Self-compacting concrete incorporating sugarcane bagasse ash

Abstract

The aim of the current study is to assess the feasibility of incorporating sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA) from the sugar and ethanol industry as a filler material in the production of self-compacting concrete (SCC). For this purpose, paste composition was designed in the first stage of this study by conducting an experimental plan at the mortar level. During the second stage, SCC mixture properties were evaluated by considering the paste mixture proportions defined in the first stage. The study at the mortar level was conducted based on a statistical factorial design approach, which offers a valid basis for developing empirical models that allow determination of optimal settings of the design variables to satisfy all performance requirements. At the concrete level, the impact of three optimised paste mixtures on SCC properties was assessed. Fresh state, mechanical, and durability properties were evaluated. Mortar and concrete test results revealed that SBA can be used successfully in powder-type SCC as a filler material, and it exhibits good self-compacting ability and strength levels, which are adequate for many current civil engineering applications.