Development of a framework for the selection of best sugarcane bagasse ash from different sources for use in the cement-based system: A rapid and reliable path

Abstract

A systematic study on characteristics and pozzolanic reactivity was conducted on as-received/raw (untreated) sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) samples collected from 30 different sugar industries spreading over an area of 78,226 km2. The pozzolanic reactivity of these SCBA samples was assessed through six different methods viz. strength activity index (SAI), modified Chapelle test (MCT), Frattini test, saturated lime test, electrical conductivity test and thermo-gravimetric analysis. It is evident from the results that SCBA has the ability to be pozzolanic on account of amorphous silica in a raw state. However, the coarser particles, loss of ignition (LOI), and porous nature of SCBA are the bottlenecks towards the strength development of SCBA blended cement mortars. The pozzolanic reactivity dominating parameters like AFS (Al2O3 (A) + Fe2O3 (F) + SiO2 (S)) content (greater than 70%), LOI (<20%), and amorphous silica (>25%) need to be predominantly observed during the selection of desirable SCBA sample for the cement-based system. The use of the modified Chapelle test with the strength activity index for assessment of the pozzolanic reactivity and selection of desirable SCBA samples seems to be decisive, based on the comparison of pozzolanic reactivity test methods. Finally, a simple protocol for the selection of the best sample of SCBA from different sources for its use in the cement-based products through rapid and reliable way is suggested.