Physical, Mechanical, and Durability Performance of Olive Pomace Ash in Eco-Friendly Mortars

Abstract

The cement industry is a major contributor to global CO2 emissions, driving the research for sustainable alternatives. Olive biomass ash (OBA), a byproduct from burning all types of biomass from the olive tree, has emerged as a potential supplementary cementitious material (SCM). This study investigates the effects of incorporating olive pomace ash (OPA) as a partial cement substitute (0% to 50% by weight) on mortar properties over extended curing periods. Workability, compressive and flexural strengths, water absorption, and freeze–thaw resistance were evaluated. Up to 20% OPA replacement improved workability while maintaining acceptable strength and durability. Beyond this level, mechanical properties and frost resistance decreased significantly. Correlation analyses revealed strong relationships between flow time and wet bulk density (R2 = 0.93), an exponential relationship between 28-day compressive strength and water absorption (R2 = 0.87), and linear correlations between pre- and post-freeze–thaw mechanical properties (R2 ≥ 0.99 for both compressive and flexural strengths). The results demonstrate that optimal OPA incorporation enhances mortar performance without compromising structural integrity and provides a viable strategy for valorizing agricultural waste.