Microstructural Investigation of the Thermal Effect of Bamboo Leaf Ash in Self-Compacting Concrete: A Review

• Stephen K. ADEROMOSE

  Author

• Adaeze S. ONYEDIMARA

  Author

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) provides high flowability and consolidation without mechanical vibration, but its relatively high cement and powder contents increase both environmental impact and vulnerability to thermally induced deterioration. This review examines the microstructural and thermal effects of bamboo leaf ash (BLA) as a partial cement replacement in SCC, with emphasis on pozzolanic reaction, pore refinement, interfacial transition zone (ITZ) modification, hydration products, and residual performance after elevated-temperature exposure. The reviewed literature indicates that BLA generally contains a high proportion of silica and can contribute to secondary calcium-silicate-hydrate (C–S–H) formation when adequately processed. Reported investigations commonly examine BLA replacement levels of approximately 5–15%, while recent studies indicate effective performance around 8–12% and identify 10% replacement as a promising level under several concrete conditions. Recent experimental evidence has also demonstrated improved mechanical or microstructural performance at approximately 10% BLA, although the response depends strongly on ash production temperature, particle size, water-to-binder ratio, curing, and concrete composition. At elevated temperatures, BLA-modified cementitious matrices may benefit from reduced calcium hydroxide content and refined pore structure; however, the dense matrix of SCC can also increase vulnerability to vapor-pressure development and thermal cracking. The review concludes that BLA has potential as a sustainable supplementary cementitious material for SCC, but the available evidence does not yet justify a universal optimum replacement level or a definitive fire-resistance claim. It is therefore recommended that future research combine SEM/EDS, XRD, TGA/DTG, pore-structure characterization, and residual mechanical testing using controlled heating and cooling regimes. Standardized experimental protocols and quantitative comparisons of BLA-SCC at elevated temperatures are particularly required to establish reliable design recommendations.

• 79_Aderomose and Onyedimara (2026)

Copyright (c) 2026 Stephen K. ADEROMOSE, Adaeze S. ONYEDIMARA (Author)

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.