Design of a High Strength Concrete Using Rice Husk Ash for Road Construction

Rice husks have been a huge contributor to agricultural wastes in the world and it is most rampant in our country. But, Rice husks if burnt in controlled temperatures produce an ash that is highly pozzolanic and contains about 70 – 90% silica. Rice husk ash offers various benefits like being low-cost and abundant, with regards to concrete, it is strong and durable. The use of these agricultural residues for concrete possesses potential suitable economically and environmentally especially in countries which rely on agricultural products yet has minimal consideration on how to dispose of its remains. Utilizing this by-product helps not only in construction but in nature as well. This study proposes a design of rice husk ash concrete. The purpose of this research is to develop and evaluate a concrete with the use of rice husk ash as a partial replacement of cement with respect to strength, durability, water absorption, and workability. Various Percentages of rice husk ash (0%, 10%, 15%, 20%) will partially replace cement in the concrete mixture (Class A mix [ 1:2:4 ]) The assessment shows that the sample with 10% rice husk ash is the most efficient for concrete mix. Its strength for cylinder specimen in the compressive test is 19.68 Mpa and the strength for beam specimen in the flexural test is 3.83 Mpa. The estimated cost of concrete with RHA cement replacement becomes cheaper compared to 0% mix as follows: with 10% RHA cement replacement, 4.4%, with 15% RHA cement replacement, 6.54%, with 20% replacement, 8.68%.