Properties and durability of concrete with olive waste ash as a partial cement replacement

This research aims to study the utilization of olive waste ash (OWA) in the production of concrete as a partial substitute for cement. Effects of using OWA on the physical and mechanical properties of concrete mixtures have been investigated. This is done by carrying out tests involving the addition of various percentages of OWA to cement (0%, 5%, 10% and 15%). For each percentage, tests were performed on both fresh and hardened concrete; these included slump test, unit weight test and compressive strength test after 7, 28 and 90 days. Durability tests were investigated in solutions containing 5% NaOH and MgSO4 by weight of water. In addition, resistance to high temperatures was tested by subjecting the cubes to high temperatures of up to 170oC. The results of this research indicate that a higher percentage of OWA gives a lower compressive strength and lower workability but higher performance in terms of durability against both different weather conditions and high temperatures.