Memoria Investigaciones en Ingeniería, núm. 26 (2024). pp. 54-69
https://doi.org/10.36561/ING.26.4
ISSN 2301-1092 • ISSN (en línea) 2301-1106 – Universidad de Montevideo, Uruguay
Este es un artículo de acceso abierto distribuido bajo los términos de una licencia de uso y distribución CC BY 4.0. Para ver una
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Memoria Investigaciones en Ingeniería, núm. 26 (2024). pp. 54-69
https://doi.org/10.36561/ING.26.4
ISSN 2301-1092 • ISSN (en línea) 2301-1106 – Universidad de Montevideo, Uruguay
Este es un artículo de acceso abierto distribuido bajo los términos de una licencia de uso y distribución CC BY 4.0.
Para ver una copia de esta licencia visite https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Utilization of Sawdust Ash as an additive of cement in concrete and study of
its mechanical properties
Utilización de Ceniza de Aserrín como aditivo del cemento en hormigón y estudio
de sus propiedades mecánicas
Utilização da Cinza de Serragem como aditivo de cimento em concreto e estudo de
suas propriedades mecânicas
Ifrah Asif
1
(*), Muhammad Ubair Hussain
2
, Abdul Arham Khan
3
,
Muhammad Ashar
4
, Muhammad Usman
5
, Zain Shahid
6
Recibido: 24/08/2023 Aceptado: 08/03/2024
Summary. - The sustainability of the concrete industry is in jeopardy because it is one of the biggest consumers of
natural resources. Environmental and monetary issues are the main difficulties the concrete industry is currently dealing
with. In this study, the potential substitution of sawdust ash for cement in the production of concrete is explored. In
this project, the potential substitution of sawdust ash for cement in concrete production was explored, a typical
carpentry waste, and then we utilize several testing techniques to examine how it impacts the mechanical characteristics
of concrete. In an experiment, the compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths of concrete samples made with various
ratios of sawdust ash and cement were examined. The samples were made following ASTM C-109, ASTM C-496 and
ASTM C-78 for compression, tensile and flexural testing. In place of cement, saw dust ash was added to the M-15 (M
indicates ‘mix’ and 15 indicates compressive strength of 15MPA) sample in weight percentages of 5%, 10%, 15%,
20%, and 25%. The concrete samples were tested to ascertain their compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths after
14 days. Comparisons between the results and untreated concrete were done. In this study, the behavior of concrete
was investigated when sawdust ash was replaced for cement to weight-based extents of 0%, 5%, 10%, 20%, and 25%.
This could address the problem of how to dispose of sawdust ash while also enhancing the properties of concrete.
Keywords: Tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural strength of concrete, sawdust ash, concrete cubes,
sustainable construction.
(*) Corresponding Author
1
Lecturer, Department of Mechanical Engineering, NED University of Engineering and Technology (Pakistan), ifrahasif@neduet.edu.pk,
ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7551-2199
2
Senior Undergrad Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, NED University of Engineering and Technology (Pakistan),
ubairhussain130@gmail.com, ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4120-8559
3
Senior Undergrad Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, NED University of Engineering and Technology (Pakistan),
khanarham123@gmail.com, ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-8487-4235
4
Senior Undergrad Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, NED University of Engineering and Technology (Pakistan),
asharmuhammad196@gmail.com, ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4686-0412
5
Senior Undergrad Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, NED University of Engineering and Technology (Pakistan),
usmanahmed5987@gmail.com, ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2267-6385
6
Lecturer, Department of Mechanical Engineering, NED University of Engineering and Technology (Pakistan), zainshahid@neduet.edu.pk,
ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-4447-0143
I. Asif, M. Ubair Hussain, A. Arham Khan, M. Ashar, M. Usman, Z. Shahid
Memoria Investigaciones en Ingeniería, núm. 26 (2024). pp. 54-69
https://doi.org/10.36561/ING.26.4
ISSN 2301-1092 • ISSN (en línea) 2301-1106 – Universidad de Montevideo, Uruguay 55
Resumen. - La sostenibilidad de la industria del hormigón está en peligro porque es uno de los mayores
consumidores de recursos naturales. Las cuestiones medioambientales y monetarias son las principales dificultades a
las que se enfrenta actualmente la industria del hormigón. En este estudio se explora la potencial sustitución de cenizas
de aserrín por cemento en la producción de hormigón. En este proyecto, se exploró la posible sustitución de cenizas
de aserrín por cemento en la producción de concreto, un desperdicio típico de carpintería, y luego utilizamos varias
técnicas de prueba para examinar cómo afecta las características mecánicas del concreto. En un experimento, se
examinaron las resistencias a la compresión, la tracción y la flexión de muestras de hormigón elaboradas con diversas
proporciones de ceniza de aserrín y cemento. Las muestras se fabricaron siguiendo las normas ASTM C-109, ASTM
C-496 y ASTM C-78 para ensayos de compresión, tracción y flexión. En lugar de cemento, se añadió ceniza de aserrín
a la muestra M-15 (M indica "mezcla" y 15 indica resistencia a la compresión de 15 MPA) en porcentajes en peso de
5%, 10%, 15%, 20% y 25%. Las muestras de concreto fueron ensayadas para determinar sus resistencias a
compresión, tracción y flexión después de 14 días. Se realizaron comparaciones entre los resultados y el hormigón sin
tratar. En este estudio, se investigó el comportamiento del concreto cuando se reemplazó la ceniza de aserrín por
cemento en proporciones basadas en peso de 0%, 5%, 10%, 20% y 25%. Esto podría abordar el problema de cómo
eliminar las cenizas de aserrín y al mismo tiempo mejorar las propiedades del hormigón.
