Mechanical properties of lightweight concrete blocks containing bagasse ash

Limited availability of natural resources, pollution from the production of conventional building materials, and accumulation of unmanaged agro-waste have motivated the development of new technologies to recycle and convert waste materials into reusable ones. This study aimed to investigate the mechanical properties of bagasse-ash lightweight concrete blocks. The bagasse ash, obtained from the sugar industry, was used as a major raw material for the production of lightweight concrete blocks. It was found that sugarcane bagasse ash is a pozzolanic material combining of silica and alumina that helps strengthen the concrete. We designed 13 different mixing ratios using dried bagasse, black bagasse ash, and Portland cement (mixed with white bagasse ash) for the manufacture of concrete blocks. These blocks were kept for wet curing from 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. There was statistically significant relationship between the compressive strength and the mixtures of the three components. A mixture of 2% dried bagasse, 65.5-67.0% black bagasse ash, and 31.6-33.0% Portland cement gave the optimal compressive strength of around 2.85-4.54 MPa, which is about 0.5-1.5 times higher than that of commercially available lightweight concrete blocks. The results showed significant potential for utilization of agricultural solid waste in the production of building materials that are lightweight and sustainable. This allows researchers to promote the production of bagasse-ash lightweight concrete blocks to local farmers and entrepreneurs.