EFFECT OF MILLET STALKS ASH AS PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF CEMENT IN MORTAR.

The rising cost of cement and the environmental concerns associated with its production have increased the need for alternative and sustainable construction materials. This study examines the effect of millet stalk ash (MSA) as a partial replacement for cement in mortar. Millet stalk ash was produced through controlled burning of dried millet stalks and sieved to obtain fine particles suitable for use as a cementitious material. Cement was partially replaced with millet stalk ash at different replacement levels, and mortar specimens were prepared using standard mix proportions. Laboratory tests were carried out to determine the workability, compressive strength, and water absorption properties of the mortar at various curing ages. The results revealed that increasing the percentage of millet stalk ash led to a reduction in workability and compressive strength of the mortar. However, at lower replacement levels, the compressive strength obtained was comparable to that of the control mortar. Water absorption was observed to increase with higher ash content due to increased porosity. The study concludes that millet stalk ash can be effectively used as a partial replacement for cement in mortar at optimum replacement levels, thereby reducing cement consumption, lowering construction cost, and promoting sustainable utilization of agricultural waste.