Investigation on the durability of concrete with partial replacement of cement by bagasse ash (BAH) and sand by stone dust (SDT)

Abstract

Abstract Requirement of concrete is increasing day by day as the construction activities are growing worldwide. As a result, there is a greater demand for the concrete ingredients, such as cement, sand and aggregates. Though, there is a requirement for making the cost-effective concrete, which has forced the researchers to identify alternative materials to costly cement and sand. Bagasse ash (BAH) and stone dust (SDT) can be an economical alternative to the cement and river sand, respectively. In this study, cement is partially replaced by BAH (10%), and natural sand by SDT in various proportions of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50%. Durability (DBY) test such as Rapid chloride permeability test (Rcpt) and Acid resistance test (Art) were performed to determine the various properties of concrete in the hardened state. Rcpt was conducted after 28 and 90 days of water curing. Acid resistance test was conducted on the specimens after 28 and 90 days of immersion into acids (hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulphuric acid (H2SO4)). Test results revealed that the chloride permeability (CPY) of concrete decreased up to 10% replacement of cement by BAH and 40% replacement of sand by SDT (BS5 sample). Further increase in replacement levels, beyond 10% BAH and 40% SDT has resulted in increase of CPY of the concrete. Also, weight loss (WLS) and compressive strength loss (CsLS) of concrete were observed decreased steadily with the increase in percentage of the replacement materials (up to 10% replacement of cement by BAH and 40% replacement of sand by SDT (BS5 sample)), when specimens were subjected to hydrochloric acid and sulphuric acid tests. Further increase in replacement levels beyond 10% BAH and 40% SDT has resulted in increased WLS and CsLS percentage of the concrete. Among the various proportions of alternative materials studied, the mix with 10% BAH and 40% SDT (BS5 sample) showed a better resistance to both hydrochloric and sulphuric acids attack and can be considered a suitable proportion for producing a cost-effective concrete.