Experimental Studies on Bagasse Ash-Based Self-Compacting Alkali Activated Slag Concrete

Abstract

In the present study, an attempt was made to develop Self Compacting Alkali Activated Slag Concrete mixes incorporating Bagasse Ash as binder content. This study investigates the physical and mechanical properties of Bagasse Ash based Self Compacting Alkali Activated Slag Concrete (BSAASC) with varying proportions of Bagasse Ash. Lime and GGBS (Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag) are used along with Bagasse Ash as binder materials in the BSAASC. The total binder content was restricted to 600kg/m3 containing Bagasse Ash at 10%, 20% and 30% of total binder content. The solution-to-binder ratio was 0.6. the dosage of Na2O was varied by 5%, 6% and 7%. The molarity of the alkaline solution is 1M. By using Minitab Statistical Software nine mixes were produced with 3 factors and 3 levels. The analysis was done by Desirability Function Approach (DFA) to check the effectiveness of the considered factors. The workability tests for properties of concrete samples are carried out according to EFNARC guidelines. Microstructural studies such as SEM, EDX and XRD analysis were also carried out, showing denser morphologies indicating effective activation of slag by the alkaline solution.