RESEARCH PROPOSAL

TOPIC

“Laboratory testing of flat slabs for their structural applications prepared with sugarcane bagasse
ash as a partial cement substitution in concrete”

Introduction:

The usage of environmentally friendly and sustainable building materials has attracted a lot of attention recently. A
by-product of the sugarcane industry called sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) has demonstrated potential as a cement
substitute in concrete. Concrete technology has improved significantly over the past century, providing stronger, more
versatile materials that can withstand modern demands. Concrete is the most important material used in construction,
so a lot of research and effort goes into making it better in terms of sustainability and durability[1]. Currently, research
is being carried out to find ways to make concrete eco-friendlier by using additives like agricultural/industrial waste,
to counterbalance the greenhouse effect. It has commonly been assumed that agricultural/industrial-waste-based
Cementitious materials can ameliorate the quality of concrete[2]. There is a lot of industrial and agricultural waste
produced each year that has no other use.

However, most of the concrete used for construction contains cement, which contributes CO2 in the
atmosphere and affects the environment hazardously if we count china only, cement production emissions reached
818.2 metric tonnes in 2019[2-3] The construction and concrete industry releases a large quantity of CO2 and thus is
a serious contributor to climate breakdown. This has serious implications for human health and the environment. The
United Nations is urging for more eco-friendly concrete and manufacturing practices by 2050. As they look for ways
to become more sustainable, researchers are exploring substitutes for cement in concrete that have minimal to no
greenhouse gas carbon release. Some engaging and auspicious sustainable concrete way outs have been evolved,
although this research is even so in its early phases[5].

The UN is hoping to achieve zero carbon emissions from industries by the year 2050 in order to put a stop to
global heating temperatures from attaining 1.5C and exceeding[6]. As the cities grow and the population increases,
the need for concrete will increase exponentially. However, researchers are finding ways to replace traditional concrete
ingredients with waste materials, which could help to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide[7].

Literature Review:

The construction industry's carbon footprint has prompted researchers to explore alternative materials that
can reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with cement production. Sugarcane bagasse ash, a
byproduct of sugarcane processing, offers a sustainable solution as a pozzolanic material for cement
substitution in concrete. The use of SCBA in flat slab applications could potentially contribute to more
environmentally friendly and cost-effective construction practices.

• Pozzolanic Properties of Sugarcane Bagasse Ash:

SCBA is a fine, amorphous material rich in silica and alumina, which exhibits pozzolanic properties when properly
processed. Several studies have confirmed the pozzolanic reactivity of SCBA when used as a partial cement
replacement in concrete[8-9].

• Mechanical Properties of SCBA Concrete:

Laboratory testing has been conducted to assess the mechanical properties of concrete mixes with varying SCBA
content. Compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, and modulus of elasticity are critical parameters
evaluated in these studies. Researchers have reported that SCBA substitution can lead to a reduction in early-age
strength but can achieve comparable or even superior long-term strength[10-11].

• Durability Aspects:
Durability is a crucial consideration in the assessment of any construction material. Studies have examined the
durability performance of SCBA concrete, including resistance to chloride ingress, sulfate attack, and carbonation.
Results have shown that SCBA inclusion can enhance the concrete's resistance to chloride penetration and sulfate
attack[12-13].
• Environmental Sustainability:
The environmental impact of cement production has encouraged the exploration of sustainable alternatives. SCBA
utilization in concrete reduces the demand for cement, leading to lower carbon dioxide emissions and energy
consumption. Life cycle assessment studies have indicated the potential environmental benefits of SCBA concrete in
terms of reduced global warming potential and ecological footprint[14-15].

• Structural Performance in Flat Slabs:

Flat slabs are widely used in building construction due to their versatility and cost-effectiveness. Research on the
structural performance of flat slabs constructed with SCBA concrete is limited but promising. Preliminary studies
have demonstrated the feasibility of using SCBA concrete in flat slab applications while meeting relevant design codes
and safety requirements[16].

Problem Statement:
The construction industry is one of the major contributors to global carbon emissions due to the high demand
for cement production. In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on finding sustainable alternatives to
traditional cement in concrete mixtures to reduce environmental impact without compromising structural integrity.
One such alternative is the utilization of sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) as a partial cement substitution in concrete.

While several studies have investigated the pozzolanic properties and cement replacement potential of SCBA[8-9],
there is still a need for comprehensive research on the laboratory testing and structural applications of SCBA concrete
in real-world construction scenarios.

