Partial Replacement of Cement by Rice Husk Ash

CHAPTER - 1
INTRODUCTION
Concrete is one of the most common materials used in the construction industry for centuries. Due to
sustainable consumption and growth in the civil infrastructure systems, there is a raise in the requirement of
construction materials that are designed and used with utmost attention to their durability and long term strength.
In the past few years, many researchers have been made for the improvement of performance of concrete in
various desired characteristics. There is always a search for concrete in various desired characteristics. There is
always a search for concrete with higher strength and durability.

Fig, 1.1-CONCRETE

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Partial Replacement of cement by rice husk ash

1.1 BACKGROUND
Concrete has relatively high compressive strength, but much lower tensile strength. Also, concrete has a
very low coefficient of thermal expansion and shrinkage as it matures. All concrete structures crack to some
extent, due to shrinkage and tension. Concrete that subjected to long duration forces may tends to creep. For this
reason, it is usually reinforced with inorganic, fine grained materials that are strong in tension. Such admixtures
must be siliceous and hydraulic in nature. In this regard, blended cement (port land cement) concrete has been
introduced to better suit the prevailing requirements. But the use of Portland cement has resulted in significant
greenhouse gas implication. A study revealed that manufacture of each ton of cement generates approximately
0.9 tons of carbon emission. The Greenhouse gas indications of concrete can be reduced by partial replacement
of port land cement with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). Typical SCMs includes fly ash, ground
granulated blast furnace slag, and silica fume, ground limestone. In recent days, cementitious materials known as
pozzolan are used as concrete constituents, In addition to Portland cement. Originally, the term pozzolan was
associated with naturally formed volcanic ashes and calcined earths will react with lime at ambient temperatures
in the presence of water. Many a pozzolanic materials like silica fume, rice husk ash, slag etc. have been used in
recent decades for developing high performance concrete with improved workability, strength and durability.

Pozzolanic reactions change the microstructure of concrete and chemistry of the hydration products by
consuming the released calcium hydroxide and production of additional calcium silicate hydrates (C – S – H),
resulting in an increased strength and reduced porosity and therefore improved durability. Recently, the term has
been extended to cover all siliceous or aluminous materials which finely divided form is and in the presence of
water, will react with calcium hydroxide to form compounds that possess cementitious properties.

1.2 RICE HUSK ASH

Rice husk can be burnt into ash that fulfills the physical characteristics and chemical composition of
mineral admixtures pozzolanic activity of rice husk ash (RHA) depends on (i) silica content, (ii) silica
crystallization phase, (iii) size and surface area of ash particles. In addition, ash must contain only a small amount
of carbon. The optimized RHA, by controlled burn and grinding, has been used as a pozzolanic material in cement
and concrete. Using it provides several advantages, such as improved strength and durability properties, and
environmental benefits related to the disposal of waste materials and to reduced carbon dioxide emissions.

Rice husk ash is used in concrete construction as an alternative of cement. The types, properties,
advantages and uses of rice husk in construction

The rice paddy milling industries give the by- product rice husk. Due to the increasing rate of
environmental pollution and consideration of sustainability factor have made the ideas of utilizing of rice husk.

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Partial Replacement of cement by rice husk ash

Fig, 1.2 – RICE HUSK ASH

About 100 million tons of paddy manufactured by-products are obtained around the world. They have a very low
bulk density of 90-150 kg/m3. This results in a greater value of dry volume.

The rice husk itself has a very rough surface which is abrasive in nature. These are hence resistant to natural
degradation. This would result in improper disposal problems.

So, a way to use by-product to make a new product is the best sustainable idea. Among all industries to reuse this
product, cement, and concrete manufacturing industries are the one who can use rice husk in a better w

1.2.1. RHA AS A SUPPLEMENTARY BINDER

The rice husk ash has good reactivity when used as a partial substitute for cement. These are prominent in
countries where the rice production is abundant. The properly rice husk ash ashes are found to be active with in
the cement paste. So, the use and practical application of RHA for concrete manufacturing is important.

1.2.2. PROPERTIES RHA

Rice husk ash is a pozzolanic material. It is having different physical and chemical properties. The product
obtained from RHA by trade name silpoz which is much finer than cement.

