This study is focused on the evaluation of the effects of the partial replacement of Portland cement by sugarcane bagasse ash (CBC) in mortars. The main objective was to find a suitable destination for an agricultural residue generated in an increasing amount in Brazil, as a result of the boom of the use of ethanol as an alternative fuel to gasoline. Also, the use of CBC as a mineral admixture in mortars and concretes contributes to a decrease in the environmental impact of these materials related to cement production. Experimental techniques were applied both for the CBC characterization and for the evaluation of its use as a mineral admixture in mortars, based on mechanical and physical tests. The yield of CBC from sugarcane bagasse burning was 10% (weight basis). The CBC presented a SiO2 content of 84% and a carbon content of 5%. Silica presented both amorphous and crystalline (cristobalite and quartz) structure. The pozzolanicity index applied indicates the reactivity of the CBC. Concerning the compression strength, the results from tests with mortars with up to 30% of CBC content indicated the viability of the partial substitution of cement by up to 20% of the CBC considered.
solid waste management; building materials; sustainable development
