article · American Journal of Civil Engineering
Cassava peel ash and potato peel ash were evaluated as partial cement replacements in concrete mixes. Cassava peel ash was prepared by controlled calcination at 246 degrees Celsius for 180 minutes, and potato peel ash at 450 degrees Celsius for 275 minutes. Both ashes contained reactive oxides including silica, potassium oxide, and calcium oxide, though crystalline quartz predominated due to low calcination temperatures. Incorporating a 5% combined ash replacement improved workability, whereas higher dosages reduced slump substantially. At 28 days of curing, the 5% replacement mix achieved 78.4% of control compressive strength, satisfying ASTM C618 thresholds, but strength dropped sharply at 10% and fell below structural limits at higher concentrations. Economic evaluation identified potato peel ash as significantly cheaper than cassava peel ash, making it attractive for non-structural uses.
Utilising agricultural waste as partial cement substitutes can reduce the environmental footprint and material costs of construction. Identifying suitable calcination parameters and replacement thresholds allows the building sector to safely repurpose potato and cassava residues into concrete mixes without compromising regulatory compliance for targeted applications.
The work represents applied, laboratory-tested research relevant to concrete manufacturers and construction contractors seeking sustainable cement extenders. Practical use appears restricted to non-structural or low-load products, as replacement levels are technically limited to 5% to maintain acceptable strength. Commercial uptake would require sourcing and calcining agricultural wastes at scale, with potato peel ash presenting a clearer cost advantage over cassava peel ash.
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This study evaluates Cassava Peel Ash (CPA) and Potato Peel Ash (PPA) as eco-friendly supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in concrete. CPA was produced via controlled calcination at 246°C for 180 minutes, and PPA at 450°C for 275 minutes. Chemical analysis confirmed the presence of reactive oxides (SiO2, K2O, CaO), though predominantly crystalline silica due to relatively low calcination temperatures limits full pozzolanic reactivity. Granite aggregate met standard requirements for specific gravity (2.44), Aggregate Impact Value (24.41%), and Aggregate Crushing Value (8.54%). Sand exhibited excessive water absorption (12.83%) and silt content (4%), requiring corrective measures. XRD analysis confirmed dominant crystalline phases—notably quartz—in both ashes, with CPA showing greater pozzolanic promise due to lower graphite content. Slump tests showed that 5% combined CPPA replacement improved workability; higher dosages reduced slump significantly. At 28 days, 5% CPPA achieved 78.4% of control mix compressive strength, satisfying ASTM C618 thresholds. Strength declined at 10% (68%) and fell below structural limits at 15% and 20% replacement levels. Economic analysis showed CPA (₦1,500/kg) is costlier than PPA (₦800/kg), suggesting PPA as the more economical option for non-structural applications. Taguchi optimization identified an optimal mix of 92.5% cement, 12.5% CPA, and 12.5% PPA. These findings support limited use of agro-waste ashes as cement substitutes, particularly at 5% replacement, to promote sustainable and cost-effective construction.
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DOI: 10.11648/j.ajce.20261404.17
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