Abstract:
Biomass energy production is considered an environmentally friendly way of
providing energy because of its CO2 neutrality. Unfortunately, the disposal of
particulate residue from biomass combustion has thrown up a significant
environmental conservation problem. Furthermore, the increasing cost of landfill
disposal engendered by the stringent environmental guidelines being imposed by
regulatory agencies across the world makes it imperative that cheap and effective
alternative ways of utilizing this waste material be developed. Utilization of this
waste as a cement replacement material in concrete production provides many
advantages; the use of a zero-cost raw material, the elimination of waste and
especially, the reduction in cement usage in concrete will result in a decrease in
energy consumption and CO2 emission at cement production plants. Therefore,
this paper discussed biomass fly ash as a potential cement replacement material in
concrete, presenting an overview of the various ways by which it could be
beneficiated for utilization in concrete. Furthermore, some outstanding issues that
require further research in order to make successful use and application of this fly
ash as a cement replacement material feasible were also highlighted.