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Partial Replacement of cement by rice husk ash

Table 1.1. Physical Properties of R.H.A

S.NO PARTICULARS PROPERTIES
1 Color Grey
2 Shape texture Irregular
3 Mineralogy Non crystalline
4 Particle size 45 micron
5 Odor Odorless
6 Specific gravity 2.3

Table 1.2. Chemical properties of R.H.A

S.NO PARTICULARS PROPERTIES
1 Silicon dioxide 86.46%
2 Aluminum oxide 0.2%
3 Iron oxide 0.1%
4 Calcium oxide 0.3-2.2%
5 Magnesium oxide 0.2-0.6%
6 Sodium oxide 0.1-0.8%
7 Potassium oxide 2.15-2.30%
8 Ignition Loss 3.15-4.4%

1.2.3. VARIATION OF PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE WITH (RHA)

The incorporation of rice husk ash in concrete convert it into an eco-friendly supplementary cementitious material.

The following properties of the concrete are altered with the addition of rice husk:

 The heat of hydration is reduced. This itself help in drying shrinkage and facilitate durability of the
concrete mix.
 The reduction in the permeability of concrete structure. This will help in penetration of chloride ions,
thus avoiding the disintegration of concrete structure.
 There is a high increase in the chloride and sulfate attack resistance.

The rice husk ashes in the concrete react with the calcium hydroxide to bring more hydration product. The
consumption of calcium hydroxide will enable lesser reactivity of chemicals from the external environment.

The rice husk ash is a green supplementary material that has applications in small to large scale.it can be used for
waterproofing .it is also used as the admixture to make the concrete resistant against chemical penetration

Characteristics of rice husk ash concrete (RHA) at the early stages mainly depend on following factors:

 Water cement ratio

 Amount of rice husk ash added
 Type and amount of admixture
 Mix proportion designed

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Partial Replacement of cement by rice husk ash

1.3. AIM OF THE STUDY

The of the study is to identify the accomplishment of some predefined objectives

 To study the performance of concrete containing different proportions of rice husk ash and to quantify the
optimal replacement level
 To identify the strength and quality for field control of rice husk ash concrete.
 To determine the workability of rice husk ash concrete conducting various tests.

1.4. SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY

The use of rice husk ash as a concrete admixture not only extends technical advantages to the properties
of concrete but also contributes to the environmental pollution control. In India alone, the total amount of rice
husk produced is estimated to be about 24 million tons while the RHA production is estimated to be around 4.4
million tons per year. The disposal of which has become a serious environmental problem. The effective
utilization of rice husk ash in concrete is, making therefore, attracting serious consideration of concrete
technologists and government departments.

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Partial Replacement of cement by rice husk ash

CHAPTER - 3
LITERATURE SURVEY OF CONCRETE
3.1. CONCRETE
Concrete is most widely used human-made product in the world. In contrast to its internal complexity,
versatility, durability, and economy, it has been the most extensively used construction material with a production
over six billion tons every year. Concrete is used to make pavements, building structures, foundations, roads,
overpasses, parking structures, brick /block walls and bases for gates, fences and poles. Concrete is primarily a
proportionate mixture of aggregate, cement, and water.

In India conventional concrete is often produced with four basic components namely cement, water (binder), the
crushed o uncrushed stone and natural sand or stone dust. In addition to the above ingredients, one or two
additional chemicals are also added to the recipe of concrete in order to enhance some properties. Certain materials
of mineral origin are also added to concrete to enhance their strength and durability properties of concrete
materials such as rice husk ash, which are generally very fine, may be finer than cement, when added to concrete
in right proportion can improve the strength and durability of concrete drastically and high strength and high
performance concrete is obtained in this manner. So modern concrete may have more four ingredients mentioned
earlier and like many other compositions, property of concrete can be suitably tailored for specific construction
related performance

The cement and water will form a paste that hardens as result of chemical reaction between the cement and water.
This paste acts as glue, binding the aggregates (sand and gravel or crushed stone) into a solid rock-like mass. The
quality of the paste and the aggregates dictate the engineering properties of this construction material. During
hydration and hardening, concrete will develop certain physical and chemical properties, among others,
mechanical strength, low permeability and chemical and volume stability. Concrete has relatively high
compressive strength, but significantly lower tensile strength (about 10% of the compressive strength).

