Synergetic use of ground granulated blast furnace slag and sugarcane bagasse ash to develop green concrete

Considering the need for sustainable materials, this research involves mechanical and microstructure studies of concrete including ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA). Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) was partially replaced by GGBS and SCBA and M sand was substituted in part by SCBA. The experimental studies included tests for compressive strength, tensile strength and flexural strength, along with microstructural analysis through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). The results shows that GGBS improves the workability of concrete, whereas SCBA tends to reduce it. In combination, these materials exhibit a complementary directing to a denser microstructure. The Strength of concrete with 35% replacement of OPC is comparable to that of the reference concrete. Based on test results an empirical relation was developed for the compressive and flexural strengths. The optimum mixes with 20-35 % binder replacement gives a carbon di oxide saving of 95-110 kg CO2/m3. Overall, the study summarizes that incorporating these materials supports the production of environmentally responsible concrete.