Characterization of Mixed Mortars with Partial Replacement of Sand with Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SCBA)

Abstract

This paper analyzes the effect of partial sand replacement by sugarcane bagasse ash in mixed mortars utilizing a 1:2:9 mix proportion by volume for cement, lime and fine aggregate. The ash is characterized by its particle distribution, pozzolanic activity, chemical composition, bulk density, moisture content and loss on ignition. The mortars are then produced with a constant water/cement ratio of 2.64 and a partial replacement of sand with sugarcane bagasse ash using different substitution percentages (0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%). The mortars are characterized in the plastic state: water retention, bulk density and air content, and in the hardened state: capillary coefficient, tensile strength by bending test, axial compressive strength and flexural and longitudinal Young’s modulus. The statistical analysis of the results showed that the ash can be incorporated into mortars without causing significant alterations in its properties.