A systematic assessment for the determination of sugarcane bagasse ash variation potential throughout the harvesting season

Abstract

Most of the published literature on the use of sugar cane bagasse ash (SCBA) in concrete collected samples from a single source (sugar plant) and at one time. However, it is known that the sugar production happens over a period of six months (Nov-April) in India, which possibly may affect the characteristics of the SCBA, in turn, will impact the pretreatment process to be adopted. In this regard, a systematic study was performed to collect SCBA samples (from 2 sugar industries) at regular intervals (throughout the season) and evaluate the properties of as-such received SCBA through various characterisation techniques (chemical composition (Inductively coupled plasma), mineral phases (X-ray diffraction), particle size analysis (Laser diffraction), specific gravity and loss on ignition (LoI)) and pozzolanic reactivity test (Strength activity index). From the results, except minor variations, overall, the properties and pozzolanic reactivity of the as-such received SCBA samples collected from the particular sugar industry in a specific season did not differ significantly. This analysis will be of use to decide on the pretreatment process of SCBA for its utilization in the cement concrete/mortar system throughout the harvesting season.