Ground Nut Husk Ash (GHA) as a Partial Replacement of Cement in Mortar

This paper examines some properties of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and Groundnut Husk Ash (GHA) mortar. The GHA was used as a partial replacement of OPC. The replacement levels of 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10% ash were used. The chemical analysis of the ash carried out ascertained its pozzolanic properties. The initial and final setting times of the paste were 95 minutes and 11 hours respectively. These are higher than 45 minutes and 10 hours respectively for plain OPC. The pozzolanic mortar gave compressive strength in the range of 3.45 N/mm2 for 0% ash to 2.69 N/mm2 for 10% ash at 28 days curing period surpassing the minimum strength of 2.5 N/mm2 Specified for sandcrete blocks [I]. The density and water absorption capacity of the mortar decreased as the percentage of ash increased. OPC/GHA mortar is recommended for production of sandcrete blocks in hot weather climate. Further research on the permeability and durability are also recommended.

Utilisation of nut shell wastes in Brick, Mortar and Concrete: A review

Currently, growing activities in the construction sector have resulted in a rapid depletion of natural resources for building material production. On the other hand, agricultural industries generate a huge amount of residues/by-products every year around the world creating environmental concerns since most of these residues are burnt or disposed to the landfill. However, several current studies have presented the potential application of agricultural wastes in building material production owing to good physical and mechanical properties. Moreover, utilisation of such waste materials can contribute to reducing environmental impacts by proving alternative waste management strategies worldwide. This paper reviews some of the nut shell wastes (Argan nut, Brazil nut, Cashew nut, Groundnut, Hazelnut, Pistachio, Shea nut and Walnut) for the production of three groups of materials i.e. brick, mortar and concrete. Different properties of brick, mortar and concrete when admixed with nut shell wastes are discussed and compared with related standards. The review of literature exhibited an obvious potential of the nut shell waste as a partial replacement of conventional materials since most of the developed materials comply with the standards. However, a lack of studies on durability and thermal properties is observed. Besides, existing studies are inadequate to ascertain the potentiality of these wastes for reuse in building materials production. Therefore, extensive research is required to enhance the existing knowledge in this domain to achieve sustainable objectives in the construction industry