The effect of bagasse ash on the compressive strength of concrete

Abstract

In this research work, the effect of bagasse ash in the production of concrete was investigated. A mix proportion of 1:1.8:3.7with water-cement ratio of 0.47 was used. The percentage replacement of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) with bagasse ash is 0, 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40%. Concrete cubes of 150 x 15 x 150 mm of OPC/bagasse ash were cast and cured at 3, 7, 28, 60 and 90 days respectively. At the end of each hydration period, the three concrete cubes for each hydration period were crushed and their average compressive strength recorded. Ninety (90) concrete cubes were cast. The result of the compressive strength test for 5-40% cement replacement, with bagasse ash ranges from 3.11 – 32.57 N/mm² 2 for the control test. Similarly, the setting time of 5-40% cement replacement with bagasse ash ranges from 1.50 – 14.20 hours for the initial setting time and 39.60 – 110.06 hours for the final setting time as against 0.8 hour and 9.80 hours for the initial and final setting time respectively for the control test (0% replacement).

Keywords: Bagasse, ash, compressive strength, Seeting time, concrete

International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences, 7(1): 32 - 36, 2011 ISSN: 0794 – 4713