Sustainable concrete: Potency of sugarcane bagasse ash as a cementitious material in the construction industry

The aim of this research is to determine the mechanical and durability properties of sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) as a partial replacement to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) in concrete. The SCBA was partially replaced at the percentage of 5 %, 10 %, 15 % and 20 % by weight of cement for a mean target strength of 27 MPa. A slump range of 130–150 mm was maintained constant throughout the experiment procedures. A total of 120 cubes and 30 rectangular beams were tested and the results were compared with control concrete. To evaluate the behaviour of SCBA on concrete, different tests were conducted on the concrete specimens namely, compressive strength, flexural strength, water absorption, water penetration, carbonation and ultrasonic pulse velocity. The results demonstrated that at 120 days of curing, compressive strength increased by 2.6 % and 1.7 % for 5 % and 10 % replacement level. The water absorption increased by 255 %, 390 %, 438 % and 488 % for 5 %, 10 %, 15 % and 20 % replacement level. The other tests showed decreased flexural strength and ultrasonic pulse velocity and increased water penetration and carbonation depth. The study inferred that 10 % replacement of OPC by SCBA exhibited positive performances and can be considered a suitable cementitious material in the construction industry.