Evaluating the Effects of Sugarcane-Bagasse Ash and Rice-Husk Ash on the Mechanical and Durability Properties of Mortar

Abstract

The influence of sugarcane-bagasse ash (SCBA) and rice-husk ash (RHA) as cement replacement materials on the mechanical and durability properties of mortars was investigated in this study. Portland cement was replaced by RHA and SCBA at a rate of 1–3% and 1–25% by weight of cementitious materials, respectively. Also, ternary mixtures were prepared by the incorporation of both additives. Replacement dosages were selected based on the former research studies to cast the mortar. Additionally, a control mixture, containing only cement, was prepared to clarify the effectiveness of replacement materials. Compressive strength tests were conducted to evaluate the mechanical performances of the specimens. In addition, the transport tests (water absorption and capillary absorption), electrical resistivity, rapid chloride migration test (RCMT), and acid resistance of mortars were evaluated in order to investigate the effect of SCBA and RHA on the durability properties of mortar. Results showed that RHA was more effective at enhancing the mechanical properties of mortars than SCBA. However, according to the durability tests’ results, both SCBA and RHA were found to be effective since ternary mixtures were more durable when compared to the control mixture.