Palabras clave: Resistencia a la tracción, resistencia a la compresión, resistencia a la flexión del hormigón, cenizas
de aserrín, cubos de hormigón, construcción sostenible.
Resumo. - A sustentabilidade da indústria do betão está em perigo porque é um dos maiores consumidores de recursos
naturais. As questões ambientais e monetárias são as principais dificuldades com que a indústria do betão enfrenta
actualmente. Neste estudo, é explorada a potencial substituição da cinza de serragem por cimento na produção de
concreto. Neste projeto, foi explorada a potencial substituição da cinza de serragem por cimento na produção de
concreto, um típico resíduo de carpintaria, e em seguida utilizamos diversas técnicas de testes para examinar como
isso impacta às características mecânicas do concreto. Em um experimento, foram examinadas as resistências à
compressão, tração e flexão de amostras de concreto feitas com diversas proporções de cinza de serragem e cimento.
As amostras foram confeccionadas seguindo ASTM C-109, ASTM C-496 e ASTM C-78 para ensaios de compressão,
tração e flexão. No lugar do cimento, cinza de serragem foi adicionada à amostra M-15 (M indica 'mistura' e 15 indica
resistência à compressão de 15MPA) em porcentagens em peso de 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% e 25%. As amostras de
concreto foram testadas para verificar suas resistências à compressão, tração e flexão após 14 dias. Foram feitas
comparações entre os resultados e o concreto não tratado. Neste estudo, o comportamento do concreto foi investigado
quando a cinza de serragem foi substituída por cimento em extensões de peso de 0%, 5%, 10%, 20% e 25%. Isto
poderia resolver o problema de como descartar as cinzas de serragem e, ao mesmo tempo, melhorar as propriedades
do concreto.
Palavras-chave: Resistência à tração, resistência à compressão, resistência à flexão do concreto, cinza de serragem,
cubos de concreto, construção sustentável.
I. Asif, M. Ubair Hussain, A. Arham Khan, M. Ashar, M. Usman, Z. Shahid
Memoria Investigaciones en Ingeniería, núm. 26 (2024). pp. 54-69
https://doi.org/10.36561/ING.26.4
ISSN 2301-1092 • ISSN (en línea) 2301-1106 – Universidad de Montevideo, Uruguay 56
1. Introduction. - Concrete, the most common building material globally, is composed of cement, water, and
aggregate. Its production requires significant energy and carbon, generating 5-10% of annual anthropogenic
emissions. Efforts to reduce cement emissions and make it greener have been ongoing due to the environmental impacts
of global warming.[1]. Since sawdust is a byproduct of the timber industry and is frequently seen as waste, using
sawdust composite in buildings is relevant since it can function as a sustainable resource. However, it offers a
sustainable substitute for conventional building materials like steel or concrete by incorporating sawdust into
composite materials. It is also feasible to modify the construction process' carbon footprint by using sawdust[2].While
scientists, researchers, people, and governments are sincerely trying to find solutions for these top global concerns,
they pose a serious threat to our ecosystem on a worldwide scale [3].
One of the main causes of climate change is human activity, which has detrimental effects on the environment such as
increasing sea levels, heat waves, global temperatures, and the melting of permafrost. The most widely used building
material, concrete, is overused worldwide and accounts for 7% of emissions of carbon dioxide from human activity.
The issue is exacerbated by the growing population and demand for concrete, which in turn affects cement output.
Building expenses have gone up as a result of this, especially in developing countries. [4].Cement production, a major
contributor to global emissions, also depletes limestone reserves. In the past, river sand was the most often used
option for the fine aggregate component of concrete, but overuse of the material has raised environmental hazards,
lowered the availability of trustworthy river sand sources, and increased the material's cost [5].
One of the most often utilized building materials is concrete. Cement, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, and water are
the components of concrete. One of the greatest adhesives for concrete is cement, which is harmful to the environment.
