Mechanical, durability and microstructure properties of eco-friendly sand concrete incorporating cane ash

Abstract

This study focuses on developing sustainable sand concrete (SC) using cane ash (CA) as a cement replacement material. The CA is an agricultural waste consisting of parts of cane plant stems and leaves, collected from local fields in Skikda, Algeria, which was previously discarded or burned, as an alternative to environmental concerns. Different proportions of CA (0 %, 8 %, 16 %, and 24 %) were blended with ordinary portland cement (OPC) to produce the SC mixtures. The properties of these mixtures were then compared to a control mixture. The performance of the SC mixtures was evaluated in both fresh and hardened states, in terms of their compressive and flexural strength, hardened density, elastic modulus (MOE), ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), rebound hammer (RHN), and the combined test. Durability characteristics were assessed for absorption by immersion, capillary absorption, sorptivity, and chloride attack. The microstructure was analyzed through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX). The findings of the study indicate that the addition of 8–16 % CA improves workability, which is a real interest in easy casting, especially into narrow formworks. The best mechanical strength and homogeneity performance can be achieved at a rate of 8 % CA, while the proportion of 0–24 % CA may be employed for structural applications. Although the water and capillary absorption are greater than the control, the long-term results are satisfactory. The addition of 8 % CA also improves the resistance to chloride attack and contributes to microstructure development. Correlation formulas between different parameters can be used to predict or estimate their values. Thus, CA can be used as a cementitious addition in many applications, and the positive effect of the 8 % content can be exploited to produce a cost-effective and durable sand concrete.