3.1.1. HIGH PERFORMANE CONCRETE

High performance concrete is a special type of concrete meeting typical combination of
performance and uniformity requirements that cannot always be achieved routinely using conventional
constituents and normal mixing, placing and curing practices. It possesses high-workability, high-strength, and
high durability. The high performance concrete ensures long- time durability in structures when exposed to
aggressive environments. Durability of concrete is its ability to resist weathering action, chemical attack, abrasion
and all other deterioration processes. Weathering includes environmental effects such as exposure to cycles of
wetting and drying, heating and cooling, as also freezing and thawing. Chemical deterioration process includes
acid attack, expansive chemical attack due to moisture and chloride ingress.

3.1.2. HIGH STRENGTH CONCRETE

From the general principles behind the design of high strength concrete mixtures, it is apparent that
high strengths are made possible by reducing porosity, in homogeneity, and micro cracks in the hydrated cement
paste and the transition zone. The utilization of fine pozzolanic materials in high strength concrete leads to
reduction of the thickness of the interfacial transition zone in high-strength concrete. The densification of the

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Partial Replacement of cement by rice husk ash

interfacial transition zone allows for efficient load transfer between the cement mortar and the coarse aggregate,
contributing to the strength of the concrete where the matrix is extremely dense, a week aggregate may become
the weak link in concrete strength.

3.2. CEMENT
Cement may be defined as adhesive substance capable of uniting fragments or masses of solid matter to a
compact whole. Portland cement was invented in 1824 by an English mason, Joseph Aspdin, who named his
product Portland cement because it produced a concrete that was of the same color as natural stone on the Isle of
Portland in the English Channel.

Raw materials for manufacturing cement consist of basically calcareous and siliceous material. The
mixture is heated to a high temperature within a rotating kiln to produce a complex group of chemicals,
collectively called cement clinker

Cement is distinct from the ancient cement. It is termed hydraulic cement for its ability to set and harden
under water. Briefly, the chemicals present in clinker are nominally the four major potential compounds are
normally termed as tri calcium silicate (3Cao.Sio2), di calcium silicate (2Cao Sio2), Tricalcium Aluminate
(3Cao.Al203) and tetra calcium Alumina ferrite (4Ca0.Al2O3.Fe2O3).

The American society for testing and materials (ASTM) standard c 150, specification for Portland cement,
provides for the following types of Portland cement;

Type 1 general Portland cement

Type 2 moderate- Sulphate resistant cement

Type 3 high- early-strength cement

Type 4 low-heat-of-hydration cement

Type 5 high-Sulphate-resistant cement

3.2.1. TYPE I -ORDINARY PORTLAND CEMENT

Type I Portland cement (PC) is general hydraulic cement produced by pulverizing Portland cement clinker,
usually in combination with calcium sulphate (gypsum). Portland cement clinker is partially fused ceramic
material consisting primarily of hydraulic calcium silicates and calcium aluminates. This is suitable for all uses
where special properties of other cements are not required. It is commonly used in pavements, bridges, building,
and precast concrete products.

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Partial Replacement of cement by rice husk ash

fig.3.1. Ordinary Portland Cement

3.2.2. TYPE II-MODERATE SULPHATE RESISTANT CEMENT

Type II cement is used where precaution against moderate Sulphate attack is important where Sulphate
concentrations in groundwater or soil are higher than normal, but not server. Type II cement can also be specified
to generate less heat than type I cement .this moderate heat of hydration requirement is helpful when placing
massive structures, such as piers, heavy abutments, and retaining walls. Type II cement may be specified when
water –soluble sulfate in soil is between 0.1and 0.2%, or when the sulphate content in water is in between 150
and 1500ppm. Types I and II are the most common cements available.

