Sugarcane bagasse ash in cementitious systems: A review of fresh, mechanical, and durability properties
Abstract
Currently, research is being conducted to investigate the potential of industrial and agricultural waste as raw materials in the construction industry. Integrating such materials into concrete diminishes cement consumption and CO2 emissions from cement manufacturing. Sugarcane bagasse is a by-product of the sugar extraction process, and a significant portion of it is used as boiler fuel for electricity generation. This process releases a considerable amount of waste sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA), which is frequently disposed of in the environment. Incorporating this waste can be both cost-effective and ecologically advantageous, fostering sustainable development. This review critically synthesizes published studies on the physical and chemical characteristics of SCBA, fresh-state behaviour, mechanical properties, durability indicators, and CO2 reduction potential in cementitious materials, including mortar and concrete. Particular attention is given to the effects of ash processing, fineness, silica content, burning condition, and loss on ignition on reported performance. The reviewed evidence indicates that low-to-moderate SCBA contents can enhance compressive and split tensile strength, while durability improvements are commonly reflected in reduced water absorption, lower capillary absorption and chloride penetration, and higher electrical resistivity. The literature indicates that mechanical performance is most frequently optimized at about 10-15% replacement, whereas durability benefits are often reported within a broader range of 10-30%, depending on matrix type and ash quality. The findings also show that the environmental benefit of SCBA depends on processing intensity and transport burden. Overall, SCBA emerges as a promising but process-sensitive supplementary cementitious material for sustainable concrete production.
Keywords
References
Abdalla T, Koteng D, Shitote SM, Matallah M (2022). Mechanical and durability properties of concrete incorporating silica fume and a high volume of sugarcane bagasse ash. Results in Engineering, 16, 100666.
Agwa IS, Zeyad AM, Tayeh BA, Adesina A, de Azevedo ARG, Amin M, Hadzima-Nyarko M (2022). A comprehensive review on the use of sugarcane bagasse ash as a supplementary cementitious material to produce eco-friendly concretes. Materials Today: Proceedings, 65, 688-696.
Ainomugisha S, Edwin B, Bazairwe A (2021). Utilization of sugarcane bagasse ash from power co-generation boilers as a supplementary cementitious material. East African Journal of Science, Technology and Innovation, 2(2), 1-14.
Ainomugisha S, Kibwami N, Wesonga R, Adubango EN, Matovu MJ, Manga M (2025). Effect of sugarcane bagasse ash on eco-friendly blended cement production: physicochemical, mechanical, and microstructure properties. Case Studies in Construction Materials, 22, e04141.
Allende S, Tuladhar R, Jacob MV (2024). Sugarcane bagasse-derived carbon for partial replacement of cementitious material in concrete. Materials Circular Economy, 6, 3.
Althaqafi E, Ali T, Qureshi MZ, Islam S, Ahmed H, Ajwad A, Almujibah H, Khan MA (2024). Evaluating the combined effect of sugarcane bagasse ash, metakaolin, and polypropylene fibers in sustainable construction. Scientific Reports, 14, 26109.
Amjad U, Sarir M, Khan D, Haq IU, Khawaja MWA, Mahmood K (2025). Effect of sugar cane bagasse ash incorporated as viscosity modifying agent on fresh, microstructure and mechanical properties of self-compacting concrete. International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials, 19, 2.
Andrade Neto JdS, de França MJS, Amorim Júnior NSd, Ribeiro DV (2021). Effects of adding sugarcane bagasse ash on the properties and durability of concrete. Construction and Building Materials, 266, 120959.
Andreão PV, Suleiman AR, Cordeiro GC, Nehdi ML (2020). Beneficiation of sugarcane bagasse ash: pozzolanic activity and leaching behavior. Waste and Biomass Valorization, 11, 4393-4402.
Arenas-Piedrahita JC, Montes-García P, Mendoza-Rangel JM, López Calvo HZ, Valdez-Tamez PL, Martínez-Reyes J (2016). Mechanical and durability properties of mortars prepared with untreated sugarcane bagasse ash and untreated fly ash. Construction and Building Materials, 105, 69-81.
Arif E, Clark MW, Lake N (2016). Sugar cane bagasse ash from a high efficiency co-generation boiler: applications in cement and mortar production. Construction and Building Materials, 128, 287-297.
