Sugarcane Bagasse Ash-Blended Concrete for Effective Resource Utilization Between Sugar and Construction Industries

Sugarcane bagasse ash can be used as an alternative cementitious material. However, lack of performance evaluation hinders its effective utilization in concrete. Therefore, performance assessment of bagasse ash in concrete is essential and a combined utilization of bagasse ash and marble waste is not reported in the current literature. In the present study, sugarcane bagasse ash and marble waste were used in concrete as an alternative for cement and fine aggregate, respectively. Bagasse ash-blended concrete paver blocks were cast and performance evaluation of paver specimens in terms of compressive strength, breaking load, abrasion resistance, water absorption was determined. Incorporation of marble waste as an alternative material to the commonly used fine aggregate led to a significant improvement in abrasion resistance and marginal improvement in the compressive strength. Results from the experimental study showed that there was a significant improvement in strength and durability of bagasse ash-blended concrete specimens up to 20% replacement level when compared to the conventional concrete specimens.