International Journal of

Advanced Structures and Geotechnical Engineering

ISSN 2319-5347, Vol. 04, No. 01, January 2015

Bagasse ash utilization as viscosity modifying agent to produce an

economical self compacting concrete
USMAN AMJAD1, SYED AZMAT ALI SHAH1, ZEESHAN AHAD2
Department of Civil Engineering, Iqra National University Peshawar, Pakistan
Email: [email protected]

Abstract: In this research for viscosity modifying agent in place of an expensive admixture, the usage of
bagasse ash is assessed. Super Plasticizer values are kept constant and Bagasse ash is added in different
proportions and a study is carried out on its hardened and fresh properties. Results indicated to the possibility of
utilizing bagasse ash to develop an economical SCC. Different mixes of concrete (including Control Concrete
and Blended mixes) displayed the slump flow values in the range of 313 mm to 675 mm, L-box ratio from 0.9 to
0.8 and flow time from 1.4 seconds to no flow were obtained for the fresh state of concrete. Two mixes out of
five met the requirements recommended by the European guide lines for making self-compacting concrete
(EFNARC). Self-compacting blended mixes of bagasse ash at 28 and 56 days showed comparable results with
control concrete with a cost reduction of 43.23%. The outcomes of this research will positively affect the
commercial construction scenario of Pakistan and bring economical and environmental safety benefits as
bagasse ash is locally available free of cost, which is wasted in millions of tons every year without any usage in
construction.

Keywords: Admixtures, Bagasse Ash, Construction, Economical, Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC)

1. Introduction:
With the passage of time as the technology of quality of concrete. Compaction, time saving,
structural engineering is getting advanced, reduced labour cost and conserving energy are the
accordingly advancement is coming in modern advantages. The need for remedial measures can be
design of reinforced concrete. Desired strength, reduced by improving the quality of surface finish.
durability and homogeneity is achieved by SSC has very eye-catching properties in the fresh
compaction of normal concrete which is the major state and also hardened state that is why its practice is
portion of the structure. It doesn’t matter how well it spreading in the entire world. SCC use will provide
is produced how well its quality is if it is not to us a very industrialized production. Manual
compacted to an adequate amount its desired ultimate compaction of normal concrete will be replaced by it
strength will not achieve. Untrained labor is used for and it will give health and safety to construction sites
compaction of concrete and the monitoring of due to its self-automated placing technology but this
compaction is also hectic. Hence the endorsed concrete requires more intensive care and handling
techniques do indicate the quality of concrete which then ordinary concrete.
is being poorly compacted on site.
Furthermore vibrations can cause white ‘finger 2. Experimental Investigation:
syndrome’ and noise pollution is created at the site of 2.1 Materials:
construction. Previous researches have shown that The materials along with specifications, which were
even a desired degree of compaction cannot achieve used for this experimental program, are summarized
homogenous and uniform concrete (Wallevik and below.
Nilsson, 1998). For a much extended period the 2.1.1 Cement:
option of removing the compaction from concrete Cement utilized was Ordinary Portland Cement
was in the mind of the structural engineers. (OPC) Askari Cement , Type I ASTM C150-04.
“Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) doesn’t require 2.1.2 Fine aggregate:
any inner or outer vibration for the compaction”. Natural sand (quarry site at Nizampur, Khairabad)
According to European Project Group (2005), SCC was used for mixing all samples. The sieve analysis
can be well-defined as “the concrete which under its was carried out under ASTM C136-01. The specific
self-weight has the ability to flow and compact, it gravity and the percentage absorption was calculated
fills the formwork without the necesity of any surplus under ASTM C128-01.
compaction and maintains uniformity even in
condense reinforcemnent forms”. 2.1.3 Coarse aggregate:
SCC was first proposed in 1986 by Okamura at Crushed limestone (quarry site at Bassay, Peshawar)
Kochi University of Technology, Japan (Barbhuiya having upper bound of 20 mm was used as coarse
and Nimityongskul, 2005). Basic principle of SCC aggregate. Two different nominal sizes were mixed,
was introduced by these pioneers. During casting of namely, 10 mm and 20 mm. The mixing ratio of 10
concrete it offers the best solution for maintaining mm to 20 mm aggregates was 1:1 by weight. The

