Abstract

The search for sustainable construction materials has initiated the investigation of alternative binders 
to partially substitute cement in sandcrete brick manufacturing. This research examines how Saw Dust 
Ash (SDA) and Banana Leaf Ash (BLA) can partially replace cement in sandcrete brick manufacturing to 
produce sustainable building materials. Environmental pollution arises from improper management of 
agro-industrial wastes. Construction use of these materials leads to improved sustainability practices 
while simultaneously decreasing the carbon footprint associated with traditional cement-based 
materials. The study integrated Saw Dust Ash and Banana Leaf Ash into sandcrete bricks through 
different replacement levels from 0 to 25%. The mix design adhered to standard guidelines which 
maintained correct amounts of cement, SDA, BLA, sand, and water to reach optimal workability and 
strength. After casting and curing the bricks under controlled conditions, they underwent mechanical 
and durability testing. With a compressive strength value of 4.281 MPa, Bricks incorporating 8% 
SDA-BLA replacement demonstrated improved compressive strength development throughout the 
testing period because of the pozzolanic activity exhibited by the ashes. Durability tests showed 
that SDA-BLA-modified bricks matched the performance of conventional sandcrete bricks in water 
absorption tests, with a water absorption value of 9.119%. SDA-BLA bricks achieved the required 
structural performance standards according to flexural strength test results. Although SDA-BLA bricks 
demonstrated reduced early-age strength levels, they achieved superior long-term strength through 
secondary hydration reactions. Economic evaluations showed that manufacturing SDA-BLA sandcrete 
bricks costs about as much as producing conventional bricks which positions them as a financially 
feasible sustainable substitute within the construction industry. This research establishes that SDA and 
BLA function effectively as partial cement substitutes in sandcrete brick manufacturing which supports 
eco-friendly building practices alongside waste management and sustainable development.