Sustainable Self-Compacting Concrete Incorporating Sugarcane Bagasse Ash and Pond Ash: A Comprehensive Review of Fresh, Mechanical and Durability Performance

Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) is an advanced concrete that flows and consolidates under its own weight without external vibration. Although SCC improves placement quality, surface finish, labour efficiency and construction speed, its comparatively high cement and powder demand raises cost and environmental concerns. This review examines the potential of Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SCBA) as a partial cement replacement and Pond Ash (PA) as a partial fine-aggregate replacement in sustainable SCC. Studies on SCC, supplementary cementitious materials, agricultural ashes, recycled materials, SCBA processing, pond ash utilisation, mechanical performance and durability were reviewed. The literature shows that SCBA contains reactive silica and can contribute through pozzolanic reaction and micro-filler action when it is burned, ground and sieved. Moderate SCBA contents, commonly around 5–15%, generally provide satisfactory compressive, tensile and flexural performance, whereas excessive replacement reduces workability and strength because of higher water demand, carbon content and cement dilution. Pond ash can conserve natural sand and improve particle packing at controlled dosages, but high replacement may increase absorption and porosity. The combined use of SCBA and pond ash appears promising; however, limited studies address their interaction in SCC. Future research should standardise processing, optimise admixture dosage, evaluate durability and validate performance under field conditions.