A Short Review on Improvement in Soil and Cement Properties by Addition of Bagasse Ash

Abstract

Bagasse is a fibrous substance left after the extraction of juice from sugarcane. It is used as a fuel in the sugarcane industry that produces steam for electricity generation throughout the world and the residue obtained after incineration is known as bagasse ash. The utilization of this waste obtained from sugarcane has proved to be profitable with respect to the economy and considering the environmental aspect as well. Bagasse ash is predominantly composed of silica, alumina, and iron oxide which is why it participates in the pozzolanic reactions. Bagasse ash is advantageous in multiple activities whether it be in combination with concrete or with soil. It improves the compressive strength of stabilized soil blocks and increases their water absorption property when used in the construction of lime stabilized soil blocks. Use of bagasse ash is also seen in ceramic industries for construction of tiles, bricks, etc. This paper portrays the effect of bagasse ash on various properties of concrete, expansive soils, kaolinite clay, lateritic soil, sandy loam soil, etc. The results of various tests like specific gravity, liquid limit, plastic limit, proctor compaction test, CBR test in soil and water absorption and compressive strength in concrete were analyzed and included in this paper. It was concluded that the addition of bagasse ash leads to improvement in the engineering properties of concrete and soil, contributes to the waste management burden, and also leads to a reduction in the cost of construction material.