To Study the Effect of Brick Kiln Ash as a Partial Replacement for Fine Aggregate in Cement Concrete

Concrete is a fundamental construction material composed of cement, sand, and coarse aggregates, with sand and aggregates primarily sourced from natural resources. However, the rapid pace of urbanization and infrastructure development has led to the depletion of these essential materials, necessitating sustainable alternatives. This research investigates the feasibility of using Brick Kiln Ash (BKA), a waste by-product generated from the combustion of agricultural residues such as mustard husks in brick kilns, as a partial replacement for fine aggregates in concrete. The study aims to address environmental concerns associated with the disposal of BKA, while exploring its potential to enhance the mechanical properties of concrete. Concrete mixes of M25 grade were prepared with varying percentages of BKA (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%) replacing natural fine aggregate. Comprehensive tests were conducted to evaluate the workability, compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength of both fresh and hardened concrete at different curing ages. Preliminary results suggest that BKA, when used within optimal replacement levels, can improve concrete performance while reducing environmental impact and material costs. This research not only contributes to sustainable construction practices but also promotes effective waste management by reusing industrial and agro-waste by-products in concrete production.