Sustainable Utilization of Sugarcane Bagasse Ash in Concrete: Experimental Insights into Mechanical Performance

Abstract

This study evaluates the potential of Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SBA) as a partial substitute for Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) to enhance the sustainability and mechanical performance of concrete. Given that cement production is a significant contributor to global CO₂ emissions, the investigation focuses on the valorization of agricultural residue as a supplementary cementitious material. Concrete mixtures were prepared with SBA replacement levels of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%, and the resulting specimens were subjected to compressive and tensile strength testing at curing ages of 7, 14, and 28 days. The experimental results indicate that SBA replacement in the range of 5–10% leads to notable improvements in both compressive and tensile strengths, particularly at extended curing periods. This enhancement is attributed to the pozzolanic activity of SBA, wherein its amorphous silica content reacts with calcium hydroxide released during cement hydration to produce additional calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) gel, thereby refining the microstructure and enhancing matrix densification. Conversely, higher replacement levels (15–20%) resulted in strength reduction, likely due to the dilution of cementitious phases and insufficient pozzolanic contribution. Overall, the findings demonstrate that SBA, when used at optimal substitution levels, serves as a viable and environmentally responsible alternative to reduce cement consumption, lower construction costs, and promote effective waste utilization, contributing to more sustainable and resilient construction practices.