IJASGE 040109 Copyright © 2015 BASHA RESEARCH CENTRE. All rights reserved
 USMAN AMJAD, SYED AZMAT ALI SHAH, ZEESHAN AHAD

sieve analysis was carried out under ASTM C136-01. CM refers to the Control Mix made by combining
The specific gravity and the percentage absorption VMA with it.
were determined under ASTM C127-01. Likewise, in SCC-5B, 5B refers to the percent dosage
of the Bagasse ash by weight of binder content. The
2.1.4 Superplasticizers: Specific codes listed above characterizes mix having
A conventional high range water reducing admixture, 5 percent of Bagasse ash. A photograph of sample is
named Ultra Super Plast 310 (two % by weight of shown in Fig 2.1
binder for control concrete and blended mixes) was
used to accomplish greater workability and
placeability..
The superplasticizer for viscosity is commercially
branded as Sika Viscocrete 1 and was used for
making the control concrete.

2.1.5 Bagasse Ash:

Bagasse is a waste material of sugarcane industry and
the ash produced by burning it is termed as bagasse
ash. For this study, bagasse ash was obtained from
Premier Sugar Mill, Mardan. Los Angles Abrasion
machine was used for the grinding purpose. Bagasse
ash was ground by giving total 2500 revolutions. The
resulting ash was then sieved through sieve no.

Table 2.1: Design of Concrete Mixes

Ultra Super
W/ Fine Viscocrete
Cemen Coarse Plast 310
Mix C Water Bagasse aggregat (% by
t aggregate (% by
Design rati kg/m3 ash e Weight of
kg/m3 kg/m3 Weight of
o kg/m3 kg/m3 binder)
binder)
SCC-
0.45 225 500 - 875 750 2 2
CM
SCC-5B 0.43 225 550 25 963 750 2 -
SCC-
0.41 225 550 50 963 750 2 -
10B
SCC-
0.39 225 550 75 963 750 2 -
15B
SCC-
0.37 225 550 100 963 750 2 -
20B

100. Retained ash was discarded and ash passing

through this sieve was again ground for total 500
revolutions. The ash was further sieved through sieve
no. 200 and the passing ash was used for
experimental purpose. The ash was tightly packed in
the polythene bag and was stored in dry place before
use. The quantity of ash required for the mix samples
as calculated in the mix design was recovered from
this process. Bagasse ash was used as “5, 10, 15 and
20” percent by weight of cement. Each percentage
was further combined with the 2% quantity of
superplasticizer for flowability.
Figure 1: Designation of Samples
2.2 Specimen Designation:
Abreviations were used to designate specimens,
namely SCC-CM and SCC-5B e.t.c. In case of SCC-
CM, SCC stands for Self Compacting Concrete and

International Journal of Advanced Structures and Geotechnical Engineering

ISSN 2319-5347, Vol. 04, No. 01, January 2015, pp 40-46
 Bagasse ash utilization as viscosity modifying agent to produce an economical self compacting concrete

2.3 Mix Proportions: lower bound for SCC slump flow value is 650mm.
A Number of 5 mixes were casted including one Concrete mixes might segregate with slump flow
control concrete mix and 4 mixes with varying value of 700mm and higher and the concrete mix is
quantities of bagasse ash. Mix design Matrix for inevitably to have lesser flow when slump value is
experiment is given in Table 2.1. 500mm or lesser.

