Mechanical properties and life cycle assessment of sugarcane bagasse and corn cob ashes‐based geopolymer concrete to promote circular economy

Abstract

Geopolymer concrete (GC) has emerged as an environmentally friendly alternative to ordinary concrete, resulting from the alkalination of an Alumino‐Silicate (Al‐Si) source material. Large‐scale applications of GC are predicated on a suitable supply of Al‐Si sources, however rapid depletion of traditional sources like fly ash imposes a challenge therein and alternative source materials need to be identified. Agricultural waste ashes (AGWA) also exhibit high Al‐Si content; therefore, in this study, two AGWA, that is, Corn Cob Ash (CCA) and Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SCBA) were used in lieu of fly ash for GC synthesis. The results for workability and mechanical testing showed that properties of GC remained intact for up to 20% and 10% CCA and SCBA, respectively. Life cycle assessment showed that AGWA‐based GC reduced the greenhouse gas emissions of ordinary concrete by 49% and can be used as an environmentally friendly alternative thereof, thus contributing to the circular economy.