Ashok K, Subhani SM, Sundaram B (2025). Performance characteristics of ternary blended concrete incorporating fine recycled aggregate, sugarcane bagasse ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag. Journal of Building Pathology and Rehabilitation, 10(2), 141.
Bahurudeen A, Santhanam M (2015). Influence of different processing methods on the pozzolanic performance of sugarcane bagasse ash. Cement and Concrete Composites, 56, 32-45.
Bahurudeen A, Wani K, Basit MA, Santhanam M (2016). Assessment of pozzolanic performance of sugarcane bagasse ash. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 28(2), 04015095.
Bayapureddy Y, Muniraj K, Mutukuru MRG (2020). Sugarcane bagasse ash as supplementary cementitious material in cement composites: strength, durability, and microstructural analysis. Journal of the Korean Ceramic Society, 57, 513-519.
Benhelal E, Zahedi G, Shamsaei E, Bahadori A (2013). Global strategies and potentials to curb CO2 emissions in cement industry. Journal of Cleaner Production, 51, 142-161.
Bheel N, Ali MOA, Tafsirojjaman, Khahro SH, Keerio MA (2022). Experimental study on fresh, mechanical properties and embodied carbon of concrete blended with sugarcane bagasse ash, metakaolin, and millet husk ash as ternary cementitious material. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29(4), 5224-5239.
Chen C, Habert G, Bouzidi Y, Jullien A (2010). Environmental impact of cement production: detail of the different processes and cement plant variability evaluation. Journal of Cleaner Production, 18(5), 478-485.
Chindaprasirt P, Rukzon S, Sirivivatnanon V (2008). Resistance to chloride penetration of blended Portland cement mortar containing palm oil fuel ash, rice husk ash and fly ash. Construction and Building Materials, 22(5), 932-938.
Chindaprasirt P, Kroehong W, Damrongwiriyanupap N, Suriyo W, Jaturapitakkul C (2020). Mechanical properties, chloride resistance and microstructure of Portland fly ash cement concrete containing high volume bagasse ash. Journal of Building Engineering, 31, 101415.
Chowdhury M, AlHimali A, Ioannou S (2024). Developing greener concretes from spent bleaching earth and sugarcane bagasse ash. Emirati Journal of Civil Engineering and Applications, 2(2), 19-30.
Chusilp N, Jaturapitakkul C, Kiattikomol K (2009). Effects of LOI of ground bagasse ash on the compressive strength and sulfate resistance of mortars. Construction and Building Materials, 23(12), 3523-3531.
Cordeiro GC, Toledo Filho RD, Tavares LM, Fairbairn EMR (2008). Pozzolanic activity and filler effect of sugar cane bagasse ash in Portland cement and lime mortars. Cement and Concrete Composites, 30(5), 410-418.
Cordeiro GC, Toledo Filho RD, Fairbairn EMR (2009). Effect of calcination temperature on the pozzolanic activity of sugar cane bagasse ash. Construction and Building Materials, 23(10), 3301-3303.
Cordeiro GC, Toledo Filho RD, de Almeida RS (2011). Influence of ultrafine wet grinding on pozzolanic activity of submicrometre sugar cane bagasse ash. Advances in Applied Ceramics, 110(8), 453-456.
Cupim RV, Tostes Linhares Júnior JA, Mesquita LC, Marques MG, Garcez de Azevedo AR, Marvila MT (2025). Rheological and mechanical properties of mortars made with recycled sugarcane bagasse ash. Journal of Materials Research and Technology, 36, 3546-3555.
Dhengare S, Sharma R, Sobti J, Gajbhiye A, Bhagat R (2020). Binary concrete expansion by means of copper slag, fly ash, sugarcane bagasse ash, and rice husk ash as partial replacement of cement. International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology, 29(7), 9973-9993.
Embong R, Shafiq N, Kusbiantoro A, Nuruddin MF (2016). Effectiveness of low-concentration acid and solar drying as pre-treatment features for producing pozzolanic sugarcane bagasse ash. Journal of Cleaner Production, 112, 953-962.