2.4 Preparation and casting of specimens: 2.5.3 L - Box Test:

From each concrete mix, nine 150 mm x 300 mm Procedure is derived from EFNARC guidelines. For
cylinders were casted. SCC filling and passing ability can be found by this
These cylinders were casted without vibration and test. One can visually detect if there is an instability
were used for finding 7, 28 and 56 days strength. All in the mix.Geometry of this apparatus is that its shape
the moulded specimen were kept in covering of is L – type, a rectangular box with a movable gate at
plastic sheets after casting for 24 ± 8 hours. After 1 the other end and having strips of steel fitted. Fill the
day the specimen were removed from cylinder vertical section with concrete with lower gate closed.
moulds and were shifted to moist curing tubs for Then lift the gate and allow the concrete to flow
25°C until required for testing. through the horizontal section . Measure the height of
the concrete at the end of the plan section when the
2.5 Testing of specimens: flow stops. This height is expressed as aatio of that
One must keep in mind that there are no strict and remaining height in the vertical section. When at rest
standard methods for testing SCC. The test it represents the slope of concrete.
procedures stated here are descriptive. They are core The test is carried out with 14 L of concrete
methods, which are derived specially for SCC by approximately. Set the L- box on a level and smooth
EFNARC 2002 guidelines. surface. Check whether the sliding gate is in a
Following points should be taken in care condition to be opened and closed on will and
whileperforming these tests:- smoothly. Moisten the inside surface of the assembly.
• There hasn’t been a single test that can measure all Fill the vertical section of concrete (completely) and
the three properties of SCC namely fillability, leave it for 1 minute to settle. Lift the sliding gate and
passability and segregation resistance which are allow the concrete to flow out in the plan section.
compulsory for SCC. Measure the heights H2 and H1 when the flow is
• The site performance and results have no relation. stopped. Measure the blocking ratio(H2/H1). Within
• For SCC No clear guidance can be imparted 5 minutes complete the entire test.
because data isn’t very precise.
• Advise of identical tests is recommended. 2.5.4 Deducing Results:
• For an upper bound of 20mm aggregate size these If the H2/H1 = 1 then concrete will flow freely and
tests are advised. stay horizontal when static. Hence, for good flow of
concrete the value of blocking ratio must be near to
2.5.1 Slump Flow Test: one. The EFNARC guide (EFNARC 2005) gives a
Procedure is derived from EFNARC guidelines. A range of 0.8 to 1.0 for this ratio. Furthermore, one
good idea of Fillabilty can be stated by this test. Note can visually analyse the aggregate blocking behind
that this test can not be compared with the actual the reinforcement bars.
behavior of concrete on site,however it can be used to
find the consistency of ready mixed concrete supply 2.5.5 V-Funnel Test At T 5min :
on site very effectively. Procedure is derived from EFNARC guidelines.
To carryout the test we need 6L of concrete Measuring flowability and segregation resistance of
aproximately. Moisten the smooth floor surface on SCC is the purpose of this test. The test was
which concrete is to be placed. Then moisten the developed in Japan. This test is invented to measure
inner surface of slump cone. Decisively Held the flow but flow has no effect on its properties. It is
slump cone. Fill the cone with concrete. Remove any effected by other concrete properties.. The test
surplus concrete from base of the slump cone and procedure is described as follows.
don’t do tamping. Concrete is allowed to flow out The test can be carried out by approximately 12 L of
freely by raising the cone vertically. Meaure the concrete. Moisten the inside surfaces of assembly and
diameter of the concrete spreaded in perpendicular set it gently on the floor. Place a bucket beneath the
directions. Calcultae the average of two diameters in assembly and close the trap door. Fill the assembly
units of mm. (completely) and don’t do any temping . Open the
trap after 10 seconds when the assembly is filled. Let
2.5.2 Deducing Results: the concrete to flow under its own weight. Record the
As per EFNARC guidelines (EFNARC,2005) slump time of discharge via stop watch immediately after
flow from 650 mm to 800 mm is recommended. The opening the trap outlet. Perform the entire test within
fillabilty of SCC increases under its own weight 5 minutes. After measuring the flow time refill the
when slump flow values are increased. For SCC funnel immediately to measure the flow at T5minutes

International Journal of Advanced Structures and Geotechnical Engineering

ISSN 2319-5347, Vol. 04, No. 01, January 2015, pp 40-46
 USMAN AMJAD, SYED AZMAT ALI SHAH, ZEESHAN AHAD

with trap door closed. Without any temping fill the 3.1.2 Slump flow test results:
whole apparatus. The trap door is opened 5 minutes Slump flow crossed both the lower bound and upper
after the second fill of the funnel and the concrete is bound of SCC and was found to be between 313 mm
allowed to flow out under gravity. Record the time of to 675 mm . Only Control mix and SCC-5B qualified
discharge via stop watch with trap door opened, it to be with in the permissible limits of SCC. From the
will give the flow time at T5minutes. results it is clear that keeping the superplastcizer
value constant, the values of slump flow kept on
2.5.6 Deducing Results: decreasing as the bagasse ash was added with each of
If flow is of higher magnitude flow time will be the blended mixes.
smaller. Recommended flow time is 10 secs for SCC.
As per EFNARC guide (EFNARC 2005), the Table 3.2. Slump Flow Test Results
minimum and maximum time of flow are 6 and 12 Mix Average slump
seconds respectively and the recommended time for (650–800 mm)
V-funnel at T 5minutes is 3 seconds (maximum). SCC-CM 675
SCC-5B 612
3. Results and Discussion:
SCC-10B 474
3.1 Self compacting concrete fresh state
properties: SCC-15B 425
To determine fresh SCC charcteristics, various test SCC-20B 313
such as slump flow test, L-box test, V-funnel test (6-
12 Sec) and V- funnel T5minutes were performed.
The results of these tests are given and the results are
discussed as follows:

