Sustainable and cost-effective cement-based composite utilizing calcined Iraqi date palm frond waste ash

Ecological implications posed by the cement industry, biomass ashes, and agricultural waste are growing with emerging concerns. Hence, this paper analyzes and evaluates the characterization of Iraqi date palm frond waste ash (PFWA) and its potential impact on the performance of cement-based mortar. PFWA was utilized to substitute 10, 20, and 30% of the partial weight of cement. The experimental program consists of three main parts: Firstly, the preliminary physicochemical and microanalysis characterization of PFWA powder was investigated and corresponded with the limits of ASTMC-618. Secondly, the compressive and flexural strength, dry density, and water absorption capacity of the fabricated cement-based mortar with the adopted replacement percentages were observed. Finally, the cost analysis of the final products was conducted to obtain a cost-effective evaluation. Generally, the results proved that incorporating 10% PFWA boosts the hardened characteristics. Alternatively, further upgrading of the PFWA content adversely affects the investigated properties. After 28 and 90 days, 10% PFWA boosted the compressive strength by around 15% compared with the control mixture. The cost analysis proves a reduction in the total cost of the mortar by 8.1, 16.1, and 24.1% by replacing 10%, 20%, and 30% of OPC with PFWA. Therefore, using PFWA as SCM in cement-based composites could be a promoted alternative that would benefit the management, recycling, and reusing rate of agricultural waste and support the advancement of sustainability through the construction sector with cost-effective advantages.