Empirical relations between material characteristics and performance of sawdust ash-admixed conplast concrete
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Concrete production’s environmental impact has driven the use of supplementary cementitious materials like sawdust ash (SDA) and admixtures such as Conplast to enhance sustainability and performance. This study develops empirical relations for SDA-admixed Conplast concrete, investigating material characteristics, fresh and hardened properties, and their interactions at SDA replacement levels of 0–40%. Materials were characterized, including cement (CaO: 63.7%, SiO₂: 19.9%), SDA (SiO₂: 63.4%, specific gravity: 2.29), and Conplast (specific gravity: 1.18). Fresh properties (consistency, setting times, slump) and hardened properties (water absorption, density, compressive strength) were tested per ASTM standards. Statistical analysis included Pearson correlations, linear/quadratic regressions, and ANOVA. Two-way ANOVA assessed SDA and age effects with Tukey post-hoc for significant factors. Results showed SDA reduced slump (linear: y = −0.7x + 129, R² = 0.98) and setting times but optimized strength at 10% SDA (24.7 N/mm²). Inter-property relations revealed moderate correlations (e.g., slump vs. density, r = −0.57) and strong quadratic fits (e.g., initial setting vs. density, R² = 0.93). Oxide analysis highlighted SiO₂’s role (quadratic R² = 0.97, p = 0.03). Hardened relations confirmed porosity-density links (R² = 0.91). SDA-Conplast synergy improves durability at 10–20% replacement, reducing emissions while maintaining performance. Findings guide sustainable mix design, with recommendations for 10% SDA for balanced properties. These regressions are exploratory and indicate correlation rather than causation or predictive capability due to the limited number of replacement levels (five data points). Developed empirical models linking fresh and hardened properties of SDA-Conplast concrete. Identified 10% SDA replacement as optimal for strength and durability. Demonstrated strong quadratic correlations between setting times and density (R² = 0.93). Confirmed pozzolanic synergy between SDA and Conplast improves sustainability and performance. Provided oxide-based microstructural insights correlating Ca/Si ratios with compressive strength.
Source: Discover Civil Engineering
Author: Augustine Uchechukwu Elinwa
Institution: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University
Language: English
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7160034802