SUSTAINABLE MODIFICATION OF ASPHALTIC CONCRETE USING SAW DUST ASH AND SORGHUM HUSK ASH AS FILLER MATERIALS
Abstract
The rising demand for sustainable infrastructure has necessitated the exploration of alternative materials in construction. In asphaltic concrete production, the use of conventional mineral fillers significantly contributes to cost and environmental degradation. This study aimed to investigate the potential of Saw Dust Ash (SDA) and Sorghum Husk Ash (SHA), as partial replacements for conventional fillers in asphaltic concrete, thereby promoting waste recycling and reducing environmental impact. The study involved the laboratory preparation of asphaltic concrete samples with 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% replacement levels of conventional filler using varying SDA-SHA mix proportions (ranging from 0% to 100%). Material properties of the aggregates and bitumen were tested to ensure compliance with standard specifications. Marshall Stability, Flow, and Marshall Quotient tests were conducted on the asphalt samples to evaluate strength, workability, and stiffness characteristics. Results revealed that the optimal performance was achieved at 30% filler replacement with a 50:50 SDA-SHA mix (Sample 30F), where the highest stability of 19.8 kN, flow value of 3.3 mm, and Marshall Quotient of 6.0 kN/mm were recorded. The stability values increased with higher SDA content up to a point, after which a decline was observed. Flow values generally decreased with increasing SDA, indicating higher stiffness. These results align with findings from previous studies, confirming that moderate incorporation of agricultural ashes can enhance the mechanical performance of asphaltic concrete. In conclusion, the use of SDA and SHA as partial filler replacements in asphaltic concrete is both viable and beneficial. It is recommended that a 30% combined ash replacement (50% SDA + 50% SHA) be adopted for optimal strength and durability. Further field studies are encouraged to assess long-term performance and durability under real traffic and environmental conditions.
Keywords: Saw dust Ash (SDA), Sorghum Husk Ash (SHA), Marshall Stability and Flow, Marshall Quotient, Alternative Fillers.
Full Text:
PDFReferences
Abbas, J., Mamirkulova, G., Al-Sulaiti, I., Al-Sulaiti, K. I., & Dar, I. B. (2025). Mega-infrastructure development, tourism sustainability and quality of life assessment at world heritage sites: catering to COVID-19 challenges. Kybernetes, 54(4), 1993-2018.
Adesoji Adediran, A., Abiodun Balogun, O., Adewale Akinwande, A., Seun Adesina, O., & Samson Bello, O. (2021). Influence of waste glass and particulate coconut shells as reinforcement materials in the production of masonry bricks. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 33(10), 04021276.
Ajayi, M. A., Akinleye, M. T., Salami, M. O., Raheem, G. A., Oyelowo, M. O., &Fasasi-Aleshinloye, A. O. (2025). Valorising Corn Cob Ash And Bamboo Leaf Ash As Fillers In Asphaltic Concrete. Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journal of Civil Engineering (NAUJCVE), 3(2), 58-69.
Akinleye, M. T., & Jimoh, Y. A. 2020. Influence of Curing Temperature and Time on Marshall Properties of Warm Mix Asphalt Modified with Dissolved Plastic Bottle. Epistemics in Science, Engineering and Technology, Vol. 10, No.1, 657-663
Akinleye, M. T., Jimoh, Y. A. and Laoye, A. A. (2020). A performance characteristic models of properties of dissolved plastic bottle modified bitumen for hot mix asphalt production. Global J Eng Technol Adv, 3(2), 19-27.
Akinleye, M. T., Salami, L. O., Joseph, O. P., Rahmon, R. O., Tolu-Ilori, I., & Ogungbola, O. I. (2023). Evaluating the Performance Properties of Asphalt Produced from Bitumen Modified with Thermoplastic Polymer. Arid Zone Journal Of Engineering, Technology And Environment, 19(4), 871-884.
Akinleye, M., Al Kaaf, K., Oyebisi, S., Tijani, M., Salami, M., &Adeleke, J. (2025a). Valorizing waste materials as biomass fillers in the production of asphalt mixtures. World Journal of Engineering. DOI 10.1108/WJE-12-2024-0672]
Akinleye, M., Oyebisi, S., Sathvik, S., Salami, L., Joseph, O., &Alomaja, J. (2025b). Exploring the suitability of Bambusa vulgaris leaf ash as a biomass filler in asphalt mixtures. International Journal of Pavement Research and Technology, 1-18.