Fairbairn EMR, Americano BB, Cordeiro GC, Paula TP, Toledo Filho RD, Silvoso MM (2010). Cement replacement by sugar cane bagasse ash: CO2 emissions reduction and potential for carbon credits. Journal of Environmental Management, 91(9), 1864-1871.
Francioso V, Lemos-Micolta ED, Elgaali HH, Moro C, Rojas-Manzano MA, Velay-Lizancos M (2024). Valorization of sugarcane bagasse ash as an alternative SCM: effect of particle size, temperature-crossover effect mitigation and cost analysis. Sustainability, 16(21), 9370.
Frías M, Villar E, Savastano H (2011). Brazilian sugar cane bagasse ashes from the cogeneration industry as active pozzolans for cement manufacture. Cement and Concrete Composites, 33, 490-496.
Ganesan K, Rajagopal K, Thangavel K (2007). Evaluation of bagasse ash as supplementary cementitious material. Cement and Concrete Composites, 29(6), 515-524.
Gupta CK, Sachan AK (2019). A review on properties of self compacting concrete using bagasse ash. International Journal of Innovative Research in Applied Sciences and Engineering, 2(11), 352-356.
Gupta CK, Sachan AK, Kumar R (2021). Examination of microstructure of sugar cane bagasse ash and sugar cane bagasse ash blended cement mortar. Sugar Tech, 23, 651-660.
Gupta CK, Sachan AK, Kumar R (2022). Utilization of sugarcane bagasse ash in mortar and concrete: a review. Materials Today: Proceedings, 65, 798-807.
Gupta CK, Sachan AK, Kumar R (2023a). Experimental study on microstructural and mechanical behaviour of self compacting concrete using agricultural waste. Iranian Journal of Science and Technology, Transactions of Civil Engineering, 47(2), 925-942.
Gupta CK, Sachan AK, Kumar R (2023b). Durability and microstructural analysis of self-compacting concrete using sugarcane bagasse ash for sustainable development. Innovative Infrastructure Solutions, 8(3), 97.
Hasan NMS, Sobuz MHR, Tamanna N, Talha MS, Islam MS (2014). Properties of concrete by using bagasse ash and recycle aggregate. Challenge Journal of Concrete Research Letters, 5(2), 768-785.
Hasnain M, Javed U, Ali A, Zafar M (2021). Eco-friendly utilization of rice husk ash and bagasse ash blend as partial sand replacement in self-compacting concrete. Construction and Building Materials, 273, 121753.
India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) (2025). Indian Cement Industry Analysis (November 2025). https://www.ibef.org/industry/cement-presentation [accessed 05-04-2026].
Jagadesh P, Ramachandra Murthy A, Murugesan R, Sarayu K (2015). Micro-analytical studies on sugar cane bagasse ash. Sadhana, 40(5), 1629-1638.
Jagadesh P, Ramachandra Murthy A, Murugesan R (2020). Effect of processed sugar cane bagasse ash on mechanical and fracture properties of blended mortar. Construction and Building Materials, 262, 120846.
Jha P, Sachan AK, Singh RP (2020). Microstructure analysis of concrete using bagasse ash waste as partial replacement of cement. Indian Journal of Environmental Protection, 40(3), 269-275.
Jha P, Sachan AK, Singh RP (2021a). Agro-waste sugarcane bagasse ash (ScBA) as partial replacement of binder material in concrete. Materials Today: Proceedings, 44, 419-427.
Jha P, Sachan AK, Singh RP (2021b). Bagasse ash (ScBA) and its utilization in concrete as pozzolanic material: a review. In: Kumar Shukla S, Raman SN, Bhattacharjee B, Bhattacharjee J, editors. Advances in Geotechnics and Structural Engineering. Springer, Singapore, Singapore, pp. 471-480.
Jha P, Sachan AK, Singh RP (2021c). Investigation on the durability of concrete with partial replacement of cement by bagasse ash (BAH) and sand by stone dust (SDT). Materials Today: Proceedings, 43, 237-243.
Jha P, Sachan AK, Singh RP (2021d). Properties of concrete with bagasse ash and stone dust exposed to sulphate attack. In: Chandrasekaran S, Kumar S, Madhuri S, editors. Recent Advances in Structural Engineering. Springer, Singapore, Singapore, pp. 29-37.
