Strength, life cycle analysis, embodied energy and cost-sensitivity assessment of sugarcane bagasse ash-based ternary blends of geopolymer concrete

Abstract

The sustainability of cement concrete is always a subject of concern and hence, less polluting concrete alternatives are being explored. Geopolymer concrete can be an alternative, which may be partly or fully cement-free. However, there exists a huge gap in the knowledge of quantification for ecological advancements that can be achieved. This study reports on the life cycle assessment (LCA) of five different geopolymer concrete mixes made up of ternary blends of sugarcane bagasse ash, blast furnace slag and fly ash. The results coupled with 28-day mechanical test results were compared with traditional cement concrete of similar grade. Correlation analysis was carried out among the obtained results to determine Pearson’s coefficient and Spearman’s rho factor. The aspect of cost and embodied energy was also studied simultaneously. The analyses showed that conventional concrete is more harmful in all ecological impact categories as compared to other alternative concretes except majorly Ozone layer depletion, Carcinogens and Mineral extraction. The sugarcane bagasse ash-based geopolymer concrete mixtures were also found to be cost and embodied energy-effective as compared to traditional concrete.