Influence of Eucalyptus Ash as Partial Cement Replacement in Hydraulic Concrete Pavements with f’c = 210 kg/cm2

Abstract

This research evaluates the effect of eucalyptus ash as a partial replacement for cement in hydraulic concrete designed for pavement applications with a characteristic compressive strength of f’c = 210 kg/cm2. Concrete mixtures were prepared with eucalyptus ash replacement levels of 0%, 5%, 15%, and 20% by weight of cement. The mixtures were evaluated through compressive strength and flexural strength tests at curing ages of 7, 14, and 28 days. The results at 28 days showed that the control mixture achieved an average compressive strength of 254.84 kg/cm2 and a flexural strength of 42.41 kg/cm2. In contrast, the mixtures incorporating eucalyptus ash exhibited a progressive reduction in both mechanical properties as the replacement percentage increased, reaching minimum values of 164.30 kg/cm2 in compression and 32.93 kg/cm2 in flexure for the mixture with 20% ash content. Despite the observed reduction in mechanical strength, the results indicate that eucalyptus ash can be considered a sustainable alternative material for non-structural concrete applications, contributing to waste valorization and the reduction of Portland cement consumption.