Experimental Investigation on the Use of Bagasse Ash as a Partial Cement and Fine Aggregate Replacement in Concrete
Naseer Agha Shirzad
Civil Department, Civil Engineering, Khurasan University, Nangarhar, Afghanistan.
Najeebullah Momand
Department of Ecology and Nature Management, RUDN, University Moscow, Russia Federation.
Hussin Ahmad Hasrat
*
Civil Department, Civil Engineering, Khurasan University, Nangarhar, Afghanistan.
Bahirullah Rahmani
Civil Department, Civil Engineering, Khurasan University, Nangarhar, Afghanistan and Research and Development Department, Khurasan University, Nangarhar, Afghanistan.
Waqas Ahmad Omerzai
Civil Department, Civil Engineering, Khurasan University, Nangarhar, Afghanistan.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Due to the use of natural sand and Portland cement, the production of concrete becomes costly and detrimental to the environment. The byproduct of the agro-industrial industry, sugarcane bagasse ash (BA), has been identified as a viable substitute due to its abundance and pozzolanic nature. This research investigates the pozzolanic effect of bagasse ash as a partial replacement of both cement (0–30%) and fine aggregate (0–100%) on the compressive strength of concrete. The experimental program developed five mixtures comprising a control and four with the varying dual replacement levels. Change of compressive strength was recorded during a 7 and 28-day cycle, and the specimens were in the shape of regular cylinders. The results indicated a general decrease in strength with increasing BA replacement. The highest strength among BA mixes was achieved by the mix with 30% cement and 10% sand replacement, yet it represented a 35.2% reduction from the control. The strength reduction is attributed to the dilution of cementitious materials and insufficient pozzolanic activity from the BA. The optimal dual replacement level identified was 30% for cement and 10% for fine aggregate. Despite the compressive strength reductions, utilizing BA aligns with broader environmental benefits, reducing waste, conserving natural resources, and lowering carbon emissions, motivating its application in non-structural contexts.
Keywords: Bagasse ash, partial replacement, compressive strength, fine aggregate, cementitious material, sustainable concrete