Investigating the Influence of Bagasse Ash as a Partial Cement Replacement in Geopolymer Concrete Production

Abstract

The production of cement by the industry causes pollution to the environment; geopolymer concrete is an alternative construction material that has comparable mechanical properties to that of OPC and PPC consisting of aluminosilicates and alkali solutions Bagasse ash-based geopolymer concrete hardens through a process of geopolymerization. The hardening process requires heat activation at steam curing temperatures. Thus, Bagasse ash-based Geopolymer concrete will be an adequate construction material for in situ casting as heat curing will be uneconomical. The test is performed by replacing the cementitious material with Bagasse ash for different percentages (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%). Alkaline liquids (Sodium Hydroxide and Sodium, Silicate solution) mixed with proper ratio (Ratio of Na₂SiO₃ to NaOH is 2.0). A sodium hydroxide solution was made by dissolving NaOH solid in water. Sodium hydroxide solutions were prepared for 12 molar solid mass depending on the solution concentration. For 12 molar solutions, 480gm of NaOH pellet was mixed in 1000 ml of water.