OPTIMIZING THE USE OF COW DUNG ASH IN SUSTAINABLE MORTAR

This research investigates the use of cow dung ash (CDA) as a replacement for cement by weight in concrete for the purpose of sustainability. Various weight percentages of CDA cement replacement were evaluated. Compressive strength (in psi) of concrete was found to decrease by 20-25% for 5%, 10%, and 15% CDA replacement samples. Compressive strength decreased by 40% for 20% CDA replacement. Chemical and physical characterization tests were conducted for analysis on the CDA amended cement samples showed that the composition and structural integrity of concrete remained largely unchanged up to 15% CDA cement replacement.