The Mechanical Response of Concrete Mortar Incorporating High Contents of Fine and Coarse Sawdust Particles

This study investigates the optimal sawdust particle size distribution in mortar concrete. Two distinct replacement levels of sand with sawdust, 25% and 50%, were considered. Sawdust was initially pre-treated using bath washing, then sieved through a 2.36 mm sieve, and divided into fine and coarse sizes. For each replacement level, the mechanical properties were assessed. Findings revealed the importance of sawdust pre-treatment in maintaining concrete performance. While fine sawdust particles modified the compressive strength, coarse sawdust particles proved to be the superior for the structural applications subjected to tensile stresses. The inclusion of sawdust raised the water absorption capacity, but water absorption remained within acceptable limits. This study emphasizes the advantages of employing sawdust in construction as a sustainable approach, and low-cost alternative to sand, contributing to industrial waste reduction and eco-friendly mortar production. The study also emphasizes a proper selection to the sawdust particle size to achieve the best utilization of the material.