Some aspects of physical and mechanical properties of sawdust concrete

Abstract

This paper presents experimental results on some physical and mechanical properties of concrete containing sawdust. Concrete specimens having various cement to sawdust ratios of 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 by volume were made and tested for workability, density, water absorption, strength and modulus of elasticity at different curing periods of 7, 14 and 28 days. It has been found that with the increase in the amount of sawdust, the workability and density of concrete decreased; the water absorption capacity of concrete, however, increased with the increase in volume. Although, the strength of sawdust concrete increased with curing period, the strength and the corresponding modulus of elasticity decreased with the increasing amount of sawdust in the mix. The results obtained and the observations made in the short-term investigation suggest that sawdust concrete can suitably be used as a building material in construction.