Performance characteristics of sugarcane bagasse ash and quarry dust in concrete

Abstract

India is one of the countries with the strongest agricultural production, hence leading to accumulation of the wastes and therefore leading pollution to the environment. Researchers are using different methods for using this agricultural and industrial waste by-products for construction purposes to safeguard natural sources like limestone, and river sand. By utilizing these materials in the construction sector, the material cost can be brought down to some extent and it also helps the environment to be free from pollution. This research paper object to the usage of Sugar Cane Bagasse Ash (SCBA) (Agricultural Waste) and Quarry Dust (Q.D) (Industrial Waste) as a partial substitution for cement and sand respectively to reduce the scarcity of the limestone and river sand. SCBA was replaced with cement in different levels of replacements 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, and 40% respectively. The different tests were done to find out the performance of the concrete and the results were compared with the conventional mix. SEM analysis was done to find out the particle dimensions and composition of the materials. The compressive strength of the specimens was increased upto the level of 35% and then it was noticed that the strength got decreased. The content of SCBA got decreased beyond 35% due to the material characterization and relatively more voids in the preparation of concrete specimens, resulting in the reduction of density of concrete. So that the test results are proven that the SCBA can be replaced by 35% (Optimum level).