Bagasse ash and fibres in pavement construction in Queensland: Year 1 2014/15

Queensland is one of the largest sugarcane producing regions in the world. The process of producing sugar results in large quantities of a fibrous byproduct known as bagasse, which is often incinerated to generate energy for the sugarcane processing plant and/or fed back to the municipal power grid. The residual by-product, bagasse ash, could be used as an alternative treatment option for expansive subgrades while providing both environmental and economic benefits. This study focussed initially on reviewing the health and safety requirements involved in working with and testing bagasse ash and fibres. A number of potential health issues had been identified with bagasse in the past, which meant that it was critical to ensure that all the appropriate precautions were taken before embarking on a major laboratory and/or field testing program. This review concluded that the safety concerns identified are not dissimilar to the typical concerns with products of this nature, such as fly ash, lime and Portland cement, provided that appropriate safety procedures and protection are used when handling the product. It is recommended that internal procedures are developed before handling and testing the material in laboratories, and that field safety and handling procedures are developed before moving to a potential field trial. In addition to the review of health and safety requirements, the testing plan includes assessment of the impact of bagasse ash on a Queensland black soil. Preliminary results suggest that large quantities of ash are required to produce significant improvements in the strength and expansive properties of the black soil. The second year of the project will look to explore the use of bagasse products in Queensland through further laboratory testing and a field trial.

• Record URL:
  • http://nacoe.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/P30_Bagasse-Ash-Fibres-in-Pavts_Y1_2014_15_FINAL.pdf
• 
• Corporate Authors:

  National Asset Centre of Excellence (NACOE)

  Brisbane, Queensland   
• Authors:
  • Beecroft, A
• Publication Date: 2015-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 45p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Mix design; Properties of materials; Recycled materials; Soil stabilization; Subgrade (Pavements)
• Geographic Terms: Queensland
• ATRI Terms: Material properties; Mix design; Occupational health; Recycled materials; Soil stabilization; Subgrade
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01835435
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB Group Limited
• Report/Paper Numbers: P30
• Files: ATRI
• Created Date: Feb 7 2022 2:18PM