Fig.3.2. Moderate Sulphate Resistant Cement

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Partial Replacement of cement by rice husk ash

3.2.3. TYPE III- HIGH EARLY STRENGTH CEMENT

Type III cement provides strength at an early age. It is chemically similar to Type I cement expect that the
particles have been ground finer to increase the rate of hydration, so it is not used in mass concrete structures. It
has higher C3S and lower C2S content. It is commonly used in fast-track paving or when the concrete structure
must be put into service as soon as possible, such as in bridge deck repair. This is also known as Rapid Hardening
cement.

Fig.3.3. High Early Strength Cement

3.2.4. TYPE IV- LOW HEAT CEMENT

Type IV Cement is used where the rate and amount of heat generated from hydration must be minimized.
A low heat evolution is achieved by reduced the contents of C3S and C3A which are the compounds evolving the
maximum heat of hydration and increasing C2S. This low heat of hydration cement is intended for large, massive
structures, such as gravity dams. Type IV Cement is rarely available.

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Partial Replacement of cement by rice husk ash

Fig.3.4. Low Heat Cement

3.2.5. TYPE V- HIGH SULPHATE RESISTANT CEMENT

Type V Portland cement is used in concrete exposed to very severe Sulphate exposures. Type V cements
would be used when concrete is exposed to soil with a water-soluble sulphate content of 0.2% and higher or to
water with over 1500ppm of sulphate. The high sulphate resistance of Type V cement is attributed to its low
Tricalcium aluminate content.

Fig.3.5. High Sulphate Resistant Cement

Among these types, we have adopted Type I –Ordinary Portland Cement in this study.

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Partial Replacement of cement by rice husk ash

3.3. SUPPLEMENTARY CEMENTITIOUS MATERIAL

With the extensively use of cement in concrete, there has been some environmental concerns in terms of
damage caused by the extraction of raw material and CO2 emission during cement manufacture. This has bought
pressures to reduce the cement consumption in the industry. At the same time, there are getting more requirements
for enhancement in concrete durability to sustain the changing environment which is apparently different from
old days.

With the development in concrete technology, supplementary cementitious materials (SCM), also known as
Admixtures, have been introduced as substitutes for cement in concrete. Several types of materials are in common
use, some of which are by-products from other industrial processes, and hence their use may have economic
advantages. However, the main reason for their use is that they can give a variety of useful enhancements or
modifications to the concrete properties.

The most common reasons for using Supplementary Cementitious materials in concrete are:

 To increase workability without changing water content

 To reduce water content without changing workability
 To effect a combination of the above
 To adjust setting time
 To reduce segregation and/or bleeding
 To accelerate the rate of strength development at early ages
 To increase strength
 To improve potential durability and permeability
 To reduce the total cost of the materials used in the concrete
 To compensate for poor aggregate properties.

All the materials have two common features:

1. Their particle size range is similar to or smaller than that of Portland cement
2. They are pozzolanic material.

3.3.1. POZZOLANIC NATURE

A common feature of nearly all SCM is that they exhibit pozzolanic nature. Pozzolanic material is the
material which contains active silica (SiO2) and is not cementitious by itself but, in a finely divided form and in
the presence of moisture chemically react with calcium hydroxide at ordinary temperature to form cemtitious
compounds.

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Partial Replacement of cement by rice husk ash

The introduction of pozzolans as cement replacement materials in recent years seems to be successful. The
use of pozzolan has proven to be an effective solution in enhancing the properties of concrete in terms of strength
and durability. The current pozzolan using is rice husk ash. Development and investigation of other sources of
these pozzolan will be able to provide more alternatives for the engineer to select the most suitable cement
replacement materials for different environment.

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Partial Replacement of cement by rice husk ash

CHAPTER - 4

RICE HUSK ASH

4.1. INTRODUTION

India is a major rice producing country, and the husk generated during milling is mostly used as a fuel in
the boilers for processing paddy, producing energy through direct combustion and / or by gasification. About 20
million tons of RHA is produced annually. This RHA is a great environment threat causing damage to the land
and the surrounding area in which it is dumped. Lots of ways are being thought of for disposing them by making
commercial use of this RHA. In the present investigation, Portland cement was replaced by rice husk ash at
various percentages to study compressive and flexural strength (Min-Hong Zhang and Malhotra, 1996).

