The Mechanical Behavior of Sustainable Concrete Using Raw and Processed Sugarcane Bagasse Ash

Abstract

Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SCBA) is one of the most common types of agricultural waste. By its availability and pozzolanic properties, sugarcane bagasse ash can be utilized as a partial replacement for cement in the production of sustainable concrete. This study experimentally investigated the impact of employing two types of sugarcane bagasse ash as a partial substitute for cement up to 30% on the compressive strength, flexural strength, and Young’s modulus of the concrete mixture. The first type of bagasse ash used was raw SCBA, which was used as it arrived from the plant, with the same characteristics, considering that it was exposed to a temperature of 600 °C in the boilers to generate energy. The second type of bagasse ash utilized, called processed SCBA, was produced by regrinding raw SCBA for an hour and then burning it again for two hours at a temperature of 600 °C. This was done to improve the pozzolanic activity and consequently the mechanical properties of the concrete mixture. The findings indicated that employing raw sugarcane bagasse ash had a detrimental effect on the mechanical characteristics of the concrete mixture but using processed sugarcane bagasse ash at a proportion of no more than 10% had a considerable effect on improving the properties of the concrete mixture. The utilization of processed SCBA up to 10% into the concrete mixture resulted in a 12%, 8%, and 8% increase in compressive strength, flexural strength, and Young’s modulus, respectively, compared to the normal concrete specimen. On the contrary, the inclusion of raw SCBA with varying content into the concrete mixture decreased compressive strength, flexural strength, and Young’s modulus by up to 50%, 30%, and 29%, respectively, compared to the normal concrete specimen. The experimental findings were validated by comparison with ACI predictions. ACI overestimated the flexural strength of SCBA concrete specimens, with a mean coefficient of difference between the ACI equation and experimental results of 22%, however, ACI underestimated the Young’s modulus of SCBA concrete specimens, with a mean coefficient of difference between the ACI equation and experimental results of −6%.

Impact of Alkaline Concentration on the Mechanical Properties of Geopolymer Concrete Made up of Fly Ash and Sugarcane Bagasse Ash

“…About 60% of FA produced in thermal power stations is deposited in landfills [11,24]. On the other hand, SCBA is a globally available byproduct made by burning bagasse to produce energy in boilers [25,26]. The estimated annual output of SCBA is predicted to range from 48 to 60 million tonnes, depending on the yield [27], and these substances pollute the environment when dumped.…”

Mechanical and Microstructural Properties of Geopolymer Concrete Containing Fly Ash and Sugarcane Bagasse Ash

“…The disparity in reactivity across components impacts the geopolymerization process and directly affects the geopolymer's strength [36]. On the other hand, SCBA is a globally accessible byproduct that converts bagasse into energy by combustion in boilers [37]. The yearly SCBA production is anticipated to reach 48-60 million tons based on yield [38], and if dumped recklessly will cause an environmental problem.…”