Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This research project aims to investigate the effect of untreated sugar cane ash on the setting time and compressive strength of concrete mix. Sugar cane ash is a by-product obtained from the burning of sugar cane bagasse in sugar mills. The utilization of sugar cane ash in concrete production has gained attention due to its pozzolanic properties, which can improve the strength and durability of concrete. However, there is limited research on the impact of untreated sugar cane ash on concrete properties. The study will involve conducting laboratory experiments to evaluate the setting time and compressive strength of concrete mixes containing varying percentages of untreated sugar cane ash. Control specimens without sugar cane ash will also be tested for comparison. The setting time tests will be carried out using the Vicat apparatus, while the compressive strength tests will be conducted according to standard procedures. The research hypothesis is that the incorporation of untreated sugar cane ash in concrete mix will affect the setting time and compressive strength of the concrete. The results of the study are expected to provide valuable insights into the potential benefits or drawbacks of using untreated sugar cane ash in concrete production. Understanding the impact of untreated sugar cane ash on concrete properties can help optimize its use in construction applications. The findings of this research project will contribute to the existing knowledge on sustainable construction materials and waste utilization. By exploring the effects of sugar cane ash on concrete properties, this study can support the development of guidelines for the utilization of sugar cane ash in concrete mix design. The results can also inform concrete producers, engineers, and researchers about the implications of incorporating untreated sugar cane ash in construction projects. Overall, this research project addresses a gap in the current literature regarding the influence of untreated sugar cane ash on concrete properties. The outcomes of the study can potentially promote the sustainable use of sugar cane ash in the construction industry, leading to more environmentally friendly practices and enhanced concrete performance.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUTION

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.