Agro-waste sugarcane bagasse ash (ScBA) as partial replacement of binder material in concrete

Abstract

Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (ScBA) is a waste material widely used in concrete industry. It can be used as partial replacement of cement in concrete mixes and can be a suitable alternative in preparation of concrete mixes due to its good pozzolanic properties. In order to examine the characteristics, composition and morphology of bagasse ash, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis of ScBA were performed. In order to optimize the percent replacement of cement by ScBA, the cement has been partially replaced by ScBA in proportions of 0%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% by weight in concrete mixes. The various outcomes of replacement by ScBA have been analyzed through evaluation of different properties like workability (WkA), compressive (CS) and split tensile strength (STS) for 7 days, 28 days, 90 days and 180 days. A durability property of concrete was also evaluated by the method of sulphate resistance. The results further reveal that the CS of concrete mix was relatively higher at 10% replacement of cement by ScBA and was observed decreasing beyond 10% replacement. It was also found that addition of ScBA in the replacement percentage significantly enhanced the sulphate resistance. The minimum strength loss obtained were 1.24% and 5.02% for 90 days and 180 day at 10% ScBA replacement. The results indicate that ScBA is a pozzolanic material possessing good binder properties and can potentially be used in concrete mixes as a partial replacement of costly cement.