Wood ash as an eco-friendly alternative for sustainable cement replacement in concrete

Abstract

Wood burning is a common practice in various domestic and industrial activities in our region, including baker's furnaces, hamams, fireplaces, and small-scale industries, leading to the generation of large quantities of wood ash as a byproduct. Improper disposal of this ash poses environmental risks such as soil and water contamination, increased soil alkalinity, air pollution, and health hazards. Given its mineral-rich composition including calcium, potassium, and magnesium and silica, wood ash has potential as a supplementary cementitious material, offering a sustainable solution for waste utilization and resource conservation. This study investigates the feasibility of using locally sourced wood ash, obtained from a traditional baker (Nanawai), as a partial cement replacement in concrete. Concrete mixes were prepared with varying percentages of wood ash, and their fresh and hardened properties were evaluated through standard tests for workability, compressive strength, and durability performance. The results indicate that incorporating wood ash up to an optimal replacement level improves certain mechanical properties without significantly compromising workability, while also contributing to waste reduction. The findings support the potential of wood ash as a sustainable material in concrete production and highlight the need for further research on long-term performance and environmental impact quantification through lifecycle assessment.