A Study on Sugarcane Bagasse Fibre as Partial Replacement of Fine Aggregate in Concrete

Concrete is one of the essential materials used in construction for both structural and non-structural applications. With the depletion of natural materials, researchers are exploring alternative materials for replacement of conventional components such as cement, fine aggregate (F.A.), and coarse aggregate (C.A.). This study investigates the use of sugarcane bagasse fiber (SCBF) as a partial replacement for F.A. at proportions of 1.5%, 3%, and 4.5%, focusing on the fresh and hardened properties of concrete. Workability was assessed using the slump cone test, while the compressive strength of concrete cubes was evaluated at 7, 14, and 28 days of curing. Results indicate that while the workability of concrete decreases with increasing SCBF content, the compressive strength remains acceptable up to 1.5% replacement. Beyond this point, at 3% and 4.5% SCBF replacement, compressive strength declines. Additionally, the density of concrete decreases as the SCBF percentage increases, suggesting a trend towards lightweight concrete. These findings provide insights into the performance of SCBF-modified concrete, balancing environmental considerations with mechanical properties.