Feasibility Study on the Replacement of Cement andSandinConcreteand Mortar by ECOSPHERE (PalmOil Fuel Ash- POFA

Abstract

This paper reviews the feasibility of using ECOSPHERE (Palm Oil Fuel Ash – POFA) as a partial replacement for cementandsand in concrete and mortar. POFA, derived from palm oil industry waste, serves as a supplementary cementitious material andfinefiller.Studies indicate that replacing up to 20% of cement and 15–20% of sand with POFA maintains comparable compressiveandflexuralstrength to conventional mixes while improving durability and reducing water absorption. The use of POFAalso lowerstheheatofhydration, CO₂ emissions, and material costs by approximately 5–10%. Overall, ECOSPHERE (POFA) proves to beatechnically,economically, and environmentally feasible material supporting sustainable construction and waste utilization.