Optimizing Concrete Durability in Aggressive Environments Using Silica-Rich Tropical Hardwood Ash as a Supplementary Cementitious Material (SCM)

Abstract

The advancements in concrete technology have focused on finding alternative binders to reduce the environmental impact and economic costs of Portland cement (PC) production. These efforts aim to lower the CO₂ emissions, conserve the finite natural resources, and cut the overall construction costs. However, most existing research mainly emphasizes the compressive strength, often overlooking durability—a critical property for concrete exposed to aggressive conditions. In response, the present study assesses the performance of silica-rich tropical hardwood ash as a Supplementary Cementitious Material (SCM), with a focus on improving durability. A total of 252 concrete cubes (100 mm × 100 mm × 100 mm) were prepared using a nominal mix ratio of 1:2:4 and a water–cement ratio of 0.55, with cement replaced at levels of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% by weight. Of these, 180 specimens were tested for compressive strength, while 72 were examined for abrasion resistance and water absorption at 28 and 56 days under both standard curing and sulfate-rich conditions. The results showed only a slight reduction in compressive strength at 20% replacement—0.84% under normal curing at 28 days and 1.63% for unblended mixes exposed to sulfate solution—while significant improvements were noted in abrasion resistance and water sorptivity at 56 days. Additionally, the tropical hardwood ash met the pozzolanic criteria specified in [14], demonstrating its potential as a sustainable binder suitable for durability-focused concrete applications.

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