Concrete is one of the most important construction materials used in engineering and infrastructure projects. Cement is considered one of its essential components, responsible for binding the concrete mixture and providing the required strength. With the increasing interest in environmental sustainability and reducing carbon emissions resulting from cement production, recent research has focused on using alternative materials with pozzolanic properties. One of the most promising materials is rice husk ash (RHA), which is produced by burning rice husks and contains a high percentage of silica, making it a suitable material for sustainable concrete production.
This study aims to evaluate the effect of using rice husk ash as a partial replacement for cement on concrete strength by preparing concrete mixtures containing different replacement percentages, such as 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% by weight of cement, along with a reference mixture containing no rice husk ash for comparison. The other mixture components are maintained as constant as possible, taking into consideration the properties and fineness of the ash and the curing conditions.
The study focuses on evaluating compressive strength as the primary indicator of concrete performance, in addition to investigating splitting tensile strength and flexural strength. The specimens are tested after different curing periods, such as 7, 28, and 56 days, to determine the effect of rice husk ash on strength development over time.
The effectiveness of rice husk ash depends on its amorphous silica content, fineness, and combustion conditions. The silica present in the ash reacts with calcium hydroxide produced during cement hydration to form additional calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) compounds. These compounds contribute to improving the microstructure of concrete and reducing internal pores and voids, which may lead to increased strength and improved durability. However, using high replacement percentages may reduce early-age strength and increase water demand, making it necessary to determine the optimum replacement percentage.
The expected results may demonstrate that concrete strength can be improved by using suitable percentages of rice husk ash, particularly at later curing ages, due to the continuation of pozzolanic reactions and the improvement of the internal concrete structure. The results are also expected to vary depending on ash quality, preparation methods, and the cement replacement percentage used.
The significance of this research lies in the possibility of utilizing agricultural waste and transforming it into a valuable construction material. This contributes to reducing cement consumption, minimizing carbon emissions associated with cement production, decreasing agricultural waste, and supporting sustainable construction practices. Furthermore, the findings may provide valuable information for developing environmentally friendly concrete mixtures with suitable structural performance.
In conclusion, using rice husk ash as a partial replacement for cement represents a promising approach in sustainable concrete technology. Determining the optimum replacement percentage and investigating its effect on concrete strength at different curing ages are essential steps toward achieving a balance between mechanical performance, economic efficiency, and environmental sustainability.