2024 | Esmail Khalife, Maryam Sabouri, Mohammad Kaveh, Mariusz Szymanek
Recent Advances in the Application of Agricultural Waste in Construction
Agricultural waste, generated globally in millions of tons annually, is often burned or dumped, causing environmental pollution. Researchers are exploring its use in construction to mitigate environmental issues and reduce heating and cooling costs. This review highlights recent advancements in using agricultural waste as a substitute or additive in construction materials, including aggregate, cement supplement, and insulation.
Agricultural waste materials, such as pineapple, sugarcane, coconut, rice, and wheat husk, have shown positive effects in construction. For example, pineapple fibers improved concrete strength, while sugarcane ash enhanced compressive strength and reduced water usage. Coconut shells and fibers increased compressive strength and provided better insulation. Rice husk ash significantly improved foam concrete strength by up to 70%. Nutshell waste also showed potential as a cement supplement, with higher percentages correlating with increased compressive strength.
As building insulation materials, agricultural waste like wheat straw and sugarcane bagasse demonstrated excellent thermal insulation properties, with wheat straw saving up to 69% energy. Coconut coir and rice husk exhibited lower thermal conductivity, making them suitable for insulation. Pineapple fibers and sugarcane bagasse also showed improved thermal and acoustic properties.
While agricultural waste offers benefits, challenges remain, including environmental concerns, high costs, and the need for proper treatment to address flammability and fungal issues. Despite these challenges, the use of agricultural waste in construction presents a sustainable solution, reducing environmental impact and providing cost-effective alternatives.
In conclusion, agricultural waste materials offer promising applications in construction, contributing to sustainable practices. However, further research is needed to optimize their use, address environmental concerns, and enhance their performance in construction applications.Recent Advances in the Application of Agricultural Waste in Construction
Agricultural waste, generated globally in millions of tons annually, is often burned or dumped, causing environmental pollution. Researchers are exploring its use in construction to mitigate environmental issues and reduce heating and cooling costs. This review highlights recent advancements in using agricultural waste as a substitute or additive in construction materials, including aggregate, cement supplement, and insulation.
Agricultural waste materials, such as pineapple, sugarcane, coconut, rice, and wheat husk, have shown positive effects in construction. For example, pineapple fibers improved concrete strength, while sugarcane ash enhanced compressive strength and reduced water usage. Coconut shells and fibers increased compressive strength and provided better insulation. Rice husk ash significantly improved foam concrete strength by up to 70%. Nutshell waste also showed potential as a cement supplement, with higher percentages correlating with increased compressive strength.
As building insulation materials, agricultural waste like wheat straw and sugarcane bagasse demonstrated excellent thermal insulation properties, with wheat straw saving up to 69% energy. Coconut coir and rice husk exhibited lower thermal conductivity, making them suitable for insulation. Pineapple fibers and sugarcane bagasse also showed improved thermal and acoustic properties.
While agricultural waste offers benefits, challenges remain, including environmental concerns, high costs, and the need for proper treatment to address flammability and fungal issues. Despite these challenges, the use of agricultural waste in construction presents a sustainable solution, reducing environmental impact and providing cost-effective alternatives.
In conclusion, agricultural waste materials offer promising applications in construction, contributing to sustainable practices. However, further research is needed to optimize their use, address environmental concerns, and enhance their performance in construction applications.