The research article by Subramaniam Prabagar, Kalya Subasinghe, and W.R. Keerthi Fonseka reports on the effectiveness of wood ash as a raw material for concrete blocks. The study examines substitutes for fine aggregates and cement to improve strength, longevity, and lower costs of concrete products. Specifically, the article evaluates wood ash as a partial cement replacement material for building construction applications.

PART II.

Concrete is a versatile material used in the construction industry. This study seeks to find substitutes for fine aggregates and cement that will improve concrete's strength and longevity while lowering costs. The research evaluates the feasibility of using wood ash as a partial cement replacement material in the production of structural grade and self-compacting concrete. The study makes five sets of cement blocks, each with a different percentage of wood ash as a partial replacement for cement. These blocks are then tested for compressive strength, water absorption, and heat holding and emitting.

The results show that wood ash can replace cement up to 20% without significantly altering the compressive strength of cement blocks. Cement blocks with a 15% wood ash replacement exhibited the highest compressive strength, with a 9% increase over the control block. Concrete blocks with lower permeability are more resistant to deterioration. Wood ash helps decrease water permeability by refining the pores in the matrix and interface layer. The study found that the water absorption level is lower in the sample blocks with wood ash incorporation, with the sample block containing 15% wood ash exhibiting the lowest absorption. Additionally, the sample block with 15% wood ash release heat at a slower rate compared to other blocks, which is essential for maintaining thermal comfort in indoor and outdoor settings.

PART III.

This article highlights the potential of wood ash as a partial cement replacement material in the cement block manufacturing industry. However, it is crucial to perform various tests to determine the appropriate percentage of cement and wood ash to be mixed, as several factors may affect the performance of concrete blocks. Students can learn from this study that apart from wood ash, there are several other materials that can replace cement in the manufacturing of cement blocks.

PART IV.

Research articles like this provide valuable insights into how our field of study operates and the different factors that influence construction techniques. The construction industry heavily relies on concrete, and making it more suitable for specific construction purposes can significantly impact construction outcomes. Therefore, regular studies and tests to ensure the quality and efficiency of concrete production are critical.