[3] found that the presence of 10% bagasse
ash in concrete gave a higher compressive strength than that of
their control concrete at all ages, and the chemical deterioration
of the blended cement was less than that of the control concrete
due to the pozzolanic reaction induced permeability reduction of
bagasse ash. Ganesan et al. [4] studied the effects of bagasse ash
content as a partial replacement for cement on the physical and
mechanical properties of hardened concrete. They found that the
bagasse ash is an effective mineral admixture, with 20% constituting
an optimal cement replacement ratio.
Raw bagasse ash has a large particle size and a high porosity, so
it needs more water content in the concrete mixture and thus results
in a lower compressive strength of concrete. However, when
bagasse ash is ground up into small particles, the compressive
strength of concrete containing this ground bagasse ash improves
significantly [5]. The optimum proportion of bagasse ash was
found to be in the range of 10–20wt% of binder. Most studies of bagasse
ash focus on the pozzolanic activity and hydration reaction of
mortar. Very few studies have been carried out studying the water
permeability and heat evolution of concrete containing bagasse
ash. These are the properties of interest for concrete in isolated
environments. Before application of bagasse ash in concrete, these
properties must be investigated to make sure that it is a suitable
material to use