The problem statement revolves around the lack of sufficient data and understanding regarding the mechanical
properties, durability, and structural performance of flat slabs prepared with SCBA concrete. Although preliminary
studies have shown promising results in terms of mechanical strength[10-11] and durability of SCBA concrete, there
is a limited number of studies specifically focusing on its use in flat slabs.[12-13]

The structural behavior and load-carrying capacity of flat slabs constructed with SCBA concrete require thorough
investigation to ensure their safety and applicability in real-world construction projects. Moreover, there are challenges
related to SCBA variability, standardization of mix designs, and the long-term performance of SCBA concrete that
need to be addressed.[16]

Research gap:

The term "zero carbon concrete" refers to concrete that doesn't produce carbon emissions when it dries. This
includes concrete made with sustainable materials like treated ashes from raw materials, as well as concrete made with
factory waste products like geopolymer concrete and rubber crumbs. In recent past, a lot of research has been
conducted on concretes. However, these materials have not been widely used in construction yet[5]. Therefore, further
use of green concrete and its applications in construction can be explored further. This study project seeks to examine
the structural performance of flat slabs made of SCBA-contained concrete, with a particular emphasis on whether they
are appropriate for structural applications.

Object of the exercise:

The foremost purpose of this work is to measure how well cement concrete made with SCBA performs to reduce
carbon-foot print in the environment and to investigate the behavior of flat slabs under different loading conditions as
well.

Specific objectives:
 To check out impact on mechanical characteristics of concrete of using SCBA as a partial cement
 To evaluate the structural performance of flat slabs made with SCBA concrete under various loading
conditions.
 To compare the structural behaviour and performance of SCBA concrete flat slabs with conventional concrete
flat slabs.
 To analyse the durability and long-term performance of SCBA concrete flat slabs through appropriate
laboratory tests.
Methodology:
The experimental plan consists of conducting a comprehensive study in collective results from specimens.

1. Description of the Materials:

• Collect and characterize the Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SCBA) obtained from local sugarcane mills.
• Evaluate the physical and chemical properties of SCBA, including particle size distribution, specific
gravity, chemical composition, and pozzolanic activity.
• The raw bagasse ash will undergo the treatment process by drying in the furnace at a certain temperature,
sieving across a 75-μm sieve, and then again back in the heating system.
• The chemical composition and morphology will be explored by applying non-destructive analytical
technique (XRF), x-ray picture, the screening electron microscope, and energy-dispersive x-ray
examination.
2. Mix Design:
• Develop concrete mixtures with varying percentage of SCBA as partial cement substitution.
• Optimize the mix design based on workability, compressive strength, and other relevant mechanical
properties.
3. Mechanical Properties Testing:
• Conduct laboratory tests to determine the fresh and hardened properties of SCBA concrete, such as
slump, density, compressive strength, flexural strength, and modulus of elasticity.
• Compare the results with those of conventional concrete to evaluate the influence of SCBA on these
properties.
4. Flat Slab Construction:
 Design and construction of flat slabs specimens using SCBA concrete and convention concrete.
 Ensure uniformity in reinforcement detailing, slab dimensions, and boundary conditions.
 A set of specimens for flat slabs with dimensions suited to the testing machine will be cast.
 Prepared Specimens will undergo a testing process and be tested for flexural and shear strength. 3D
models for tested slabs will also be created using the ETABS software.
5. Structural Performance Testing:
• Apply various static and dynamic loading conditions on the flat slab specimens.
• Monitor deflections, cracking behavior, and ultimate load-carrying capacity.
• Record failure modes and failure loads.
6. Durability Assessment:
• Perform tests to evaluate the durability of SCBA concrete flat slabs, including chloride ion penetration,
carbonation resistance, and water absorption.
• Analyze the long-term performance of SCBA concrete in terms of durability and sustainability.

Expected results:
The study hopes to achieve the practical use of green concrete in the industry and further contribution to
sustainability by improving the engineering properties of structural elements. This research desires to achieve better
improvements in flexural and shear strength of flat slabs.

 An understanding of the influence of SCBA on the mechanical properties of concrete.

 Comparative analysis of the structural behavior and performance of SCBA concrete flat slabs with conventional
concrete flat slabs.
 Recommendations of the optimal replacement percentage of cement with SCBA in concrete for flat slabs
applications.
 Insights into the durability and long-term performance of SCBA concrete.

