Performance evaluation of untreated sugarcane bagasse ash as partial replacement of cement on setting time and compressive strength of M15 concrete

Abstract

Due to its escalating cost, cement, the primary component of concrete, has become a significant issue in Nigeria over time. The use of agricultural wastes such as cow bones, periwinkle shells, rice husks,
and sugarcane bagasse as additives to partially replace cement has been made possible by scientific efforts to find alternative and effective materials from large deposits of agricultural wastes. This study    examines how adding sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) to concrete affects its strength properties. Sugarcane bagasse  ash was successfully included in various amounts (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10% by weight of cement). A mix design of 1:2:4 (M15) grade and a water-cement ratio of 0.5 was used to cast 60 concrete cubes measuring (150 x 150 x 150) mm. Concrete's workability and setting time were improved by adding sugarcane bagasse ash to the cement. The outcome revealed a reduction in concrete density with an increase in percentage replacement of sugarcane bagasse ash. Addition of sugarcane bagasse ash to cement increased the concrete's workability and speed of setting. The results showed that concrete density decreased as sugarcane bagasse ash replacement percentage increased. This is not unrelated to the fineness of sugarcane bagasse ash, which makes the cementitious matrix and aggregate interface more intense and lighter. Concrete's compressive strength was discovered to be decreased by the usage of sugarcane bagasse ash. Between 0, 2.5, 7.5, and 10% sugarcane bagasse ash, the average compressive strength measured at 28 days was found to be 25.93, 25.19, 23.70, 20.30, and 18.96 MPa, respectively. 10% sugarcane bagasse ash concentration was suggested as the optimal level to employ for improving concrete characteristics.