Leeds Beckett University
Dr Ash Ahmed

Conserv has been working in collaboration with Dr Ash Ahmed since 2013.

Dr Ahmed is a Reader (Associate Professor) in civil engineeering materials at Leeds Beckett University (LBU). He has over 20 years experience in the materials science field and has numerous publications including a book, ‘Materials Science in Construction: An Introduction’. His primary research interests are in the field of sustainable materials for civil engineering and construction applications.

The cement industry accounts for 10% of global CO2 emissions whereas the entire commercial aviation sector emits only 3% in comparison; therefore, there are severe environmental implications regarding the use of cement. Dr Ahmed focusses on investigating cement alternatives; the findings of his research on cement replacements based on agricultural waste is already making a significant impact within the highways industry.

Due to the aforementioned environmental issues with cement, the research projects between Conserv and Dr Ahmed have been focused on high performance lime materials, in particular:

Lime Mortars; these type of mortars especially based on lime putty confer certain advantages over cement based mortars including greater crack resistance and improved permeability. The main drawback, however, was the long setting time of these mortars, however, findings have substantiated that with the addition of a minimal amount of pozzolans (e.g. PFA) can alleviate this issue. Therefore, these mortars are a more viable and environmentally friendly alternative to cement mortars.
Limecrete; this a cement free low carbon lime based structural material as an alternative to concrete which can be used for flooring applications in houses and buildings with improved damp resistance.

The aim of the on-going research collaboration is to develop and create further awareness of the advantages of lime based products with the main objective of influencing the selection of environmentally friendly robust materials.

Further details regarding Dr Ahmed’s research interests can be found at https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/staff/dr-ash-ahmed/.

Publications

Lime Mortar with PFA (Pulverised Fly Ash / Pulverised Fuel Ash)

This paper investigates the properties of non-hydraulic (lime putty) lime mortar containing PFA (fly ash). Non-hydraulic lime mortars with PFA offer a more sustainable alternative to cement based mortars without compromising setting time or strength whilst offering improved flexibility and breathability.

Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA)

This study investigates the effectiveness of agro waste ash by-product Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA) as a sustainable alternative to replace ordinary Portland cement (OPC).

Use of Coconut COIR in Fiber Reinforced Concrete, Soil and Lime Ash Ahmed (Dec '20)

Coconut Fibre (COIR) as a Natural Alternative to Reinforcement Fibres in Concrete, Soil and Lime Mortars

This paper examines the use of coconut COIR as a natural and sustainable alternative to reinforcement fibres in common use in the construction industry.

Leeds Beckett University Dr Ash Ahmed

Leeds Beckett University
Dr Ash Ahmed