4.2. RHA PRODUTION AND AVAILABILITY

Rice milling industry generates a lot of rice husk during milling of paddy which comes from the fields.
This rice husk is mostly used as a fuel in the boilers for processing of paddy. Rice husk is also used as a fuel for
power generation. Rice husk ash (RHA) is about 25% by weight of rice husk when burnt in boilers. It is estimated
that about 70 million tons of RHA is produced annually worldwide. This RHA is a great environment threat
causing damage to the land and the surrounding area in which it is dumped.

During milling of paddy about 78 % of weight is received as rice, broken rice and bran .Rest 22 % of the
weight of paddy is received as husk. This husk is used as fuel in the rice mills to generate steam for the parboiling
process. This husk contains about 75 % organic volatile matter and the balance 25 % of the weight of this husk is
converted into ash during the firing process, is known as rice husk ash (RHA). This RHA in turn contains around
85 % - 90 % amorphous silica. So, for every 1000 kg of paddy milled, about 220 kg (22 %) of husk is produced,
and when this husk is burnt in the boilers, about 55 kg (25 %) of RHA is generated.

4.3. VARIOUS USAGE OF RHA

RHA is a carbon neutral green product. Lots of ways are being thought of for disposing them by making
commercial use of this RHA. RHA is a good super-pozzolan. This super-pozzolan can be used in a big way to
make special concrete mixes. There is a growing demand for fine amorphous silica in the production of special
cement and concrete mixes, high performance concrete, high strength, low permeability concrete, for use in
bridges, marine environments, nuclear power plants etc.

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Partial Replacement of cement by rice husk ash

From RHA we manufacture organic micro-silica / amorphous silica, with silica content of above 89%, in very
small particle size of less than 35 microns – Silpoz for application in High Performance Concrete.

Other uses of Rice Husk Ash

This product can be used in a variety of applications like:

 Aggregates and fillers for concrete and board production.

 Economical substitute for micro silica / silica fumes
 Absorbents for oils and chemicals
 Soil ameliorants (An ameliorant is something that helps improve soil drainage, slows drainage, breaks up
soil or binds soil, feeds and improves structure etc.)
 As a source of silicon
 As insulation powder in steel mills
 As repellents in the form of "vinegar-tar"
 As a release agent in the ceramics industry
 As an insulation material for homes and refrigerants

4.4. POZZOLANIC PROPERTIES OF RICE HUSK ASH

Producing RHA under controlled burning temperature to obtain expected properties as for obtaining silica
is very ideal, nonetheless that will increase production costs. Furthermore, RHA as a by-product from rice milling
with uncontrolled burning temperature is an important source of silica. These RHA have the highest silica content
from the plant residue and have been confirmed to have pozzolanic properties. Having pozzolanic properties
means the RHA will create cementitious materials if its finely grind, then combined with calcium hydroxide [Ca
(OH)2] at ordinary temperature with the presence of moisture [3-13]. The RHA is a big the rice will continue to
be consumed.

4.5. POZZOLANIC ACTIVITY

To act as a good SCM, the RHA must possess a pozzolanic property, i.e., providing excess reactive SiO 2
to react with Ca (OH)2 released from cement hydration to yield calcium silicate hydrates (CSH), which is
responsible for compressive strength in cement-based materials. This, in turn, requires the rice husk to be
incinerated at low temperatures (<800ºC) to maximize the amorphous SiO2 content, which is the most reactive
form of SiO2 to Ca (OH)2. Most rice husk in Thailand is typically burnt in a boiler at temperature in excess
1000ºC. This causes the amorphous SiO2, the low-temperature form of SiO2, to transform to cristobalite, its high-
temperature crystalline form, and thus worsens the pozzolanic activity of the resulting RHA. To enhance the use

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Partial Replacement of cement by rice husk ash

of high-quality RHA as an SCM, a method characterized its pozzolanic activity must be devised. Good pozzolanic
activity in RHA results from high specific surface area (100-200 m2/g), small particle size (<10μm), low carbon
content (<6-8% by weight), and most importantly, high amorphous SiO2 content (80-90% by weight), among
other factors.

