| Abstrakt: |
Reinforced concrete (RC) beams are a fundamental component of modern construction, providing structural support and stability to buildings and infrastructure. This article critically examines the impact of partially replacing cement with sawdust ash (SDA) on RC beams’ bending and shear performance. It explores its potential as a sustainable solution for the construction industry, offering valuable insights for researchers and construction professionals. Concrete cubes (150x150x150 mm) and reinforced structural-grade 25 N/mm² concrete beams (150x150x600 mm for the bending test and 150x150x450 mm for the shear test) specimens were used for this investigation. The concrete cube and RC beam specimens had SDA as a partial cement replacement within the range of 0%–10% by weight of cement at 2.5% intervals. 120 RC beam specimens were cast, followed by curing and testing at 28, 60, 90, and 180 days. Using the 4-point loading method, the bending and shear responses of the beams and associated parameters, like the formation and growth of cracks, were determined during the testing. The impact of SDA replacement on the characteristics of fresh and hardened concrete was also assessed using 105 cube specimens cast, cured, and tested at 7, 14, 21, 28, 60, 90, and 180 days. A concrete mix ratio of 1:1.3:2.4 and a constant water/binder ratio of 0.50 at optimum 5% SDA replacement produced (25 N/mm2 ) the required compressive strength. The results show that workability decreases as the SDA percentage increases. Generally, the values of concrete’s densities containing SDA in the mix were in the range of standard weight applications. At 28 days, samples up to 5% recorded a higher compressive, bending, and shear strength development rate than the control mix. The results show that cement partially replaced with up to 5% SDA can produce RC that meets the requirements for concrete for structural application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
