Evaluation of Permeability, Tensile, and Flexural Strength in Banana Peel Ash Concrete

The growing need for environmentally friendly construction materials has motivated studies into farm waste as supplemental cementitious materials. This study looks at the mechanical and durability properties of concrete cubes that use banana peel ash (BPA) as a partial replacement for standard Portland cement. BPA-modified concrete mixes were tested for permeability, split tensile strength, and flexural strength. The results show that the addition of banana peel ash greatly reduces permeability, increasing resistance against water infiltration and potential chemical attack. Furthermore, moderate replacement levels (5-15%) increased split tensile and flexural strength relative to control specimens, indicating improved crack resistance and load-bearing capacity. Excessive replacement, however, resulted in a decrease in mechanical qualities. The findings show banana peel ash as a promising eco-friendly ingredient that not only increases durability but also promotes sustainable waste management and reduces cement usage. This study highlights the potential of BPA concrete in promoting green construction practices while retaining structural performance.