Evaluation of the Impact of Sugarcane Bagasse Fiber and Corn Stubble Ash on the Mechanical Properties of Lightweight Concrete for Conceptual Floor Slab Design

Huamani A.J.R.; Santos B.M.A.; Palomino N.R.M.; Fernandez M.A.L. · Civil Engineering and Architecture (2025) · DOI: 10.13189/cea.2025.130429

Resumen

This research addresses the problem of conventional concrete roofs in Peru that have limitations in resisting repetitive stresses, which accelerates their structural deterioration. To address this situation, it was proposed to develop a lightweight concrete that reduces structural weight without compromising strength. This study incorporated two ecological materials-sugarcane bagasse fibre (SCBF) and corn stover ash (CSA)-with the aim of improving the mechanical and physical properties of the concrete and promoting the circular economy through the reuse of agricultural waste. Tests were carried out in fresh and hardened state to evaluate its performance in structural applications: in fresh state, slump, density and air content were analysed to study the consistency and lightness of the mix; in hardened state, compression, indirect tensile and flexural tests were carried out to evaluate its resistance to different types of loads. The mixes in prismatic and cylindrical specimens included SCBF in proportions of 0%, 0.25% and 0.5%, and CSA in 0%, 2.5%, 5% and 7.5%, evaluated at 7, 14 and 28 days, obtaining significant improvements in the physical and mechanical properties of the concrete with additions, particularly in compressive, tensile and flexural strength. The results showed that lightweight concrete reduces the structural weight by 26.84% compared to conventional concrete, which contributes to reduce the seismic loads applied to the structure. This lightening allowed the structural design to be optimised by reducing bending moments and the amount of steel required, improving the dynamic performance of the building. Although the cost of lightweight concrete is 14.7% higher, its benefits in seismic efficiency, weight reduction and sustainability position it as a technically, economically and environmentally responsible solution for the construction industry.

Instituciones: Universidad Continental