4.6. CEMENT CONCRETE

Most widely used construction material in the world over, commonly consists of cement, aggregates (fine
and coarse) and water. It is the material, which is used more than any other manmade material on the earth for
construction works. In the concrete, cement chemically reacts with water and produces binding gel that binds
other component together and create stone type material. The reaction process is called ‘hydration’ in which water
is absorbed by the cement. In this process apart from the binding gel, some amount of lime [Ca (OH)2] is also
liberated. The coarse and fine acts as filler in the mass.

The main factors which determines the strength of the concrete is amount of cement and the ratio of water
to cement in the concrete mix. However, there are some factors which limit the quantity of cement and
water/cement to be used in the concrete. Hydration process of cement is exothermic and large amount of heat is
liberated. Higher will be the cement content greater will be the heat liberation leading in distress to concrete.

Water is the principal constituent of the concrete mix. Once Dicalcium is hardened, the entrapped water
in the mass is used by cement mineralogy for hydration and some water is evaporated, thus leaving pores in the
matrix. Some part of these pores is filled with hydrated products of cement paste. It has been observed that higher
the ratio of water/cement, higher is the porosity resulting in increased permeability.

4.6.1. RICE HUSK ASH IN CONCRETE

Concrete is a mixture of aggregate (usually pebbles or crushed stone) and cement. The exact composition
of the cement varies substantially from one manufacturer to the next, but virtually all contain limestone (calcium
carbonate) and lime (calcium oxide). Concrete is a composite material which is made up of filler and a binder.
Generally, this medium is the product of reaction between hydraulic cement and water.

Strength of concrete is commonly considered its most valuable property, although in many practical cases
other properties like durability and impermeability may in fact more important (Hossain et al., 2009). It is known
that fine aggregate acts as filler of course aggregate and it does not give significant strength. Cement fills the
void of fine aggregate. Some gaps are present between cement. By partial replacing RHA to cement, RHA fills
these voids. The pH decreases in the anodic compartment but increases in the cathodic compartment. These
variations are directly related to the nature of the reactions that occur during the test. As the potential is applied

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Partial Replacement of cement by rice husk ash

between the electrodes, the hydroxide ions migrate toward the anode, where they oxidize by giving oxygen and
yielding electrons

EQUATION – 1: 2OH- 1/2 O2 + H2O+2e-

Simultaneously, sodium ions migrate toward the cathode. They do not react directly, but the surrounding
molecules of water are electrolyzed, giving directly hydroxide and hydrogen. The electrons provided by the
cathode are those that come from the anodic reaction

EQUATION - 2: 2H2O + 2e - → H2 + 2OH –

The electrolysis phenomenon appears to be the main process that occurs during the accelerated test of
concrete chloride permeability. (Prince et al., 1999) Rice husk ash (RHA) is an industrial waste generated from
rice boiling plant. The ash obtained from this combustion process has high unburned carbon content. This has
caused that the use of RHA in construction material applications.

4.6.2. REDUCED HEAT OF HYDRATION

In concrete mix, when water and cement come in contact, a chemical reaction initiate that produces
binding material and consolidates the concrete mass. The process is exothermic, and heat is released which
increases the temperature of the mass. When Rice husk ash present in concrete mass, its play dual role for
strength development. Rice husk ash is a good super pozzolan. In which silos is present by adding it to concrete
lower the heat of hydration by as much as 30% prevents formation of micro cracking.

4.6.3. Workability of Rice Husk Ash Concrete

A small addition of RHA (lesser than two to three by weight of the cement), to a given water cement ratio,
is enough and helpful to improve the stability as well as the workability. This would not lead to any bleeding or
segregation problems. This property is gained by the rice husk ash due to its large surface area- in the range of 50
to 60m2/g.

The addition of rice husk ash in larger amount will result in the dry mixture, due to higher water demanded
by the larger surface area. This can be compromised by the incorporation of Superplasticizers or any adequate
admixtures.

