Physical, Mechanical and Durability Properties of Ecofriendly Ternary Concrete Made with Sugar Cane Bagasse Ash and Silica Fume

Mechanical and physical characteristics of concrete mixed with sugarcane bagasse ash and recycled polyethylene terephthalate

The goal of this study was to produce sustainable concrete by reducing reliance on cement, which contributes to high carbon footprints, and natural sand, which is being depleted. Sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) was used to partially replace cement at 5 %, 10 %, and 15 %, while recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET) was used to partially replace sand at 5 %, 10 %, 15 %, and 20 %. The effects of these substitutions on concrete's mechanical and physical properties were examined after 28 days of water curing. The study observed a decrease in fresh density by 0.36 %-2.67 % with SCBA and RPET inclusion. The slump values ranged between 93 mm and 140 mm, indicating good workability. The reference concrete's compressive strength was 39.65 MPa, while the mix with 5 % SCBA and 10 % RPET achieved 38.23 MPa. This mix also showed a 1.2 % higher split tensile strength than the reference concrete. Although the reference concrete's flexural strength was the highest at 4.56 MPa, all SCBA-RPET mixes remained within 86 % of this value. All modified mixes weighed less than the reference concrete, with the compressive strength-to-weight ratio of the mix with 5 % SCBA and 10 % RPET being closest to the reference mix with only a 2.44 % reduction. These findings suggest that SCBA and RPET can be effectively used to produce sustainable concrete with comparable mechanical properties to conventional concrete.

Analysis of the Mechanical Properties of a Stabilized Subgrade Type Soil under a Sustainable Approach for Construction

This article presents an experimental study to analyze the mechanical properties of a soil stabilized with ordinary Portland cement (OPC) under a sustainable approach consisting of a significant substitution of OPC for sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) to reduce the quantity of cement used in the stabilization, reaching the necessary mechanical requirements for its use as a subgrade layer. Soil specimens were elaborated with 3%, 5%, and 7% OPC as a stabilizing agent by weight of the soil. These mixtures were then partially substituted with 25%, 50%, and 75% SCBA, with these percentages being by weight of the stabilizer (OPC). Compaction, compressive strength, and California bearing ratio (CBR) tests were performed to evaluate the mechanical properties of the specimens. The results indicate that a 25% substitution of OPC by SCBA shows a similar performance to the mixture with only Portland cement, so a reduction in OPC use can be made. Further, with a substitution of 100% OPC by SCBA, the CBR of natural soil without stabilizers is improved.

New Frontiers in Cementitious and Lime-Based Materials and Composites

Cement and lime currently are the most common binders in building materials. However, alternative materials and methods are needed to overcome the functional limitations and environmental footprint of conventional products. This Special Issue is entirely dedicated to “New frontiers in cementitious and lime-based materials and composites” and gathers selected reviews and experimental articles that showcase the most recent trends in this multidisciplinary field. Authoritative contributions from all around the world provide important insights into all areas of research related to cementitious and lime-based materials and composites, spanning from structural engineering to geotechnics, including materials science and processing technology. This topical cross-disciplinary collection is intended to foster innovation and help researchers and developers to identify new solutions for a more sustainable and functional built environment.