Significance and Impact:

This study will help lessen the environmental impact of cement manufacturing by promoting the sustainable use
of sugarcane bagasse ash in the building sector. The information will enable engineers and building experts to
make well-informed choices when using SCBA as a partial cement substitute in concrete for flat slab applications.
Project Timeline:

2024-2025
Research phases
Fabruary to May to August to November to
April July October January
Literature review and material
characterization
Mix design optimization and mechanical
properties testing
Flat slab construction
Structural performance testing
Durability assessment
Data analysis and report writing

Conclusion:

This research proposal outlines a comprehensive laboratory testing program to investigate the structural
performance of flat slabs prepared with sugarcane bagasse ash as a partial cement substitution in concrete.
The results of this research will provide valuable insights into the use of SCBA as a sustainable
construction material and contribute to the development of more environmentally friendly concrete
structures.

References:

[1] F. U. A. Shaikh, ‘Mechanical and durability properties of fly ash geopolymer concrete containing recycled
coarse aggregates’, International Journal of Sustainable Built Environment, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 277–287,
2016, doi: 10.1016/j.ijsbe.2016.05.009.

[2] N. Bheel, C. Kennedy, P. Awoyera, S. Sohu, and S. A. Abbasi, ‘Comparative Study on Mechanical
Properties of Concrete Blended with Costus englerianus Bagasse Ash and Bagasse Fibre as Partial
Replacement for Lime and Cement’, Advances in Civil Engineering, vol. 2022, 2022, doi:
10.1155/2022/8900167.

[3] R. Rehan and M. Nehdi, ‘Carbon dioxide emissions and climate change: policy implications for the cement
industry’, Environ Sci Policy, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 105–114, Apr. 2005, doi: 10.1016/J.ENVSCI.2004.12.006.

[4] S. Liao, D. Wang, C. Xia, and J. Tang, ‘China’s provincial process CO2 emissions from cement production
during 1993–2019’, Sci Data, vol. 9, no. 1, Dec. 2022, doi: 10.1038/s41597-022-01270-0.

[5] M. Wasim, A. Abadel, B. H. Abu Bakar, and I. M. H. Alshaikh, ‘Future directions for the application of
zero carbon concrete in civil engineering – A review’, Case Studies in Construction Materials, vol. 17, Dec.
2022, doi: 10.1016/j.cscm.2022.e01318.

[6] ‘Global Warming of 1.5°C’.

[7] ‘Hoddinott: The role of cement in the 2050 low carbon economy - Google Scholar’.
https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=The%20role%20of%20cement%20in%20the%202050%20l
ow%20carbon%20economy&author=P.%20Hoddinott&publication_year=2013#d=gs_cit&t=166696125701
 9&u=%2Fscholar%3Fq%3Dinfo%3AWrORdy3W23AJ%3Ascholar.google.com%2F%26output%3Dcite%2
6scirp%3D0%26hl%3Den (accessed Oct. 28, 2022).

[8] Ferreira, R. C., Sales, A., Pinto, P. F., & Medeiros-Junior, R. A. (2018). Sugarcane bagasse ash as a partial
substitute for Portland cement in the mortar. Construction and Building Materials, 166, 605-612.

[9] Singh, R. K., Sarker, P. K., Sharma, A., & Labbé, S. (2019). Review on sugarcane bagasse ash based
geopolymer concrete. Journal of Cleaner Production, 228, 672-686.

[10] Tiwari, S., Roy, P., Sarker, P. K., & Labbé, S. (2020). Mechanical properties and durability of geopolymer
concrete incorporating sugarcane bagasse ash. Construction and Building Materials, 247, 118581.

[11] Gupta, A. P., Mehta, P. K., & Siddique, R. (2021). Influence of sugarcane bagasse ash on the mechanical
and durability properties of concrete: A review. Construction and Building Materials, 266, 121151.

[12] Elchalakani, M., Bagheri, M., & Nguyen, K. T. Q. (2019). Durability properties of concrete containing
sugarcane bagasse ash as a supplementary cementitious material. Construction and Building Materials, 208,
682-693.

[13] Li, Y., Han, M., Liu, L., & Chen, W. (2021). Sulfate attack resistance of eco-friendly concrete incorporating
sugarcane bagasse ash. Construction and Building Materials, 266, 121372.

[14] Villar-Cociña, E., Palacios, M., & Payá, J. (2018). Environmental impact of concretes with sugarcane
bagasse ash as a pozzolan. Journal of Cleaner Production, 198, 1389-1399.

[15] Tang, Y., Zuo, M., Zillante, G., & Yuan, H. (2020). Life cycle assessment of concrete incorporating
sugarcane bagasse ash. Journal of Cleaner Production, 242, 118453.

[16] Fernández-Carrasco, L. J., Fuente-Alonso, J. A., & Sena-Cruz, J. M. (2022). Structural behavior of flat slabs
with sugarcane bagasse ash concrete under different load scenarios. Case Studies in Construction Materials,
17, e00800.