A study of partial replacement of cement with palm oil fuel ash in concrete production

Abstract

Burning of agricultural wastes as a means of disposal contributes to environmental degradation and can be reduced by utilizing the materials for other purposes such as construction materials. Thus, the aim of this research is to study the cementitious properties of Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA) as partial cement replacement material in concrete. POFA was prepared and chemical properties of the ash produced were analysis.  Then, concrete cubes were cast and tested at curing ages of  7,  21, and 28 days using 0, 10, 20 and 30 percent replacement levels. The slump test result showed that the workability of the concrete decreased as the POFA content increased. Results also showed that the compressive strength of POFA-concrete increased with curing age but decreased with increasing percentage of POFA compared to the compressive strength of the control. The density of the concrete produced was reducing as the percentage replacement was increasing thereby leading to the production of a lightweight concrete. For the control with 0% POFA, the compressive strength of 25.77N/mm² was obtained at 28 days and can be used for reinforced concrete with lightweight aggregate and reinforced concrete with normal aggregate. The optimum compressive strength of 23.77 N/mm² was obtained for10% replacement at 28 days of age with percentage strength to the control of 92.24%. While 20% and 30% replacement of cement with POFA yielded compressive strength of 20.67N/mm² and 15.36N/mm² respectively. The research showed that POFA has the potential of being used as a partial replacement of cement to produce lightweight, durable and cheap concrete. It also makes it possible to consume the waste produced as a result of palm oil production and thereby contributing to sustainability of our environment by reducing environmental pollution.