Experimental investigation of concrete incorporating untreated agricultural waste and calcium carbonate powder

Abstract

Abstract In recent years, the use of sustainable materials in construction has become an important research topic. One such method is partial replacement of traditional construction materials with readily available environmentally friendly materials. This paper discusses the feasibility of using calcium carbonate powder and untreated agricultural waste such as bagasse ash in the production of concrete. The substitution was weight-based, with untreated agricultural waste replacing the fine aggregate and calcium carbonate powder replacing the OPC-43 grade cement. Cement replacement ranges from 5% to 30%, while fine aggregate replacement ranges from 5% to 15%. The results showed that calcium carbonate and untreated agricultural waste that is bagasse ash can be used as partial replacements for cement and fine aggregate in concrete production, resulting in improved compressive strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength, as well as a reduction in the environmental impact of concrete production. Furthermore, chemical analysis scanning electron microscopy was also carried out to determine the underlying crystal structure of the replacements.