Experimental Research on Sugarcane Bagasse Ash as a Sustainable Supplementary Cementitious Material – A Comprehensive Review

The increasing demand for sustainable construction materials has encouraged the use of agricultural waste as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SCBA), a by-product of the sugar industry, has shown significant potential in cement mortar due to its high silica content and pozzolanic characteristics. This review paper focuses exclusively on the utilization of SCBA in mortar mixes and critically analyzes previous research studies related to its effect on compressive strength, workability, durability, and microstructural properties. The findings from various studies indicate that SCBA can effectively replace cement in mortar up to an optimum level of 5–15%, improving long-term strength and durability due to secondary hydration reactions. However, higher replacement levels reduce strength due to dilution of cement content and increased porosity. The review also highlights key research gaps such as lack of standardized processing methods, limited long-term durability studies, and insufficient focus on mortar-specific applications. Based on the analysis, SCBA is recommended as an eco-friendly and cost-effective material for mortar applications, particularly in masonry and plaster works.