EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION ON THE USE OF RICE HUSK ASH IN M20 GREEN CONCRETE

Abstract

The construction sector depends heavily on Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), whose manufacture is energy intensive and associated with substantial carbon dioxide emissions. Agricultural residues can provide supplementary cementitious materials while reducing waste-disposal problems. This study experimentally investigates Rice Husk Ash (RHA) as a partial replacement for OPC in M20 grade green concrete. Four mixes containing 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% RHA were prepared under the experimental programme. Workability was assessed using the slump test, while compressive strength was evaluated at 7, 14, and 28 days and split tensile strength at 28 days. The reported slump values decreased from 82 mm for the control mix to 61 mm at 15% RHA. The 28-day compressive strength increased from 24.10 MPa for the control to 26.20 MPa at 10% RHA, followed by a reduction to 23.90 MPa at 15%. Similarly, 28-day split tensile strength increased from 2.92 MPa to 3.13 MPa at 10% RHA and then decreased to 2.86 MPa. On the basis of the combined workability and strength results, the 10% RHA mix provided the best overall performance in the reported experimental programme. The study indicates that appropriately processed RHA can be used as a supplementary cementitious material in M20 concrete while supporting agricultural-waste utilization and reduced cement consumption.