Jiménez-Quero VG, Ortiz-Guzmán M, Montes-García P (2019). Durability of mortars containing sugarcane bagasse ash. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1221(1), 012004.
Jittin V, Bahurudeen A (2022). Evaluation of rheological and durability characteristics of sugarcane bagasse ash and rice husk ash based binary and ternary cementitious system. Construction and Building Materials, 317, 125965.
Joseph A, Murugan SB (2024). Investigating the sustainable application of unprocessed sugarcane bagasse ash and alccofine in cementitious mortar from a physical, mechanical, and microstructural perspective. Innovative Infrastructure Solutions, 9(12), 475.
Joshaghani A, Moeini MA (2017). Evaluating the effects of sugar cane bagasse ash (SCBA) and nanosilica on the mechanical and durability properties of mortar. Construction and Building Materials, 152, 818-831.
Joshaghani A, Moeini MA (2018). Evaluating the effects of sugarcane-bagasse ash and rice-husk ash on the mechanical and durability properties of mortar. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 30(7), 04018144.
Juenger MCG, Snellings R, Bernal SA (2019). Supplementary cementitious materials: new sources, characterization, and performance insights. Cement and Concrete Research, 122, 257-273.
Kajaste R, Hurme M (2016). Cement industry greenhouse gas emissions management options and abatement cost. Journal of Cleaner Production, 112, 4041-4052.
Katare VD, Madurwar MV (2017). Experimental characterization of sugarcane biomass ash: a review. Construction and Building Materials, 152, 1-15.
Kazmi SMS, Munir MJ, Patnaikuni I, Wu YF (2017). Pozzolanic reaction of sugarcane bagasse ash and its role in controlling alkali silica reaction. Construction and Building Materials, 148, 231-240.
Khan MI, Abdy Sayyed MA, Ali MMA (2021). Examination of cement concrete containing micro silica and sugarcane bagasse ash subjected to sulphate and chloride attack. Materials Today: Proceedings, 39, 558-562.
Khan MA, Zhang B, Ahmad M, Niekurzak M, Khan MS, Sabri MMS, Chen W (2025). Optimizing concrete sustainability with bagasse ash and stone dust and its impact on mechanical properties and durability. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 1385.
Kiran K, Kishore IS (2017). An experimental study on partial replacement of cement with bagasse ash in concrete mix. International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology, 8(1), 452-455.
Kirthiga R, Elavenil S (2023). Potential utilization of sugarcane bagasse ash in cementitious composites for developing inorganic binder. Ain Shams Engineering Journal, 14(11), 102560.
Kirthiga R, Elavenil S, Imjai T (2025). Synergistic effects of bagasse ash and silica fume on strength and durability properties of sustainable cement mortars. Engineering Research Express, 7(3), 035109.
Klathae T, Tanawuttiphong N, Tangchirapat W, Chindaprasirt P, Sukontasukkul P, Jaturapitakkul C (2020). Heat evolution, strengths, and drying shrinkage of concrete containing high volume ground bagasse ash with different LOIs. Construction and Building Materials, 258, 119443.
Kolawole JT, Babafemi AJ, Fanijo E, Chandra Paul S, Combrinck R (2021). State-of-the-art review on the use of sugarcane bagasse ash in cementitious materials. Cement and Concrete Composites, 118, 103975.
Krishna YM, Dhevasenaa PR, Srinivasan G, Kumar CNS (2024). Enhancing sustainability in concrete: synergistic effects of sugarcane bagasse ash and iron ore tailings as eco-friendly cement and sand replacements. Journal of Building Pathology and Rehabilitation, 9(1), 20.
Kumar V, Kumar P (2023). Effect of partial cement replacement with sugarcane bagasse ash. International Journal of Science and Research Archive, 8, 781-787.
Kumara GD, Sivapullaiah PV, Sreenivasa Murthy A (2023). Performance evaluation of sugar cane bagasse ash on the strength of concrete: a sustainable approach. Materials Today: Proceedings, 75, 106-111.
Le DH, Sheen YN (2023). Assessment of properties of mortars modified with sugarcane bagasse ash processed by heating at different temperatures as cement replacement. European Journal of Environmental and Civil Engineering, 27(1), 393-415.
