Enhancement of Mechanical Properties of Bagasse Ash Based Hollow Concrete Blocks using Silica Fumes as Admixtures

Abstract

Concrete is the world’s most consumed construction material because it combines good mechanical and durability properties. Place ability, work ability and it is relatively inexpensive. However cement production in values significant CO₂ emission which is known as the green house gas mostly important for the global warming. Cement which is one of the components of concrete plays a great role but is the most expensive and environmentally unfriendly material.

Each ton of the cement produce approximately one ton of CO₂ and the cement industry is responsible for about 5% of global anthropogenic CO₂ emission. As we know that the cement rise to CO₂ emissions generated by the calcinations of CaCO₃ and by the combustion of fossil fuels, being responsible for about 5% of the global CO₂ emissions. These emissions can be substantially reduced if 20% to 30% of bagasse ash is replaced in concrete industry. Thus that helps to maintain green effect in environmental conditions.

Considering these environmental effects, the utilization of Bagasse ash in hollow blocks is needed so as to minimize these complications.

Laboratory tests will be conducted for the samples at each percentage of cement replacement with an mineral admixture of silica fumes in the production of hollow concrete blocks for two different mixes such as 1:13 and 1:1:2.

The results indicate that up to 10% replacement of BASF in hollow concretes blocks can be considered as the optimum replacement level for load bearing structures for shorter length while 20% - 30% replacement level is useful for long term strength. The results holds good even for lean mix. Therefore it can be adopted for any mix proportion.

BA based hollow concrete blocks with 10% replacement of cement can be used for non-load bearing structures as per IS 2185.