SOME STUDY ON PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF CEMENT BY RICE HUSK ASH IN CONCRETE

Abstract

The use of alternative materials in concrete is becoming more common due to environmental concerns. Rice husk ash (RHA), a byproduct of rice milling, is one such material that can partially replace cement in concrete. RHA is rich in silica, which helps improve the strength and durability of concrete. This study explores how different percentages of RHA affect concrete’s strength, durability, and workability. The results show that using the right amount of RHA can enhance concrete properties while also reducing cement use and environmental impact. This study highlights the potential of RHA as a sustainable material in construction.

By replacing cement with rice husk, less cement is used, which is advantageous for the environment and the economy. This group project's goal was to examine the effects of using Rice husk ash in place of certain cement. Acquired rice husk was used to prepare various trial mixes named, RHA2.5, RHA5, RHA7.5, RHA10 and RHA15 with partial replacement of cement by 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, 15% respectively. The samples behavior and strength characteristics were compared to an identical mix of plain cement concrete with no addition of rice husk ash. In addition, 1% superplasticizer named chemrite 520 was added. Specimens were divided into two categories with designated curing period 14 and 28 days. And results were compared between them.

It indicates that the cement replaced with the Rice husk ash in concrete showed the best physical and mechanical improvement. After performing all necessary Tests such as compressive strength, split tensile strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and flexural strength, it was observed that the 5% partial replacement of cement with RHA at both 14- and 28-days curing periods showed the best improvements. It is economical and can be used for improving concrete properties, at certain percentage RHA can be used for lowering use of cement. It can be helpful in lowering the carbon footprints which is produced in manufacturing of cement.