Authors : Usman Abdu Abubakar; Malan Peter Matawal

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 7 - July

---

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/47w7k7ne

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/4raxx5k6

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jul1620

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

---

Abstract : Following the increasing need for sustainable construction materials, this study explores the potential use of Acha (Fonio) Husk Ash (AHA) as a partial replacement for cement in concrete production. AHA, derived from the agricultural waste of Fonio grain processing, was incorporated into concrete at replacement levels of 5%, 10%, 20%, and 30%. The research also evaluates a 50:50 blend of AHA with Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) pozzolana to enhance the mechanical properties of the concrete. The experimental program included standard tests such as compressive strength, slump test, and density measurements with different water/cement ratios.

Keywords : Acha (Fonio), Husk Ash, NBRRI Pozzolana, Strength Evaluation.

References :

1. Aliyu Sani, Mohammed A., Matawal D. S. and Duna Samson (2019). “Response Surfaces for Compressive Strength of High Performance Concrete with Corn Cob Ash”. Frontiers of Knowledge Journal Series | International Journal of Engineering, Technology, Creativity and Innovation ISSN: 2636-4867, Vol. 2 Issue 2, September 2019.
2. Duna S, Matawal D. S., and Ejeh S. P. (2014). "Some Engineering Properties of Sandcrete Blocks containing Fly Ash ". Proc Ntnl Conf on Affordable Housing in Nigeria, June 2014, pgs 202-212.
3. Duna Samson and  Omoniyi Tope Moses (2014). “Investigating the Pozzolanic Potentials of Cowdung Ash in Cement Paste and Mortars”. International Journal of Scientific and Engineering Research, www.iiste.org, ISSN 2225-0514 (Online) Vol.6, No.8, 2014.
4. Duna Samson and Matawal Danladi S. (2007). “Properties of Hollow Sandcrete Blocks using Meta–Kaolin as Partial Replacement for Cement”. Journal of Environmental Sciences, 2007
5. Hassan O. I., Bolaji O. W. and Adedapo J. O. (2019). “Properties of Self-Compacting Mortar made with Sorghum Husk Ash and Calcium Carbide Waste as Binder”. Arid Zone Journal of Engineering, Technology & Environment, AZOJETE, June 2019, Vol.15(2): 329-341.
6. Hodgson Lisa and Msora-Kasago Cordialis (2021). “Fonio: An ancient Grain that is packed with Nutrients”. An online Review Literature on https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/fonio. February 3, 2021.
7. Job, O. F., Matawal D. S. & Achuenu E. (2009). “The characteristics of periwinkle shell as an aggregate in concrete”. Nig. Jnl Construction Tech &  Mngt, 10(1&2), Dec 2009, 96-101.
8. Job, O. F., Matawal D. S. & Achuenu E. (2010). “Micro-structural changes in long-term durability of periwinkle shell concrete”. Internatonal Journal of Engineering Science, 2(2), 99-107.
9. Joel M. (2010). “A Review of Partial Replacement of Cement with Some Agro Wastes”. Environmental Science, Materials Science, 2010.
10. Joshua O., Matawal, D. S., Akinwumi T. D., Ogunro A. S. and Lawal R. B. (2016). "Development of Green and Environmentally Friendly Alternative Binder to Cement towards Sustainable Construction". Proc. Intnl Conference tagged 'Construction Summit, Abuja 2016, pgs 282-294, ISSN:2504-9690.
11. Kabir Tijjani, Muhammad Umar, Umar Saeed Yusuf and Yakubu A.S. (2021). “Effect of different Compaction Energies on the Strength Characteristics of Laterite Soil treated with Activated Rice Husk Ash”. Civil Engineering Journal, 8(11):1409-1415, December 2021
12. Ketkukah T. and Ndububa N. (2006). “Ground Nut Husk Ash (Gha) as a Partial Replacement of Cement in Mortar”. International Journal of Scientific and Engineering Research.
13. Kumar Lakshmi M. and Raviteja D. (2017). “A Study on Mechanical and Durability Properties of Concrete using Fly Ash as a partial replacement of Cement under Magnesium Acid Environment”. Vol-3 Issue-3 2017 IJARIIE-ISSN(O)-2395-4396
14. L. O. Ettu L. O., Ezeh J., Anya U. C.., Anyaogu L. and Nwachukwu K. C. (2013). “Suitability of Nigerian Agricultural By-Products as Cement Replacement for Concrete Making”. Agricultural and Food Sciences, Engineering, 2013.
15. Massazza Franca (2003). “Pozzolana and Pozzolanic Cements”. Chapter 10 ‘Lea’s Chemistry of Cement & Concrete, edited by Peter C. Hewlett, Butterworth-Heinemann, 4^th edition, pp.471-635.
16. Matawal, D. S. (2023). “Cement and Concrete: Advances in Research and Applications.” 2023 NIOB AGM Keynote Address , 29 pages, 16^th August 2023.
17. Matawal, D. S. and Ze Gyang Z. A. (2012). "An investigation into Quality of Portland Cement Brands in Nigeria". Proc Ntnl Tech W/Shop on Building Collapse in Nigeria, May 2012, pgs3-40.
18. Matawal, D. S., Lawal R. B., Omange G. N., Gidado M. T., and Ogwu E. A. (2016). "Development of Pilot Plant for Pozzolana Cement Production in Nigeria". Proc. Intnl Conference tagged 'Construction Summit, Abuja 2016, pgs 257-281, ISSN:2504-9690.
19. Ndububa E. E., Okonkwo J. S. and Ndububa O. I. (2016). “The Potential use of Fonio Husk Ash as a Pozzolana in Concrete”. Nigerian Journal of Technology (NIJOTECH) Vol. 35, No. 1, January 2016.
20. Omoniyi T., Duna Samson and Mohammed A. (2014). “Compressive Strength Characteristic of Cowdung Ash Blended Cement Concrete”. International Journal of Scientific and Engineering Research, Published 20 July 2014.
21. Opeyemi J., Matawal Danladi S., Akinwumi T. O., Olusola K. O., Ogunro A. S. and Lawal R. B. (2018). “Development of a Fully Pozzolanic Binder for Sustainable Construction: