Publications

The construction industry is under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable materials that minimize environmental impact. Agricultural waste, such as banana leaf ash (BLA), has shown potential as an eco-friendly alternative in concrete production. This review examines the viability of BLA as a partial replacement for cement, highlighting its effects on mechanical properties, durability, and sustainability. Improper disposal of agricultural waste contributes to pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and resource depletion. Utilizing BLA in concrete reduces landfill waste and lowers carbon emissions by decreasing cement consumption, potentially reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 30% per ton of cement replaced. The results of this review indicate that BLA exhibits pozzolanic activity, with studies reporting compressive strengths ranging from 20 to 32 MPa at replacement levels of 5–15%. Water absorption rates have remained within acceptable construction limits, typically below 10% at optimal mix designs. The findings suggest that moderate cement replacement with BLA can yield concrete with sufficient compressive strength, workability, and durability in line with industry standards such as BS EN 206 and ASTM C618. Despite its advantages, challenges such as quality control, mix design optimization, and lack of standardization must be addressed for widespread adoption. Further research is essential to enhance performance consistency and encourage market acceptance. This review underscores the potential of BLA as a sustainable construction material, contributing to a greener and more resource-efficient built environment.