Evaluation of Water Hyacinth Ash as a Supplementary Cementitious Material in concrete mixes – A Comprehensive Characterization based on Physical, chemical and microstructural properties

Abstract

The giant advancements in the construction sector has led to the enormous consumption of cement in civil works. Manufacturing of cement creates higher carbondioxide emissions and increases global warming.    This demands the research on Supplementary Cementitious Materials and sets the stage for sustainable development, which is the need of the hour in today’s scenario. The ashes of Water Hyacinth plants is one such material. Water Hyacinth plants are found in abundance in freshwater bodies, creating environmental hazards. The study aims at harnessing the locally available Water Hyacinth plants and turning it into ashes for use as an SCM. This supports the SDG goal 11, sustainable cities and communities and also protects the life below water, SDG goal 14. Locally available Water Hyacinth plants were collected and processed into ashes and tested for its physical, chemical and microstructural properties. The outcomes of the physical properties and the chemical composition were compared with FESEM and EDS results of WHA to justify its usage as a replacement for cement. The results obtained were favourable for the employment of WHA as a SCM in concrete construction works.