During the production of Portland cement, more carbon dioxide and other potentially hazardous greenhouse gases are
emitted into the atmosphere. [4] Manufacturing releases carbon dioxide, which adds to global warming and other
environmental problems like dust pollution and ozone layer thinning [6]. Almost 3 billion tons of Portland cement are
consumed each year, and for every 600 kg of cement manufactured, 400 kg of carbon dioxide gas is created.
On the other hand, as a result of present expansion and housing demands, consumption of the individual components
of concrete has gradually improved. The cement business works around the clock to supply the demand from
consumers. Moreover, quarrying for natural aggregates is problematic. Natural aggregates' natural sources are quickly
vanishing, according to a recent analysis of their use. Alternative means of maintaining natural aggregates should be
investigated to avoid damage to the environment from aggregate quarrying and the effects on the cement industry [7].
The effective plan to reduce environmental impact while also lowering energy, cost, and waste emission is to use extra
cementitious materials as a partial replacement for cement mortar and concrete [5]. Many trials on extra binders or
cement replacement are ongoing to address the aforementioned. As a result, municipal, industrial, commercial, and
agricultural wastes with significant cementitious properties were utilized as potential non-conventional building
materials [8].
Communities should consider using locally available materials for building houses, as demand for cement and natural
sand increases. Waste materials, like fly ash, slag, limestone powder, siliceous minerals, and saw dust ash, can reduce
production costs, increase concrete strength, and reduce environmental impact[4]. Researchers from all over the world
have used a range of various materials to partially or completely replace the components of concrete. Nonetheless, the
contradictory results show that more research is still needed to enhance the general public's understanding of the use
of such items. This study suggests switching some of the cement with sawdust ash. Several sawdust ash volumes are
used. To assess the impact of using sawdust ash as a partial replacement for cement, the compressive and tensile
strengths of concrete specimens are assessed [7].
Sawdust is produced as a byproduct or waste during several stages of the production of timber, including as sawing,
planning, routing, drilling, sanding, and joinery. Small, irregular wood chips or merely microscopic wood particles
make up this waste stream. Sawdust is frequently spilled, fired, or landfilled in an open area [9]. Sawdust burning
increases greenhouse gas emissions and adds to the burden in landfills [10]. Sawdust, an organic waste, is a result of
the mechanical shaping and size of wood (timber). The dust is often burned for home heating. The final result is a kind
of pozzolana called saw-dust ash (SDA). Concrete made from dry sawdust is 30% lighter than regular concrete and
features insulate similar qualities to those of wood. When the ratios of cement to sawdust are right, it is not combustible.
The use of sawdust concrete as a key building material provide a purpose [11].
Sawdust, which is made up of tiny pieces of wood, is a result of using a saw or other tool to cut, compress, or otherwise
process another material. Moreover, it is a side effect of some animals that reside in wooded area. The daily process
of chopping wood results in additional wood waste being produced. The sawdust exhibits both pozzolanic and
cementitious abilities [12]. It is possible to replace conventional cement with sawdust ash, which is created when
sawdust burns at a high temperature and contains a considerable portion of silicate and aluminate. A few studies have
I. Asif, M. Ubair Hussain, A. Arham Khan, M. Ashar, M. Usman, Z. Shahid
Memoria Investigaciones en Ingeniería, núm. 26 (2024). pp. 54-69
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ISSN 2301-1092 • ISSN (en línea) 2301-1106 – Universidad de Montevideo, Uruguay 57
looked into the use of sawdust ash (SDA) as a partial substitute for cement in concrete mixtures [9], [13], [14].
This study indicates changing some of the cement with sawdust ash. Several sawdust ash doses are applied. In a bid to
assess the impact of using sawdust ash as a partial replacement for cement, the compressive and tensile strengths of
concrete specimens are assessed [7]. Inappropriate handling of wood ash could result in adverse effects on the
environment and human health. Since cement is the most expensive component of concrete, using it instead of SDA
might save a lot of money on construction. [12]. The sawdust for this investigation was gathered from sawmills. To
prevent sand and sawdust from mixing, the Sample was carefully assembled. The acquired sample was open burned
in a metal container until it was burnt to ash. After cooling, the sawdust ash (SDA) was ground in a mortar and pestle.
To determine the yield and conduct tests to measure the compressive, tensile, and flexural strength of saw dust ash-
containing concrete [15].
In this study, cement was replaced with sawdust ash in weight-based proportions of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%.
The compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths of concrete specimens were examined. Implementing eco-friendly
practices and technologies can reduce the carbon footprint of cement production, which contributes to 5-10% of annual
emissions, promoting sustainable development, and responsible resource management.
