Assessing The Viability of Sawdust as A Sustainable Partial Sand Replacement in Concrete Mix Design

Abstract

As the demand for sustainable construction materials grows, this study investigates sawdust as a viable partial sand replacement in concrete mix designs, addressing significant environmental and economic concerns. This study fills a critical gap in sustainable material use for construction by assessing the mechanical and cost effects of sawdust incorporation. Six concrete mixes were prepared with varying ratios of natural sand and sawdust (0–25%) in a C-25 grade mix, maintaining a 0.49 water-cement ratio. Experimental findings indicate that a 10% sawdust substitution maintains a compressive strength comparable to that of standard concrete, achieving C-25 grade, while a 15% replacement optimizes workability. Additionally, the treated sawdust reduced water absorption by 31.8%, promoting enhanced internal curing and long-term durability. A cost comparison of river sand from Hiwane, Aby-Adi, and Wukro revealed a reduction of 750 ETB/m³ with sawdust inclusion, making it a financially advantageous alternative, especially in regions with limited or costly natural sand supplies. These results emphasize the potential of sawdust as an eco-friendly, cost-effective material, advancing circular economy practices, and supporting sustainable and resource-efficient construction.

Keywords: aggregate, compressive strength, concrete, raw sawdust, workability

DOI: 10.7176/CER/17-1-03

Publication date: January 31^st 2025