Microstructure, strength, and durability of eco-friendly concretes containing sugarcane bagasse ash

Abstract

This paper presents an extensive experimental study to investigate the possibility of using sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) as a partial replacement of cement in ordinary, lightweight, and self-compacting concretes. For this purpose, specimens containing 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25% SCBA in addition to a control specimen were prepared. To evaluate the mechanical properties of concrete specimens, compressive strength, tensile strength, impact resistance, workability, water absorption, and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) tests were performed. The results indicated that improvements in strength and impact resistance in lightweight concrete are observed as compared with the control sample when cement was replaced with bagasse ash at 5%. It was also found incorporation of BA improved durability and quality of SCC.