Effects of the Partial Replacement of Cement with Cassava Peel Ash and Rice Husk Ash on Concrete

Abstract

Being the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases (GHG) globally, the cement industry has come under scrutiny by the international community lately. In a bid to remedy the situation, researchers worldwide are keen on finding alternative materials to partially or fully replace Portland cement in concrete production. Materials such as industrial waste, biological waste, agricultural and domestic waste have been used. In this study, a ternary blend of Ordinary Portland Cement, Cassava Peel Ash (CPA), and Rice Husk Ash (RHA) were introduced as the binder System in concrete production to reduce the use of Portland cement. The concrete mix was prepared to put CPA at 5% for all combinations while the RHA was varied from 0 to 25% of the total binder content. With a 0.65 water/binder ratio, an optimum strength was reached at 20% replacement of CPA (5%) and RHA (15%). The partial replacement of cement with CPA – RHA in concrete has also positively affected concrete's water absorption properties. From the use of these materials, GHG emissions are reduced, and the waste generated from the pile of cassava peel and rice husk is eliminated.