Evaluation of physical and mechanical properties of concrete using sugarcane bagasse ash and fiberglass

Abstract

The construction sector is one of the world's largest emitters of CO2, primarily due to the environmental impact associated with Portland cement manufacturing. Simultaneously, the sugarcane agro-industrial chain generates large quantities of bagasse, the combustion of which produces sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA). This byproduct is often underutilized and causes environmental problems such as air quality degradation, soil disturbance, and water pollution. This study evaluates the sustainability potential and mechanical performance of concrete mixtures in which cement was partially replaced by SCBA at proportions of 7%, 12%, and 17%, combined with glass fibers (GF) at contents of 0.5% and 1.5%. Ten mix designs were prepared, with fifty cylindrical specimens using a multifactorial design. The results showed that all mixtures maintained appropriate temperatures and plastic consistency, with slumps between 76 and 102 mm. The best performance was obtained with 7% CBCA and 0.5% glass fibers, achieving a compressive strength of 23.6 MPa and an indirect tensile strength of 1.89 MPa, representing increases of 9.6% and 8.8%, respectively, compared to the control concrete. The environmental benefits are evident in the reduction of clinker consumption and the utilization of an abundant agro-industrial waste product, thus contributing to practices compatible with the circular economy strategies of the construction sector.