Experimental Study on Mechanical and Bonding Properties of Sugarcane Bagasse Ash Mortar
摘要
Sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA), by-product of sugar industry, rich in silica and pozzolanic properties, has emerged as a sustainable alternative to partially replace cement in construction materials. This study investigates the mechanical, bonding, and durability properties of 1:4 cement-to-sand ratio mortars incorporating sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA). The various mortar mixes were prepared incorporating SCBA, fly ash, and a combination of both. The compressive strength of the mortar cubes were tested. Microstructural properties were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis to identify phase compositions and hydration products, providing insights into the material's behavior. The bond strength of the brick masonry developed by the various mortar mixes have been tested with brick triplets to determine the shear bond strength of the brick masonry. The tests were conducted at14, 28 and 56 days of curing to investigate the effect of curing age. Mixes 15SCBA, 20FA, 7.5SCBA + 7.5FA, significantly improved the compressive strength of the mortar. The findings highlight the incorporation of SCBA promotes a sustainable alternative to conventional cement-based materials.