4.6.4. PERMEABILITY AND CORROSION PROTECTION

Water is essential constituent of concrete preparation. When concrete is hardened, part of the entrapped
water in the concrete mass is consumed by cement mineralogy for hydration. Some part of entrapped water
entrapped water evaporates, thus leaving porous channel to the extent of volume occupied by the water. Some
part of this porous volume is filled by the hydrated product of the cement paste. The remaining part of the voids
Similarly, the liberated lime by hydration of cement is water-soluble and is leached out from hardened concrete
mass, leaving capillary voids for the ingress of water. Higher the water cement ratio, higher will be the porosity

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and thus higher will be the permeability. The permeability makes the ingress of chloride ions into concrete and is
the main cause for initiation of chloride induced corrosion.

Additional cementitious material RHA in the composites could cause an extensive pore refinement in the
matrix and in the interface layer, thereby decreasing water permeability. The radial expansion of Portland cement
hydration products in pozzolanic particles would have a pore modification effect therefore reduces the
interconnectedness among pores. This occurrence can be coupled with perfection on the interfacial transition
zones among the cement matrix and aggregate. The permeability will decrease rapidly with the progress of the
hydration.

Fig.4.1. Microphotograph of RHA Fig.4.2. Microphotograph of RHA in Cement

4.6.5. EFFECT OF RICE HUSK ASH ON CARBONATION OF CONCRETE

Carbonation phenomenon in concrete occurs when calcium when calcium hydroxides (lime) of the hydrated
Portland cement react with carbon dioxide from atmospheres in the presence of moisture and form calcium
carbonate. To a small extent, calcium carbonate is also formed when calcium silicate and aluminates of the
hydrated Portland cement react with carbon dioxide from atmosphere. Carbonation process in concrete results in
two deleterious effects (i) shrinkage may occur (ii) concrete immediately adjacent to steel reinforcement may
reduce its resistance to corrosion. After the addition of RHA to the cement not only the strength of concrete is
enhanced greatly but also the losses of mass and strength of the concrete cured and the carbonation rate of concrete
was decreased. It was also observed that the resistance of concrete to the penetration of water, air, and chloride-
ion can be much improved by using RHA.

4.6.6. SULPHATE ATTACK

Sulphate attacks in concrete occur due to reaction between sulphate from external origins or from atmosphere
with surplus lime leads to formation of ettringite, which causes expansion and results in volume destabilization
of the concrete. Deterioration of concrete structures in sulfate environments is a well-known phenomenon.
Cement chemistry is an important parameter in coping with sulfate attack. C3A and CA (OH)2 lead to expansion,
cracking and strength reduction. The use of rice husk ash (RHA) can improve the sulfate resistance of concrete.

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4.6.7. CORROSION OF STEEL

Corrosion of steel takes place mainly because of two types of attack. One is due to carbonation attack and
other is due to chloride attack. In the carbonation attack, due to carbonation of free lime, alkaline environment
in the concrete comes down which disturbs the passive iron oxide film on the reinforcement. When the concrete
comes down which disturbs the passive iron oxide film on the reinforcement. When the concrete is permeable,
the ingress of moisture and oxygen infuse to the surface of steel initiates the electrochemical process and as a
result rust is formed. The transformation of steel to rust increases its volume thus resulting in the concrete
expansion, cracking and distress to the structure. In the chloride attack, chloride ion becomes available in
concrete either through the dissociation of chlorides associated mineralogical hydration or infusion of chloride
ion. The sulphate attack in the concrete decomposes the chloride mineralogy thereby releasing chloride ion. In
the presence of large amount of chloride, the concrete exhibits the tendency to hold moisture. In the presence
of moisture and oxygen, resistivity weakens and becomes more permeable thereby inducing further distress.
The Silica from rice husk extracts is one of the natural resources with the ability to reduce corrosion rate.

4.6.8. REDUCED ALKALI AGGREGATE REACTION

Certain type of aggregates reacts with available alkalis and cause expansion and damage to concrete.
These aggregates are termed as reactive aggregates. It has been established that use of adequate quantity of
Rice Husk Ash in concrete reduces the amount of alkali aggregate reaction and reduces/ eliminates harmful
expansion of concrete. The reaction between the siliceous glass in rice husk ash and alkali aggregates of
Portland cement paste consumes alkalis thereby reduces their availability for expansive reaction with reactive
silica aggregate

In a nutshell, it can be summarized that permeability and surplus lime liberated during the hydration of
Portland cement are the root causes for deleterious effect on the concrete. Impermeability is the foremost
defensive mechanism for making concrete more durable and is best archived by using rice husk ash.