Alam, G., Ibrahim, H., & Faheem, A. (2025). Long-Term Aging of Crumb Rubber–Modified Bitumen: Contrasting the Effectiveness of Standard and Field-Based Extended Aging Procedures through Chemical and Rheological Characterization. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 37(7), 04025210.
Asebiomo, J. O., Aderinola, O. S., Ejigboye, P. O., Olusegun, V., Aderemi, P., &Titiloye, O. (2024). Evaluation of Corn Cob Ash as Mineral Filler in Asphalt Mixture. International Journal of Pavement Research and Technology, 1-12.
Capêto, A. P., Jesus, M., Uribe, B. E., Guimarães, A. S., & Oliveira, A. L. (2024). Building a greener future: Advancing concrete production sustainability and the thermal properties of 3D-printed mortars. Buildings, 14(5), 1323.
Dhami, K. S., Srivastava, A., & Singh, A. (2023, October). Review of Physical Properties of Binders, Mortar as Well as Fresh and Hardened Concrete Partially Replaced with Agriculture Waste. In International Conference on Environmental Geotechnology, Recycled Waste Materials and Sustainable Engineering (pp. 269-280). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore.
Erinjogunola, F. L., Sikhakhane-Nwokediegwu, Z., Ajirotutu, R. O., & Olayiwola, R. K. (2025). Navigating Multi-National Construction Projects: Overcoming Challenges. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation. 2025b, 6(2), 52-67.
Joshi, A., & Aldrich, D. P. (2025). Corralling a chimera: a critical review of the term social infrastructure. Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure, 1-11.
Kayode-Ojo, N., &Edeoghon, E. E. (2021). Suitability of Laterite Soil Reinforced with Periwinkle Shell and Palm Kernel Shell as Sub Base Materials in Road Construction in Edo State. In Book of Proceedings (p. 137).
Kim, K.-N., & Le, T. H. M. (2023). Durability of polymer-modified asphalt mixture with waste tire powder and epoxy resin under tropical climate curing conditions. Polymers, 15(11), 2504. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15112504
Nawaz, A., Sajid, M., Ahmed, W., Asif, A. R., &Ishaq, M. (2025). Impact of petrographic and physico-mechanical properties on aggregate suitability of the early Devonian Nowshera formation: a case study from the Peshawar Basin, Pakistan. Carbonates and Evaporites, 40(2), 1-24.
Nguyen, H. T., Nguyen, H. H., Nguyen, T. T. H., & Vu, Q. H. (2025). Experimental Study on Fly Ash-Cemented Soil for River Levee Overtopping Protection. Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, 43(2), 109.
Onsongo, S. K., Olukuru, J., Munyao, O. M., &Mwabonje, O. (2025). The role of agricultural ashes (rice husk ash, coffee husk ash, sugarcane bagasse ash, palm oil fuel ash) in cement production for sustainable development in Africa. Discover Sustainability, 6(1), 1-25.
Shi, Q., Zhou, M., Zhang, S., Liu, Y., Han, Y., & Wang, Q. (2025). Preparation and performance study of coal gangue aggregate permeable concrete bricks (CGAPCBs). Road Materials and Pavement Design, 1-20.
Singh, R., & Patel, M. (2025). Mechanical, durability, and microstructural characteristics of rice-straw-ash-based clay bricks: a sustainable approach to utilize biomass-based power plant waste. Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management, 27(1), 170-192.
Skaf, M., Espinosa, A. B., Ortega-López, V., Revilla-Cuesta, V., & Manso, J. M. (2025). Field study evolution on a porous asphalt mixture pavement containing ladle furnace slag. Case Studies in Construction Materials, 22, e04115.
Xu, W., Zhu, J., Xi, W., & Cui, J. (2025). Creating age-friendly environments in a smart society in China: A policy review. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 37(2), 216-235.
Refbacks
- There are currently no refbacks.
Copyright © 2022-2025. Department of Civil Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University. All Rights Reserved..