Mechanical and durability property dimensions of sustainable bamboo leaf ash in high-performance concrete

Abstract

This research characterises bamboo leaf ash (BLA), which was obtained by calcining dry bamboo leaves at approximately 600 °C for 2 h in a laboratory-controlled muffle furnace. To understand the pozzolanic potentials of the BLA, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive x-ray (SEM/EDX) techniques were employed. The BLA was then mixed with Portland cement (PC) to produce high-performance concrete (HPC) at 0, 5, 10, and 15% BLA contents by weight. Fresh HPC samples were evaluated for their workability with slump flow test. After 7, 21, 28, and 60 days of hydration, HPC samples' mechanical (compressive, splitting tensile, and flexural) and durability (water absorption, sorptivity, and influence of aggressive environments) were measured. As determined by XRF, the calcined BLA has pozzolanic properties, whereas the SEM micrograph exhibits irregular and angular morphologies. The incorporation of BLA into the HPC matrix enhanced the mechanical and durability qualities of the evaluated samples, primarily at a substitution rate of 10% PC. Therefore, it can be stated that 10% BLA can substitute cement in an HPC subjected to standard environmental conditions.