Comparative Study of Biochar and Charcoal and Their Application in the Construction Industry

Abstract

Abstract The construction industry heavily relies on cement, which contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions during production and depletes natural resources. Moreover, the decomposition of organic waste is a significant source of emissions that contribute to environmental damage due to the lack of proper management. However, biochar and charcoal derived from organic waste can be utilized as admixtures in concrete to minimize these emissions. This study investigates the mechanical properties of concrete with partial cement replacement using biochar and charcoal separately. The aim is to determine the optimal percentages of cement replacement and the effectiveness of using these byproducts to manage organic waste and reduce emissions. The report compares the behavior and suitability of biochar and charcoal in concrete based on the mechanical strength of the resulting concrete. It suggests that both materials exert distinct effects on the properties of concrete, with the optimal replacement percentage variations. However, it is noteworthy that biochar outperforms charcoal in all mechanical aspects of concrete and significantly improves flexural strength. However, more research is needed to determine the effect of different biochar on flexural strength in concrete. Recent research has demonstrated that incorporating biochar and charcoal as cement admixtures holds significant promise in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the negative environmental impact of organic waste in the construction industry.