3.1.1 L - Box test results:

Result values varied from 0.9 to 0.7 for first 3 mixes
(SCC-CM, SCC-5B,SCC-10B) and passed with
convenience in between the steel bars (SCC-
15B,SCC20B) . The last two mixes were very
viscous and got stucked in the assembly. The results
are given in Table 3.1 and Figure 3.1 shows the
behavior of the Slump flow with bagasse ash
variation. Fig. 3.2. Slump flow vs Blended mixes of bagasse ash
Table 3.1. L-Box test results
Mix L – box
H2/H1(0.8–1) 3.1.3 V - Funnel at T5minutes test results:
SCC-CM qualified the limits of this test. SCC-5B
SCC-CM 0.9
and SCC-10B showed close values with the
SCC-5B 0.8
EFNARC guidelines. SCC-15B and SCC 20B were
SCC-10B 0.7 not in the permissible limits of EFNARC. Table 3.3
SCC-15B 0 shows the results for this test. Figure 3.3 shows the
SCC-20B 0 graphical analysis of the values.

Table 3.3 V - Funnel at T5minutes Test Results

Mix V - Funnel at T5 min.
(0– +3 sec)
SCC-CM 0.5
SCC-5B 1.4
SCC-10B 6
SCC-15B Stucked
SCC-20B Stucked

Fig.3.1. L – box flow values vs Blended mix of

bagasse ash

International Journal of Advanced Structures and Geotechnical Engineering

ISSN 2319-5347, Vol. 04, No. 01, January 2015, pp 40-46
 Bagasse ash utilization as viscosity modifying agent to produce an economical self compacting concrete

and results in higher density and strength. 20B2SP

mix had shown the decrease in strength, although it
had a higher quantity of bagasse ash. Neglecting the
fact that whether or not the mixes are with in SCC
limits, higher compressive strengths were attained
after 7 28 and 56 days both in control concrete and
blended mixes(keeping 2% SuperPlasticizer dosage).

Table 3.5. Compressice strength (7, 28 and 56 Days )

Compressive Strength of Cylinders
Specimen 7 days 28 days 56 days
Psi Mpa Psi Mpa Psi Mpa
Fig. 3.3. V Funnel time 5 min vs Blended mix of SCC-CM 2933 20 3480 24 3793 26
bagasse ash SCC-5B 2823 19 3237 22 3512 24
SCC-10B 3121 22 3561 25 3878 27
3.1.4 V - Funnel test results: SCC-15B 3389 23 3991 28 4302 30
SCC-CM and SCC-5B showed values close to SCC-20B 2679 18 3438 24 3713 26
EFNARC range. SCC-10B, SCC-15B and SCC-20B
were not in the permissible limits of SCC. Results
indicate that quantity of baggase ash added to each
blended mix increased the viscosity of concrete.
Table 3.4 Shows the results for this test. Figure 3.4
shows the graphical analysis of the values.
Table 3.4 V - Funnel Test Results
Mix V - funnel(6–12 sec)
SCC-CM 5.3
SCC-5B 7
SCC-10B 14
SCC-15B 18
SCC-20B Stucked
Fig. 3.5. Trend Line for Compressive strengths
(Mpa)

Fig. 3.4. V Funnel time-vs Blended mixes of bagasse

ash Fig.3.6. Compressive strength Comparison by Bar
Charts(Psi)
3.2 Compressive strength of SCC:
The results for compressive strength for 7,28 and 56 3.3 Hardened density of SCC:
days are displayed in Table 3.5 . The graphs are Control concrete achieved maximum density of 2382
displayed in (Fig. 3.5 to Fig. 3.6). kg/m3 with 2 percent of superplasticizer for
Highest compressive strength of 30 MPa after 56 flowability. Densities are given in Table 3.6 .The
days was developed by SCC-15B. Two mixes SCC- results in graphs are given in Figure 3.7. Density
10B and SCC-15B displayed incremented strengths reached its peak value for SCC-15B but after this
in contrast to control concrete. More quantity of point a fall in the graph was observed due to decrease
bagasse ash causes a reaction between calcium in powder content.SCC-15B achieved the maximum
hydroxide generated from the hydration of OPC, density which contained 2 percent of dosage of
which leads to the formation of additional C-S-H gel superplasticizer.

