Mechanical, thermal and durable performance of wastes sawdust as coarse aggregate replacement in conventional concrete

Abstract

Wood yields a number of by-products and Sawdust is as useful as others. Sawdust is regarded as a waste material and is effectively utilised as sawdust concrete in the construction of buildings. It is capable to be utilised as light-weight concrete and holds the quality of long duration heat transfer. In this study, three different ratios (1:1, 1:2 and 1:3) volume mix proportions of cement to sawdust were adopted to make sawdust concrete. At varied intervals of 7, 28 and 56 days of air curing, thermal and mechanical properties like workability, density, elastic modulus, strength and heat transfer were probed of mentioned sawdust concrete proportions. The resistance to elevated temperatures was also evaluated after 28 days of age; weight loss, residual compressive strength, surface texture and ultrasonic pulse velocity were considered in evaluation process. The findings showed that increase in sawdust volume affected to decrease the workability, strength and elevated temperatures resistance. However, the concrete having higher proportion of sawdust performed competently and well in terms of thermal conductivity. Moreover, a decrease in the heat transfer of sawdust was also observed. Examining the all-embracing mechanical and physical properties, sawdust can be effectively utilised in the construction of buildings.