satisfied the requirement as specified in

ASTM C-618 that the sum of SiO2+Al2O3 +Fe2O3

within the range of 70%. Hence, Sawdust ash has a great

tendency to be work as a pozzolanic material.

Figure 3: Cement-Silica fume with 2% of wood ash at 28

days [3]

It could be observed from the Figure 3 that the mortar

mix initially forming agel of C-S-H from the hydration of

cement. With reference to the cement paste, the

microstructure analysis revealed that C and CS, at the

early age during hydration process ettringite crystals were

vanished on long curing up to 182 days. This is due to

depletion of presented calcium sulfate in cement paste on

extended curing process of the cement paste, the ettringite

crystals would respond with C3A mineral to form the

mono-sulfate.

3.2 Compressive strength performances

S.A MANGI et.al: UTILIZATION OF SAWDUST ASH AS REPLACEMENT OF CEMENT FOR THE CONCRETE PRODUCTION: A REVIEW

Copyright ©2017 ESTIRJ-VOL.1, NO.3 (11-15)

Considering the strength parameters It was noticed by

Elinwa & Mahmood, [4] that the compressive strength at

28-days were recorded, 5, 10 and 15% cement

replacement is about 93, 78 and 68% of the control mix

respectively as shown in figure 4. While 10% replacement

of OPC with SDA shows good strength performance and

desired workability.

Figure 4: Compressive strength of SDA v/s OPC

concrete at different curing period [4]

It was generally observed that the suitable range of

replacement of cement with wood ash according to the

compressive strength point of view is 10% to 20 by weight

of the binder. Moreover, the compressive strength concrete

containing SDA was lower at the early age but improves

significantly by increasing the curing period. For the long-

term curing process Cheah & Ramli, [3] were found that

wood ash at 16% to 20% replacement still produced good

strength mortar with compressive strength (ASTM)

beyond 55 N/mm2 at 364 days. It was suggested by and S.

Chowdhury et al., [2] that the future studies need to be

carried out on concrete improving durability and strength.

5. Conclusion

In the view of sustainable development, it is imperative to

use supplementary cementing materials in the field of

concrete engineering. The utilization of Sawdust ash

(SDA) has long been known as a cement replacement

material for normal strength concrete or mortar. The

review of the literature on Sawdust ash starting from the

early days till now suggest that no detailed study,

particularly on high-strength concrete developed through

incorporating sawdust ash and durability aspects, need to

be considered for the future studies. It was perceived from

the extensive literature review that the application of high-

strength concrete is widely increased due to its superior

structural performance, environmental friendliness, and

energy conserving implication but the high-strength

concrete developed through sawdust ash is need to be

investigated for its durability performance may also be

investigated in the aggressive environment.

Acknowledgment

The authors gratefully acknowledged the support of

Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering and

Office for Research, Innovative, Commercialization and

Consultancy Management, UniversitiTun Hussein Onn

Malaysia for financial support.

References

[1] Ramos, T., Matos, A. M., & Sousa-Coutinho, J.

(2013). Mortar with wood waste ash: Mechanical

strength carbonation resistance and ASR expansion.

Construction and Building Materials, 49, 343–351.

[2] Chowdhury, S., Mishra, M., & Suganya, O. (2015).

The incorporation of wood waste ash as a partial

cement replacement material for making structural

grade concrete: An overview. Ain Shams Engineering

Journal, 6(2), 429–437.

[3]Cheah, C. B., & Ramli, M. (2013). The engineering

properties of high performance concrete with HCWA-

DSF supplementary binder. Construction and

Building Materials, 40, 93–103.

[4] Elinwa, A. U., & Mahmood, Y. A. (2002). Ash from

timber waste as cement replacement material. Cement

and Concrete Composites, 24(2), 219–222.

[5] Cheah, C. B., & Ramli, M. (2011b). The

implementation of wood waste ash as a partial cement

replacement material in the production of structural

grade concrete and mortar: An overview. Resources,

Conservation and Recycling, 55(7), 669–685.

[6] Cheah, C. B., & Ramli, M. (2011a). Properties of high

calcium wood ash and densified silica fume blended

cement. International Journal of the Physical

Sciences, 6(28), 6596–6606.

[7]Tonnayopas, D., & Ritawirun, C. (2005). Influence of

Fly Ash and Rubber Sawdust Ash on Mortar, PSU-

UNS International Conference on Engineering and

Environment (pp. 1–5).

[8] Raheem, A. A., Olasunkanmi, B. S., & Folorunso, C.

S. (2012). Saw Dust Ash as Partial Replacement for

Cement in Concrete. Organization, Technology and

Management in Construction: An International

Journal, 4(2), 474–480.

[9] Chowdhury, S., Maniar, A., & Suganya, O. M.

(2015). Strength development in concrete with wood

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[10] Elinwa, A.U. and Ejeh, S. P. (2004). Effects of the

Incorporation of Sawdust Waste Incineration Fly Ash

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Replacement for Cement In Concrete. International

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About authors

Sajjad Ali Mangi is an Assistant Professor at the

Department of Civil Engineering, Mehran University of

Engineering & Technology, SZAB Campus Khairpur

Mir's. Currently, he is doing his Ph.D. in the field of

Materials and Structural Engineering at UTHM Malaysia.

Mr. Mangi has bachelors in Civil Engineering from

QUEST, Nawabshah and Masters in Environmental

S.A MANGI et.al: UTILIZATION OF SAWDUST ASH AS REPLACEMENT OF CEMENT FOR THE CONCRETE PRODUCTION: A REVIEW

Copyright ©2017 ESTIRJ-VOL.1, NO.3 (11-15)

Engineering from NED University, Karachi, Pakistan. He

has been involved in local and international research

projects. He has also participated in national and

international conferences and has been awarded a lifetime

member of EWT Islamabad. His research interests lie in

the field of Materials and Structural Engineering.

Dr. Norawati Jamaluddin is the Senior Lecturer at the

Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering,

Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia. She did her Ph.D.

in the Structural Engineering from University of Leeds,

UK. Her expertise are in Composite Structures and

Concrete Technology.

Dr. Wan Ibrahim, M.H is an Associate Professor at the

Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering,

UniversitiTun Hussein Onn Malaysia. Currently, he is also

holding the additional charge of Deputy Dean (Academic

and International). Apart from the academics, he has been

associated in the construction industry and honored as a

Vice President by Concrete Society Malaysia. His

expertise are in the Concrete Technology and Masonry

Engineering.

Dr. Noridah Mohamad is an Associate Professor at the

Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering,

UniversitiTun Hussein Onn Malaysia. She did her Ph.D. in

the field of Civil Engineering from UTM Malaysia. Her

expertise are in Structural Engineering and Precast Wall

Panels.

Samiullah Sohu is an Assistant Professor at the

Department of Civil Engineering, Quaid-e-Awam

University College of Engineering, Science &

Technology, Larkano. Presently, he is doing his Ph.D. at

UTHM Malaysia. Mr. Sohu has bachelors in Civil

Engineering from QUEST, Nawabshah and a Masters in

Construction Management from MUET, Jamshoro. His

field of research is Construction Management.