Project Abstract

Abstract
This research project investigates the effect of untreated sugar cane ash on the setting time and compressive strength of concrete mixtures. Sugar cane ash is a byproduct of the sugar refining process and is abundantly available in many regions. The study aims to explore the potential of utilizing untreated sugar cane ash as a partial replacement for cement in concrete production, focusing on its impact on the setting time and compressive strength of the resulting concrete. The research methodology involves preparing concrete mixtures with varying percentages of untreated sugar cane ash as a partial replacement for cement. Control mixtures without sugar cane ash are also prepared for comparison. The setting time of each concrete mixture is monitored using standard tests, while the compressive strength is evaluated at different curing periods to assess the effects of sugar cane ash on the mechanical properties of concrete. The findings of the study reveal that the addition of untreated sugar cane ash affects both the setting time and compressive strength of concrete. As the percentage of sugar cane ash in the mix increases, the setting time of the concrete mixture tends to prolong. This is attributed to the pozzolanic reaction between the sugar cane ash and calcium hydroxide present in the cement, leading to slower hydration kinetics. However, the compressive strength of the concrete mixtures generally improves with the incorporation of sugar cane ash, especially at later ages. The results indicate that untreated sugar cane ash can be a viable supplementary cementitious material for concrete production, offering potential benefits in terms of enhancing the mechanical properties of concrete. Moreover, the utilization of sugar cane ash in concrete mixtures can contribute to sustainable construction practices by reducing the demand for traditional cement and minimizing waste disposal issues associated with sugar cane production. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the utilization of untreated sugar cane ash in concrete mixtures and highlights its effects on the setting time and compressive strength of concrete. The findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable construction materials and offer practical implications for the concrete industry aiming to enhance the performance and sustainability of concrete structures.

Project Overview

1.1 BACKGROUND

Concrete is a construction material that compose of cement (Portland cement) as well as other cementious material such as ash and slag cement aggregates (coarse e.g. gravel, limestone or granite chemical admixtures).

Concrete solidifies and hardens after mixing with water and placement due to a chemical process known as hydration; the water reacts with the cement which bonds the components together, eventually creating a stone like material. Concrete is used to make pavements, pipes, architectural structures, foundations, motor way/roads, bridges/over passes, parking structures, bricks/block walls and footing, for gates, fence and poles.

Concrete is used more than any other manmade materials in the world. Reinforced concrete and pre-stressed concrete are the most widely used modern kinds of concrete functional extensions.

The construction industry has adopted the 28 days strength as a reference point and specifications often refers to compression test of cylinders of cubes of concrete which are crushed 28 days after they are made, During the first week to 10 days curing, it is important that the concrete is not permitted to freeze or dry out because either of these, occurrences would be very detrimental to the strength development of concrete.

In this, we want to ascertain the true effect of sugar cane ash on the setting time and strength of concrete being used in the construction works.

1.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main objective of this work is to compare the compressive strength of concrete in which some percentages of cement had been replaced with equal weight of sugarcane ash with that of normal concrete produced from the same mix ratio, and to determine the effect of sugar cane ash on the initial and final setting time of concrete.

1.3 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The scope of this work is on the effect of untreated sugar cane ash on the setting time and compressive strength of concrete mix.

1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The significance of this work is to reduce cost of buying chemical admixture if need be in a particular construction.