Evaluation of Properties of Self-Compacting Concrete Incorporating Bagasse Ash

Abstract

Self-compacting concrete is an engineered concrete that flows and de-airs without additional energy input. It fills and envelops even the sophisticated forms of reinforcement. It has gained a notable importance over the past few years owing to the numerous advantages that it offers. Such concrete requires a high slump which can be achieved by the addition of superplasticizers to the concrete mix. However, special attention needs to be paid to the mix proportioning.

Bagasse ash is a by-product of the sugarcane industry. It is the ash that is left after the sugarcane bagasse is used in the cogeneration boilers in the sugar industries for producing steam and electricity. Disposal of Bagasse ash has become a problematic concern for sugar industries owing to the increased land requirements and environmental restrictions. It thus becomes a pressing need to find alternate solutions to this problem. One such solution is the utilisation of Bagasse ash in concrete. This serves the purpose of both land disposal and environmental concerns.

In this study, an experimental program was carried out to study the properties of Selfcompacting concrete (SCC) made with Bagasse ash. The mixes were prepared with four percentages (0, 5, 10 and 15) of Bagasse ash as partial replacement of cement. Properties investigated were; Slump-flow, V-funnel and L-box, Compressive strength, Splitting tensile strength, Chloride-ion penetration resistance and Water absorption. Compressive and splitting tensile strength tests were conducted at the age of 7 and 28 days. Rapid chloride-ion permeability test was carried at the age of 28 days and water absorption test was carried out at the age of 7 days after initial curing of 28 days.

Test results showed that there is an increase in the compressive and splitting tensile strength of the concrete specimens having up to 10% replacement level, however, there is a slight decrease at 15% level of replacement. Resistance to chloride-ion penetration of the specimens increased as the percentage of replacement was increased. The charge passed in all the specimens containing bagasse ash was lower than that of the specimen without bagasse ash. Water absorption of the specimens decreased up to 10% replacement level and increased at 15% level of replacement.