Overview of bagasse recycling as a material for Portland cement concrete: Mechanical properties, durability, and application potential in rigid pavements

Abstract

This paper provides a comprehensive review of the potential for recycling sugarcane bagasse—an abundant agricultural by-product in Vietnam and tropical countries—as an raw material for Portland cement concrete (PCC) and its applicability in rigid pavement construction. Two primary recycled forms, sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) and sugarcane bagasse fibers/ particles (SBF), are examined in terms of processing methods, mechanisms of action, and their influence on the mechanical and durability properties of concrete. Synthesized findings indicate that properly calcined and finely ground SCBA exhibits significant pozzolanic activity, enhancing compressive strength, microstructural densification, and long-term durability. Meanwhile, SBF functions as a natural reinforcing material that improves flexural capacity, crack resistance, and ductility. Assessment based on TCCS 39:2022 and TCCS 40:2022 standards shows that recycled bagasse materials can potentially satisfy several technical requirements for PCC pavements, especially in sustainable and low-carbon infrastructure development. However, current studies remain largely limited to laboratory-scale investigations. Therefore, further experimental, pilot-scale, and long-term performance studies are essential to validate the feasibility and practical implementation of bagasse-based materials in Vietnam’s transportation infrastructure.