A REVIEW ON THE UTILIZATION OF BY-PRODUCTS OF BIOMASS ENERGY PRODUCTION AS CEMENT REPLACEMENT MATERIAL IN CONCRETE

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.