A Review of Bending Behaviour and Allied Properties of Reinforced Concrete Beams Containing Agro-waste Pozzolanic Materials as Partial Cement Replacements

Abstract

Widespread usage of agro-based pozzolanic materials as partial cement replacement in structural concrete production will address sustainability issues. It will also address environmental concerns associated with using non-renewable resources to produce cement. However, its usage in reinforced concrete will only be possible with an understanding of agro-waste-ash-reinforced concrete analysis and design. This review examines extant literature on bending behaviour and other associated issues like crack propagation, development, and dimensions in concrete containing agro-based wastes as a partial cement replacement. While the results show an encouraging bending performance of concrete containing agro-based wastes as a partial replacement for cement (incorporating agro-based ash in reinforced concrete up to 10.0% by weight of cement resulted in improved beam bending strength and crack resistance), this optimum replacement ratio (10%) is crucial to maximising environmental benefits and mechanical performance, excessively high replacement levels, above the optimum, can negatively impact strength. There needs to be a record of the analysis and design of reinforced concrete beams produced with agro-waste ash as a partial replacement for cement. More information is needed on the provisions and recommendations in the various existing national standards for the reinforced concrete design of beams with agro-based pozzolans as a partial cement replacement. Thus, future research should analyse and design agro-waste-ash-reinforced concrete using existing design codes and technical guidance; doing this will help promote the use of agro-based waste in reinforced concrete production for its sustainability.