MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE OF SUSTAINABLE CONCRETE INCORPORATING BAGASSE ASH, STEEL FIBERS, AND POLYPROPYLENE FIBERS

Abstract

The construction industry is increasingly focusing on sustainable and high-performance materials to reduce environmental impacts while enhancing structural performance. This study investigates the mechanical performance of sustainable concrete incorporating bagasse ash (BA), steel fibers (SF), and polypropylene fibers (PPF) as partial replacements and reinforcement additives. Bagasse ash, an agricultural by-product obtained from sugarcane processing, was utilized as a supplementary cementitious material to improve sustainability and reduce cement consumption. Steel fibers and polypropylene fibers were introduced to enhance the tensile strength, crack resistance, and ductility of concrete. Various concrete mixes were prepared with different proportions of bagasse ash and hybrid fiber combinations, and their fresh and hardened properties were evaluated through comprehensive experimental testing. Mechanical properties including compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength, and modulus of elasticity were assessed at different curing periods. The experimental results demonstrated that the incorporation of bagasse ash improved the microstructural characteristics of concrete through pozzolanic reactions, resulting in enhanced long-term strength development. The addition of hybrid fibers significantly improved tensile and flexural performance by controlling crack propagation and increasing energy absorption capacity. An optimum combination of bagasse ash, steel fibers, and polypropylene fibers exhibited superior mechanical behavior compared to conventional concrete, achieving higher compressive strength, improved ductility, and better durability characteristics. The findings indicate that sustainable fiber-reinforced bagasse ash concrete can serve as an eco-friendly alternative for structural applications, contributing to waste utilization, reduction of carbon emissions, and improved structural performance in modern construction practices