Li Y, Chai J, Wang R, Zhang X, Si Z (2022). Utilization of sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) in construction technology: a state-of-the-art review. Journal of Building Engineering, 56, 104774.
Lourdu AR, Ali SHM (2023). Study on strength, durable and flexural behaviour of partial replacement of sugarcane bagasse ash over cement. Materials Research Express, 10, 095502.
Lyra GP, Borrachero MV, Soriano L, Payá J, Rossignolo JA (2021). Comparison of original and washed pure sugar cane bagasse ashes as supplementary cementing materials. Construction and Building Materials, 272, 122001.
Maldonado-García MA, Montes-García P, Valdez-Tamez PL (2017). A review of the use of sugarcane bagasse ash with a high LOI content to produce sustainable cement composites. Academic Journal of Civil Engineering, 35(2), 597-605.
Mello L, Anjos M, Sá M, Souza N, Farias E (2020). Effect of high temperatures on self-compacting concrete with high levels of sugarcane bagasse ash and metakaolin. Construction and Building Materials, 248, 118715.
Memon SA, Javed U, Shah MI, Hanif A (2022). Use of processed sugarcane bagasse ash in concrete as partial replacement of cement: mechanical and durability properties. Buildings, 12(10), 1769.
Miller SA, Horvath A, Monteiro PJM (2016). Readily implementable techniques can cut annual CO2 emissions from the production of concrete by over 20%. Environmental Research Letters, 11, 074029.
Minnu SN, Bahurudeen A, Gopinath A (2021). Comparison of sugarcane bagasse ash with fly ash and slag: an approach towards industrial acceptance of sugar industry waste in cleaner production of cement. Journal of Cleaner Production, 285, 124836.
Mittal DN, Varekar V (2026). Design of sustainable modified concrete mix using industrial waste. Indian Chemical Engineer, 68(1), 192-207.
Mohamad N, Muthusamy K, Embong R, Kusbiantoro A, Hashim MH (2022). Environmental impact of cement production and solutions: a review. Materials Today: Proceedings, 48, 741-746.
Moraes JCB, Cordeiro GC, Akasaki JL, Vieira AP, Payá J (2021). Improving the reactivity of a former ground sugarcane bagasse ash produced by autogenous combustion through employment of two different additional grinding procedures. Construction and Building Materials, 270, 121471.
Morales EV, Villar-Cociña E, Frías M, Santos SF, Savastano H (2009). Effects of calcining conditions on the microstructure of sugar cane waste ashes (SCWA): influence in the pozzolanic activation. Cement and Concrete Composites, 31(1), 22-28.
Nassar RUD, Singh N, Varsha S, Sai AR, Sufyan-Ud-Din M (2022). Strength, electrical resistivity and sulfate attack resistance of blended mortars produced with agriculture waste ashes. Case Studies in Construction Materials, 16, e00944.
Navaneetha E, Rao PN, Bahurudeen A (2025). Development of sustainable and durable ternary blended concrete using sugarcane bagasse ash and glass powder. Construction and Building Materials, 466, 140329.
Ouedraogo M, Sawadogo M, Sanou I, Barro M, Nassio S, Seynou M, Zerbo L (2022). Characterization of sugar cane bagasse ash from Burkina Faso for cleaner cement production: influence of calcination temperature and duration. Results in Materials, 14, 100275.
Özmen HB, Tanrıverdi B (2025). Concrete paradox: economic importance, environmental impacts, and the sustainability of concrete material. Research and Design, 2(2), 66-84.
Patil C, Manjunath M, Hosamane S, Bandekar S, Athani R (2021). Pozzolonic activity and strength activity index of bagasse ash and fly ash blended cement mortar. Materials Today: Proceedings, 42, 1456-1461.
Praveenkumar S, Sankarasubramanian G, Sindhu S (2020). Strength, permeability and microstructure characterization of pulverized bagasse ash in cement mortars. Construction and Building Materials, 238, 117691.
Quedou PG, Wirquin E, Bokhoree C (2021). Sustainable concrete: potency of sugarcane bagasse ash as a cementitious material in the construction industry. Case Studies in Construction Materials, 14, e00545.
