Development and Feasibility Analysis of Bagasse Ash Bricks

Sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA), which is otherwise landfilled, was utilized to develop construction material that serves a purpose of disposal of solid waste management and energy efficient alternate construction material. SBA was characterized using particle size distribution, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). SEM monographs show the rough surface with plenty of fine pores. XRF, XRD, and physicochemical properties of the SBA prove its suitability as a pozzolanic or cementitious material. TGA confirms thermal stability till 650°C. On the suitability of principal raw material, SBA–quarry dust (QD)–lime (L) bricks were developed with a constant composition of lime (20% by weight) and tested for physicomechanical (weight, dry density, water absorption, efflorescence, and compressive strength), functional (thermal conductivity, k), durability (chloride, sulfate, and carbonation), and environmental [toxicity characteristics leaching protocol (TCLP)] properties as per recommendations. The developed (SBA-QD-L) bricks were further analyzed for technical feasibility with commercially available and accepted masonry products like clay and fly ash bricks. The experimental results showed that the SBA-QD-L combination brick is lighter in weight, durable, nonhazardous, energy efficient, has lower k value, and meets the necessary physicomechanical properties of the standards.