2. Methodology. –
2.1 Cement and Aggregates. - The entire project was built with regular Portland cement. Clean river sand that had
been put through a no.4 sieve and was kept on a no. 200 screen was used to make the fine aggregates used throughout
the project. The stone that had been physically crushed and stored on no. 4 sieves was used to make the coarse
aggregates.
2.2 Saw Dust Ash. - Sawdust Ash is a by-product created when the wood is sawed, ground, drilled, sanded, or
otherwise processed into powder. Little pieces of wood are present inside. For this project, sawdust from a local
workshop had to be collected. To minimize sand contamination, samples were painstakingly taken by tightly stuffing
fresh sawdust ash samples into bags. To speed up the burning process, the obtained sawdust was exposed to the sun
for ten days. The gathered sawdust samples were burned to ashes in a drum. After cooling, the ash was pulverized and
is being used in research. Table 1 lists the chemical makeup of sawdust, and Table 2 lists its physical traits.
Chemical Property
SDA% by weight
Ph
11.12
SiO2
50.20
AL2O3
1.02
Fe2O3
14.23
CaO
5.45
MgO
0.09
MnO
5.60
Na2O
0.07
K2O
9.57
P2O5
0.56
SO3
0.58
Table I. Chemical Composition of Sawdust ash [11]
Property
Values
Specific Gravity
2.19
Loose bulk Density (kg/m³)
1040
Loss in Ignition (%)
4.30
Yield (%)
3.00
Moisture Content (%)
0.30
Table II. Physical Properties of Saw dust ash [12]
2.3 Mixture Design and Sample Preparation. - The six concrete combinations that will be the subject of this study
will each have a specific composition that is detailed in Table 2. Sawdust ash (SDA) will substitute for Portland cement
(PC) at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% SDA. One of the mixtures is referred to as (0SDA), which denotes the
I. Asif, M. Ubair Hussain, A. Arham Khan, M. Ashar, M. Usman, Z. Shahid
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ISSN 2301-1092 • ISSN (en línea) 2301-1106 – Universidad de Montevideo, Uruguay 58
absence of SDA. The mixture ID indicates the percentage of PC that have been replaced with SDA. As an example,
the term 20SDA refers to a concrete mixture in which 20% of the Portland cement is replaced by SDA. In each of the
combinations water was used for mixing and curing the concrete.
The dry ingredients were mixed for 4 minutes for each formulation before the water was added gradually while the
mixture was still going on. After all the water was added, the mixture was again mixed. When the fresh properties of
the mixtures were tested, the fresh mixture was poured into the pre-oiled mold for various tests to be performed. After
around 24 hours, the samples were demolded, and they were then cured in water for 14 days. The whole data is
displayed in Table 3.
The concrete grade that was used was M-15, which used cement, fine aggregates, and coarse aggregates in ratios of
1:2:4 (1 part of cement, 2 parts of sand, and 4 parts of coarse aggregate) under ASTM C-109 and had a water to cement
ratio of 0.65.
Concrete Mix Design
Saturated Surface Dry Aggregates
%
Cement
Fine
Aggregates
Course
Aggregates
Water
Pure
Cement
Saw Dust
Ash
kg
kg
kg
kg
ml
0%
1.375
0
2.75
5.5
893.75
5%
1.30625
0.06875
2.75
5.5
893.75
10%
1.2375
0.1375
2.75
5.5
893.75
15%
1.16875
0.20625
2.75
5.5
893.75
20%
1.1
0.275
2.75
5.5
893.75
25%
1.03125
0.34375
2.75
5.5
893.75
Table III. Concrete Mix Design
2.4 Casting of Specimens. - Different types of specimens are casted for this experimental research study.
2.4.1 Concrete Specimens for Compressive Testing. - 18 concrete specimens in the shape of 6”x 6” cubes were
prepared for compressive strength testing. The specimens included varying levels of sawdust ash replacement for
cement, specifically at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%. The concrete specimens prepared for Compressive testing
has volume of 216, 205.2 at 0 %, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%
respectively when using these percentages of cement.
I. Asif, M. Ubair Hussain, A. Arham Khan, M. Ashar, M. Usman, Z. Shahid
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Concrete Specimens (Cube)
Mixture Type
Compressive Strength
Testing Specimen
No. of Specimen
for 14 Days of Curing
0%
3
5%
3
10%
3
15%
3
20%
3
25%
3
Table IV. Number of concrete specimens for compressive testing
Figure I. Representation of concrete for compressive testing
2.4.2 Concrete Specimens for Tensile Testing. -18 concrete specimens in the shape of 6”x 6” cylinders were prepared
for tensile strength testing. The specimens included varying levels of sawdust ash replacement for cement, specifically
at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%. The concrete specimens prepared for tensile strength testing has volume of
200.74, 190.703 at 0 %, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and
25% respectively when using mentioned percentages of cement.