International Journal of Advanced Structures and Geotechnical Engineering

ISSN 2319-5347, Vol. 04, No. 01, January 2015, pp 40-46
 USMAN AMJAD, SYED AZMAT ALI SHAH, ZEESHAN AHAD

The fall in the graph when 15% B.A value was 2600

Density of Concrete (kg/m³)

exceeded, disclosed that bagasse ash filled the pores
entirely leaving no gaps when 15% B.A was used. 2500
This is due to the fact that the density is a function of
2400
specific gravity of bagasse ash when other
parameters such as cement and water contents are 2300
kept constant. B.A replaced the cement after filling
all the pores in concrete ,hence the density decreased 2200
because its specific gravity is lower then the value of
cement. 2100
0(CC) 5 10 15 20
Table 3.6. Density at 1 day of Cylinders Bagasse Ash (%)
For 7 For 28 For 56 Fig. 3.7. Density of hardened concrete at 1 day vs
Average
Specimen days days days Blended mixes of bagasse ash
(kg/m³)
(kg/m³) (kg/m³) (kg/m³)
SCC-CM 2377.9 2388 2383 2382 3.4 Cost analysis:
Table. 3.7 give the calculation. (As of February
SCC-5B 2410.7 2435 2432 2425 2013) cost of materials was obtained from the
SCC-10B 2450.2 2480.2 2481.1 2470 market. Those mixes were selected which exhibit
good strength results and were close to the limits
SCC-15B 2523 2520.9 2527.9 2523 of EFNARC guidelines .SCC-CM and SCC-15B
SCC-20B 2483.8 2474.7 2479.8 2494 were selected for cost analysis.

Table. 3.7. Cost Analysis

Control Concrete SCC with bagasse ash
(SCC-CM) (SCC-15B)
Rate
Material per kg Quantit
(rupees) amount Quantity amount
y
(rupees) (kg) (rupees)
(kg)

Cement 9 43 387 43 387

Coarse aggregate 0.198 75 14.85 75 14.85
Sand 0.105 65 6.825 65 6.825
Superplasticizer
(Ultra Super Plast 50 0.86 43 0.86 43
310)
Superplasticizer
400 0.86 344 - -
(Viscocrete)
Free of
Bagasse ash - - 6.42 -
cost
Total - - 795.675 - 451.675
Percent reduction in cost = 43.23

• By increasing different percentages of bagasse ash

4. Conclusions and Recommendation: with the same content of cement, SCC achieved the
4.1 Conclusions: slump flow values from 313 mm to 675mm, L -
Analyzing the experimental results obtained from the box values from 0 to 1, V - funnel vales from 0 to 18
fresh and hardened concrete tests carried out in this seconds and V - funnel at T5minutes values from 0 to
study. Conclusions are stated below: 6 seconds.The Best mix was Control Concrete and
• It is feasible to develop an economical SCC via blended mix with 5% bagasse ash which showed
B.A. By adding some percentage of B.A with the results in the range of EFNARC. SCC-15B and SCC-
constituents of concrete and superplasticizer, 20B were out of EFNARC limits.It is advised that
economical SCC can be made. Water to binder ratio before casting, a check shall be made on SCC fresh
has to be decreased while using bagasse ash as a properties.
viscosity enhancing material.

International Journal of Advanced Structures and Geotechnical Engineering

ISSN 2319-5347, Vol. 04, No. 01, January 2015, pp 40-46
 Bagasse ash utilization as viscosity modifying agent to produce an economical self compacting concrete

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International Journal of Advanced Structures and Geotechnical Engineering

ISSN 2319-5347, Vol. 04, No. 01, January 2015, pp 40-46