In the bustling construction industry, innovation often comes from the most unexpected places. Dr. Samson Olalekan Odeyemi, a researcher from the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at Kwara State University, has turned his attention to an unusual source: goat bones and wooden scaffold waste. His groundbreaking study, published in Discover Civil Engineering, explores the potential of these materials to revolutionize concrete production and waste management.
Nigeria, a country with a thriving goat meat industry, generates a staggering 360,000 tonnes of goat meat annually. This massive production comes with a significant environmental cost, as improper disposal of abattoir waste, including goat bones, leads to water pollution and foul odours. Meanwhile, the construction sector grapples with its own waste management challenges, particularly from wooden scaffold waste.
Dr. Odeyemi’s research delves into the possibility of using ashes derived from goat bones and wooden scaffold waste as partial replacements for cement in concrete. The study, which involved extensive characterization of the ashes using SEM, EDS, and FTIR analyses, revealed that a specific ratio of goat bone to wooden scaffold waste ash exhibited optimal pozzolanic properties. This means that the ashes can react with calcium hydroxide to form compounds that enhance the strength and durability of concrete.
The findings are nothing short of remarkable. Concrete samples with 5–20% ash replacement showed strength gains over time, with compressive strengths ranging from 38.8 to 51.2 N/mm2 and split-tensile strength ranging from 3.9 to 5.8 N/mm2. These results align with the delayed strength development typical of pozzolanic materials, making them suitable for reinforced concrete applications.
Dr. Odeyemi emphasized the environmental and economic benefits of his research. “This study provides a sustainable solution to waste management and eco-friendly concrete production,” he said. “By utilizing these waste materials, we can reduce environmental pollution and lower the cost of concrete production.”
The implications of this research are far-reaching. For the construction industry, the ability to use waste materials as a partial replacement for cement could lead to significant cost savings and reduced environmental impact. For the energy sector, the potential to co-gasify these materials could open up new avenues for waste-to-energy solutions, further reducing the carbon footprint of both industries.
As the world continues to grapple with waste management and environmental sustainability, Dr. Odeyemi’s research offers a glimmer of hope. By turning waste into a valuable resource, we can create a more sustainable future for all. The study, published in Discover Civil Engineering, is a testament to the power of innovative thinking and the potential for unexpected materials to shape the future of construction.