Abstract: This study investigates properties of Nigerian-based RHA as a partial replacement for cement in HSC for sustainable and economic construction. Rice husks were obtained from Ire Ekiti, calcined to ash in a furnace under the range of 600 - 800℃, sieved and milled to improve the surface area and composition test was done. Two samples of RHA (milled and unmilled) were prepared and RHA-Cement blends using 0%,10%,20%,30%,40% and 50% by weight of cement. 72 cubes were prepared with an expected compressive strength of 60 MPa with each percentage replacement respectively having 12 cubes each for 7, 14, 21 and 28-days compressive strength to obtain the optimum percentage replacement. In the RHA produced, combined proportion of (SiO_2), (〖Al〗_2 O_3), and (〖Fe〗_2 O_3) gives 91.48% with loss of Ignition (LOI) of 3.79%, thus, satisfying ASTM 70% minimum requirement for the combined proportion of these oxides and 6% maximum Loss of Ignition. From the compressive strength test, the unmilled RHA -Cement blends performed poorly with respect to the control mix while the milled RHA -Cement shows an increase in strength and peaked at 10% with an average 28 days compressive strength of 63.70 MPa while 20% RHA gives 59.85 MPa. The close result of the average compressive strength of the 20% RHA to the target strength of 60 MPa, 10% and 20% RHA mixes were chosen as the likely optimum RHA replacement. With respect to these findings, Nigerian-based RHA shows promises for use in construction activities.
Keywords: rice husk ash, sustainable, Nigerian, High strength concrete, construction.
Title: EXPLORING THE SUITABILITY OF NIGERIAN-BASED RICE HUSK ASH FOR HIGH STRENGTH CONCRETE PRODUCTION FOR USE IN CONSTRUCTION
Author: Anthony O. Bucknor, Fisayo M. Animashaun, Festus A. Olutoge, Oluwaseun A. Adetayo
International Journal of Civil and Structural Engineering Research
ISSN 2348-7607 (Online)
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