Influence of sugarcane bagasse ash on mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete

Portland cement is a crucial component of building and construction projects; however, its production emits harmful pollutants and contributes to climate change. The indiscriminate disposal of waste materials can also negatively impact the environment. This study aims to utilize agricultural and industrial waste materials for the production of Geo Polymer Concrete (GPC). Sugarcane bagasse was burned at controlled conditions, obtaining Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SCBA). Fly Ash (FA) was partially replaced with SCBA, ranging from 5% to 40%. These binary mixtures were mixed with 50% weight of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS). A 10 M of Sodium hydroxide solution and sodium silicate gel was prepared as an activating solution. Mechanical properties were tested on cube, cylinder, and prism specimens at 3,7,14 and 28 days curing. The strength results were modelled and compared with Ordinary Portland Cement Concrete (OPCC). The prediction of mechanical properties using various models from international standards and literatures was compared with experimental results. The results demonstrated that cube compressive and flexural strengths, as well as cylinder compressive and split tensile strengths, are closely related.