Utilization of sugarcane bagasse ash in binary, ternary, and quaternary blended cement concrete –A waste to Wealth approach

Abstract

The rapid growth of infrastructure has led to a substantial increase in cement demand, resulting in high carbon emissions from cement production and contributing to global warming. Simultaneously, the disposal of sugarcane bagasse ash is rising, causing significant environmental pollution. Using bagasse ash as a partial substitute for cement in concrete presents a promising solution to both issues, by reducing cement usage and mitigating disposal problems. Currently existing studies focussed on the influence of usage of bagasse ash in binary blended concrete, however a comprehensive review on the utilization of bagasse ash in binary, ternary, and quaternary blended concrete is highly limited. Therefore, this study provides a systematic review of the synergistic use of bagasse ash with other potential supplementary materials to produce bagasse ash-based binary, ternary, and quaternary blended concrete. This study not only offers solution to global environmental challenges buts also promotes the use of alternative materials in concrete production worldwide. The study evaluates the fresh, mechanical, and durability properties of bagasse ash blended binary, ternary, and quaternary concretes. Results indicate that binary concrete with bagasse ash demonstrates a 10%–20% increase in compressive strength compared to reference concrete at an optimal replacement level of 20%. In ternary and quaternary blends, cement can be replaced by up to 40% without compromising strength. Notably, ternary blends incorporating bagasse ash with materials such as palm oil fuel ash or rice husk ash exhibit enhanced strength and durability properties. The addition of bagasse ash in binary, ternary, and quaternary blended concrete reduces workability of blended concretes but enhances resistance against chloride ion penetration, air permeability, and water permeability.