An overview of the use and process for enhancing the pozzolanic performance of industrial and agricultural wastes in concrete

• Published in: Discover applied sciences Vol. 7; no. 3; pp. 164 - 18
• Main Authors: Olaiya, Bamidele Charles, Lawan, Mustapha Muhammad, Olonade, Kolawole Adisa, Segun, Ojo Olaniyi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 21.02.2025; Springer Nature B.V; Springer
• Subjects: Aggregates; Agricultural pollution; Agricultural waste; Agricultural wastes; Agriculture; Alkali-silica reactions; And pre-treatment; Applied and Technical Physics; Banana leaf ash; Blast furnace slags; By products; Cement hydration; Chemical treatment; Chemistry/Food Science; Circular economy; Coal; Coffee; Concrete; Concrete construction; Concrete mixes; Construction costs; Construction industry; Durability; Earth Sciences; Emissions; Engineering; Environment; Environmental impact; Fly ash; Green buildings; Greenhouse gases; Industrial waste; Industrial wastes; Landfill; Landfills; Materials Science; Mechanical properties; Performance enhancement; Pozzolanic reactivity; Quality control; Review; Rice; Sawdust; Silica; Silica fume; Slag; Sustainability; Vegetable oils; Waste disposal sites; Waste materials; Workability; Industrial waste; Agricultural waste; And pre-treatment; Sustainability; Pozzolanic reactivity
• ISSN: 3004-9261; 2523-3963; 3004-9261; 2523-3971
• DOI: 10.1007/s42452-025-06586-1

The potential for improving sustainability in the building sector has led to a great deal of interest in using industrial and agricultural wastes in concrete in recent years. This study gives an overview of the use of industrial and agricultural wastes as supplemental cementitious materials in the manufacturing of concrete, emphasizing ways to improve the performance of these materials. The potential of various industrial and agricultural wastes, such as silica fume, fly ash, rice husk ash, and blast furnace slag, to enhance the workability, durability, and strength of concrete is being investigated. Pre-treatment techniques including chemical and physical treatments are talked about as ways to improve these waste materials' reactivity and efficacy in concrete mixes. Additionally, gaps in knowledge related to optimal utilization, long-term performance, alkali-silica reaction mitigation, quality control, environmental impact, and economic viability are identified, highlighting the need for further research in these areas. Overall, the use of industrial and agricultural wastes in concrete offers encouraging prospects for sustainable building methods, and research is still being done to overcome major obstacles and expand understanding in this area. Article Highlights Industrial and agricultural wastes such as fly ash, sawdust ash, rice husk ash, and banana leaf ash show significant potential as supplementary cementitious materials, offering a sustainable alternative to reduce cement usage and environmental impact. Methods like grinding, thermal activation, and chemical treatment effectively enhance the reactivity of these materials, improving the strength, durability, and overall performance of concrete. Utilizing these wastes mitigates landfill pressure, lowers CO₂ emissions, and reduces construction costs, promoting sustainability and affordability in the construction industry. Variability in waste properties and high processing costs are challenges, but innovation in treatment methods and the adoption of a circular economy approach present significant opportunities for broader implementation globally.