Partial replacement of portland cement by bamboo ashes

Abstract

Partial replacement of Portland cement by industrial waste or materials of natural origin can improve the mechanical strength of concrete and mortar and reduce production cost. In this context, ash from burning bamboo appears as a potential material for use, as it is natural with a renewable source and fast growth, which presents a higher concentration of silica in the outer walls of the stalks. Therefore, the objective of this work is to evaluate the use of bamboo stalk ash (Bambusa Vulgaris) as a partial replacement for Portland cement. For this purpose, bamboo ash was produced at three calcination temperatures (500ºC, 600ºC and 700ºC). The ashes were not characterized as pozzolans based on their chemical composition, however the ash produced at 600ºC obtained a performance index higher than that established by the Standard. The hydration of cement partially replaced by this ash was evaluated, in proportions of 0%, 6%, 10% and 14%, in relation to its mass. Mortars with the same replacement proportions were evaluated in the fresh state and hardened. The consistency in the fresh state remained constant at 227 mm, while the compressive strength, in the hardened state, increased by 15% with the addition of bamboo stem ash.