Evaluation of Bamboo Cortex Ash As Supplementary Cementitious Material: Comparative Analysis with Sugarcane Bagasse Ash and Natural Pozzolan

This paper focuses on analyzing the pozzolanic behavior of bamboo cortex (BC), sugarcane bagasse (SB) ashes, and alunite natural pozzolan (NP). BC and SB were initially incinerated at 600 degrees C from 2 to 8 h to select the most optimal ash regarding their chemical reactivity. Physical and chemical tests evaluated their pozzolanic activity. It was found that 20% BC incinerated for 6 h in replacement of Portland composite cement can be successfully used to prepare mortars with higher mechanical behavior than SBA and NP. After burning and milling processes, these agri-cultural wastes produce cementitious materials with good pozzolanic behavior. Alunite NP is used in the central part of Mexico for restoring the heritage buildings.