Yogesh Tiwari,
Rakesh Kumar Rajak,,
Abstract
The growing environmental concerns associated with cement production, particularly its high
carbon footprint, have driven research into sustainable alternatives such as supplementary
cementitious materials (SCMs) derived from agricultural and industrial waste. This study
synthesizes findings from recent investigations into the pozzolanic potential of basil plant ash
(BPA), rice husk ash (RHA), and stockpiled fly ash (FA), evaluating their processing methods,
microstructural characteristics, and performance in concrete applications. BPA, being derived by
controlled thermal processing, exhibited the best reactivity at 700°C and improved significantly
the compressive as well as tensile strength of ultra-high-performance concrete and increased
durability. RHA, treated by calibrated grinding and calcining, delivered high amorphous silica
content and pozzolanic activity, resulting in significant early-age gain in strength and lowered
porosity. FA, typically low-grade because of storage for extended periods, was rejuvenated via
mechanical activation (milling), which enhanced surface area and reactivity and rendered it an
effective SCM for typical mortar use. The three materials showed decreased permeability,
enhanced microstructure, and hydration process compatibility, leading to long-term durability of
concrete. Aside from technical advantages, application of these materials meets key
environmental objectives by lowering CO₂ emissions, reducing industrial and agricultural
waste, and saving natural resources. They also represent low-cost solutions to conventional
cement components economically, supporting circular economy and sustainable development
principles. However, consistent performance depends heavily on optimized processing,
standardized treatment protocols, and further validation of long-term behavior. This study
concludes that BPA, RHA, and FA hold strong promise as sustainable SCMs and encourages
further interdisciplinary research to advance green concrete technologies through scalable, cost-
effective, and environmentally responsible practices.
Keywords: Pozzolanic materials, supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), basil plant ash (BPA), rice husk ash (RHA), fly ash (FA), sustainable concrete, cement replacement, thermal treatment, mechanical activation, circular economy.
[This article belongs to Recent Trends in Civil Engineering & Technology ]
Yogesh Tiwari, Rakesh Kumar Rajak,. Review of Research on Pozzolanic Materials for Cement Blending and Concrete Applications. Recent Trends in Civil Engineering & Technology. 2025; 15(03):1-6.
Yogesh Tiwari, Rakesh Kumar Rajak,. Review of Research on Pozzolanic Materials for Cement Blending and Concrete Applications. Recent Trends in Civil Engineering & Technology. 2025; 15(03):1-6. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rtcet/article=2025/view=214528
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Recent Trends in Civil Engineering & Technology
| Volume | 15 |
| Issue | 03 |
| Received | 16/05/2025 |
| Accepted | 23/06/2025 |
| Published | 24/06/2025 |
| Publication Time | 39 Days |
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