Ramesh KV, Goutham R, Siva IS (2017). An experimental study on partial replacement of bagasse ash in basalt concrete mix. International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology, 8(5), 335-341.
Reddy BLN, Kumar MV (2026). An experimental investigation into the durability properties of sustainable self-curing concrete including copper slag and sugarcane bagasse ash. Journal of Building Pathology and Rehabilitation, 11(1), 19.
Sakib N, Hasan R, Mutalib AA, Jamil M, Raman SN, Kaish ABMA (2023). Utilization of sugar mill waste ash as pozzolanic material in structural mortar. Minerals, 13(3), 324.
Samaila MB, Xiaosheng W, Elkaseem A (2014). Hydration and strength behavior of sugarcane-baggase ash concrete using electrical resistivity measurement. American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture, 2(5), 174-176.
Sankeeth S, Prabhath AAN, Damruwan HGH, Herath HMST, Priyadarshana HVV, Kumara SPSNBS, Lewangamage CS, Koswattage KR (2025). Optimizing mechanical properties of concrete using sugarcane bagasse ash. Results in Engineering, 27, 105968.
Shaban WM, Heniegal AM, Amin M, Zeyad AM, Agwa IS, Hassan HH (2024). Effect of agricultural wastes as sugar beet ash, sugarcane leaf ash, and sugarcane bagasse ash on UHPC properties. Journal of Building Engineering, 98, 111359.
Singh NB, Singh VD, Rai S (2000). Hydration of bagasse ash-blended Portland cement. Cement and Concrete Research, 30(9), 1485-1488.
Soares MMN, Poggiali FS, Bezerra ACS, Figueiredo RB, Aguilar MTP, Cetlin PR (2014). The effect of calcination conditions on the physical and chemical characteristics of sugar cane bagasse ash. Rem: Revista Escola de Minas, 67(1), 33-39.
Srinivasan R, Sathiya K (2010). Experimental study on bagasse ash in concrete. International Journal of Service Learning in Engineering, 5(2), 60-66.
Sua-iam G, Makul N (2013). Use of increasing amounts of bagasse ash waste to produce self-compacting concrete by adding limestone powder waste. Journal of Cleaner Production, 57, 308-319.
Subedi S, Hassan MM, Arce GA, Barbato M, Noorvand H, Mohammad L (2023). Properties of engineered cementitious composites using combined systems of fly ash and post-processed bagasse ash as supplementary cementitious materials. Transportation Research Record, 2677(10), 386-403.
Tabish M, Zaheer MM, Baqi A (2025). Age dependent properties of concrete incorporating mechanically processed ultra-fine sugarcane bagasse ash. Construction and Building Materials, 494, 143509.
Torres de Sande V, Sadique M, Pineda P (2023). Environmental benefits of using activated sugarcane bagasse ash in cementitious materials. In: 59th Annual Associated Schools of Construction International Conference, Liverpool, UK, pp. 723-731.
Ullah MF, Tang H, Ullah A, Toth Z, Ahmad M, Alzlfawi A (2025). Mechanical and environmental performance of sugarcane bagasse ash from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in sustainable concrete. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 24571.
Wagh M, Waghe U, Bahrami A, Ansari K, Özkılıç YO, Nikhade A (2024). Experimental investigation of mechanical and durability performances of self-compacting concrete blended with bagasse ash, metakaolin, and glass fiber. Frontiers in Materials, 11, 1351554.
Wagh M, Waghe UP (2024). Effect of bagasse ash on performance of self compacting concrete. AIP Conference Proceedings, 3188(1), 070015.
Yaseen N (2024). Exploring the potential of sugarcane bagasse ash as a sustainable supplementary cementitious material: experimental investigation and statistical analysis. Results in Chemistry, 10, 101723.
Zareei SA, Ameri F, Bahrami N (2018). Microstructure, strength, and durability of eco-friendly concretes containing sugarcane bagasse ash. Construction and Building Materials, 184, 258-268.
Zeyad AM, Megat Johari MA, Tayeh BA, Yusuf MO (2016). Efficiency of treated and untreated palm oil fuel ash as a supplementary binder on engineering and fluid transport properties of high-strength concrete. Construction and Building Materials, 125, 1066-1079.
