Construction Products with Sugarcane Bagasse Ash Binder

Abstract

Sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) is an industrial by-product generated in large quantities from sugar industries employing the cogeneration process. It is commonly disposed of in landfills. The use of cogeneration plants, and subsequently the quantity of ash generated and disposed, has increased significantly in India and other developing economies. Moreover, disposal of sugarcane bagasse ash causes environmental pollution and reduction of useful land area. A number of earlier research studies have reported on the excellent pozzolanic characteristics of sugarcane bagasse ash in concrete. The present study is focused on the performance evaluation of sugarcane bagasse ash as an ingredient in construction materials such as alkali-activated concrete, paver blocks, and unburnt bricks. Results from the study showed significant improvement in the characteristics, specifically strength and durability of bagasse ash blended specimens. Sugarcane bagasse ash and slag-based ambient-cured geopolymer specimens showed enhancement in compressive strength and workability in comparison with slag-based geopolymer. No efflorescence was observed in SCBA-based unburnt bricks, but water absorption in SCBA unburnt bricks was higher compared with fly ash bricks. Sugarcane bagasse ash blended paver block specimens exhibited significant resistance against water penetration and sorption compared with control specimens.