The main objective of this study was to experimentally investigate the effects of sawdust on workability, density and compressive strength of concrete. A lot of waste of sawdust which is produced from milling stations resulting in affecting the environment is a thoughtful issue not to leave behind. The conducted study intended to use sawdust as one of the sustainable solutions for low-cost housing especially for the lightweight concrete production. Concrete mix ratio of 1:1:2 was used, sand was replaced with sawdust at a percentage of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 by weight and the effects of replacement on concrete’s properties were noted. Different tests such as slump and compressive strength tests were performed on concrete to see how concrete was affected by the introduction of sawdust. The results showed that when sawdust content increases in a concrete mix while maintaining water to cement ratio constant, concrete becomes stiff. Concrete’s density and compressive strength decreased as sawdust content increased. Concrete’s strength at the age of 28 days of curing where sawdust replaced sand by 5, 10, 15 and 20% reduced by 4.99, 21.76, 37.05 and 47.99% respectively. The density was also reduced by 3.5, 8.2, 13, and 15.8% respectively. Since sawdust is already seen as a waste, using it in construction will reduce the construction cost and also it will be a solution to environmental pollution. However much the compressive strength reduced as sawdust content increased, five per cent of sawdust in concrete will contribute a lot as far as waste management is concerned.

Keywords : Sawdust; Workability; Lightweight Concrete; Curing; Compression Strength.