Effect of Agricultural Phragmites, Rice Straw, Rice Husk, and Sugarcane Bagasse Ashes on the Properties and Microstructure of High-Strength Self-Compacted Self-Curing Concrete

Abstract

Each year, billions of tons of agricultural waste are generated globally. Egypt, being an agriculturally centered nation, faces significant challenges in disposing of this waste and coping with self-germinating plants that negatively impact agriculture. The common practice among farmers is to burn the waste, which exacerbates environmental concerns. With the global shift towards eco-friendly concrete, this study explores the utilization of agricultural waste ashes, particularly those abundant in Egypt and numerous other countries worldwide. Among the researched waste ashes are Phragmites ash (PGA), sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA), rice husk ash (RHA), and rice straw ash (RSA). This investigation examines the impact of partially substituting cement with varying ash percentages from these wastes on the characteristics and properties of fresh and hardened high-strength self-compacting self-curing concrete (HSSCSCC). The findings indicate the potential applicability of these ashes in producing HSSCSCC, specifically highlighting the promising outcome of PG ash, which exhibited favorable results as a new type of natural ash suitable for the concrete industry.