Mechanical and thermal properties of sawdust concrete

Abstract

Industrialization in developing countries has resulted in an increase in agricultural output and consequent accumulation of unmanageable agro wastes. Pollution arising from such wastes is a matter of concern for many developing nations. The aim of this study is to investigate the behavior of lightweight concrete and the utilization of sawdust as waste material in concrete. This paper focuses on the manufacturing of concrete which possess long duration heat transfer by using sawdust waste. In this research, cement to sawdust ratio of 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 by volume was prepared for sawdust concrete, and the ratio of sand was kept constant that is 1. At these ratios, the mechanical and thermal properties like density, workability, strength and heat transfer were measured after, 7, 28 and 56 days of air curing. The tests results show that with the increase in the amount of sawdust, the workability, compressive strength, tensile strength and flexural strength decreased. It also resulted in reduction of heat transfer of sawdust concrete. Taking into account the overall physical and mechanical properties, sawdust concrete can be used in construction technology.