Table 4.1. Advantages of. rice husk ash in cement concrete

Salient advantages of using rice husk ash in cement concrete

 Reduction in heat of hydration and thus reduction of thermal cracks and improves soundness of
concrete mass

 Strength and cost savings (as shown above) of Rice Husk Ash concrete proves it to be a better
material than various other supplementary materials which involve higher transport cost.
 By using this Rice husk ash in concrete as replacement the emission of greenhouse gases can be
decreased. As a result, there is greater possibility to gain a greater number of carbon credits.

 The reduction in the permeability of concrete structure. This will help in penetration of chloride ions,
thus avoiding the disintegration of the concrete structure.

pg. 18
Partial Replacement of cement by rice husk ash

4.6.9. ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF RICE HUSK ASH IN CEMENT CONCRETE

Use of rt is ice husk ash in concrete imparts several environmental benefits and thus it is ecofriendly. It
saves the cement requirement for the same strength thus saving of raw materials such as limestone, coal etc.
required for manufacture of cement. Manufacture of cement is high energy intensive industry. In the
manufacturing of one ton of cement, about one ton of CO2 is emitted and goes to atmosphere. Less requirement
of cement means less emission of CO2 results in greenhouse gas emission. India is one of the countries which is
producing the rice. and this rice husk is dumping out which is the major environmental problem. Use of rice husk
ash will reduce the environment.

4.7. QUALITY OF RICE HUSK ASH AS PER BIS

BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARD
To utilize Rice Husk Ash as a pozzolana in cement and cement mortar, Bureau of Indian standard (BIS)
has formulated IS:383, In this code quality requirement for rice husk ash with respect its Chemical and Physical
compositions have been specified. These requirements are given below.

CHEMICAL REQUIRMENTS
Table .4.2. Chemical Requirements of Rice Husk Ash as per BIS

S.NO Characteristics Requirements

1. SiO2 93.80%
2. Al2O2 0.74%
3. Fe2O2 0.30%
4. TiO2 0.10%
5. CaO 0.89%
6. MgO 0.32%
7. Na2O 0.28%
8. K2O 0.12%
9. Loi 3.37%
PHYSICAL REQUIRMENTS
Table.4.3. Physical Requirements of Rice Husk Ash as BIS

S.NO Characteristics Requirements

1. Silica 90% maximum
2. Humidity 2% maximum
3. Mean particle size 25 microns
4. Color Grey
5. Loss on ignition at 800o 4% maximum

pg. 19
Partial Replacement of cement by rice husk ash

4.8. USAGE OF RICE HUSK ASH IN CEMENT CONCRETE

The main objective of using rice husk ash in cement concrete applications is to get durable concrete at
reduced cost, which can be achieved by adopting the following method

The addition of rice husk ash as additional ingredients at concrete mixing stage as part replacement of
Ordinary Portland Cement and fine aggregates is more flexible method. It allows for maximum utilization of the
quality rice husk ash as an important component (cementitious and as fine aggregates) of concrete.

There are three basic approaches for selecting the quality of rice husk in cement concrete:

1. Partial replacement of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) – The simple replacement method
2. Addition of rice husk ash as fine aggregates – The addition method
3. Partial replacement of Ordinary Portland Cement, fine aggregate and water- A modified replacement
method.

4.8.1. SIMPLE REPLACEMENT METHOD

In this method a part of the OPC is replaced by rice husk ash on a one to one basis by mass of cement. In
this process, the early strength of concrete is lower and higher strength is developed after 56-90 days. At early
age rice husk ash exhibits very little cementing value. At later ages when liberated lime resulting from hydration
cement, reacts with rice husk ash and contributes considerable strength to concrete. This method of rice husk ash
is adopted for mass concrete works where initial strength of concrete has less importance compared to the
reduction of temperature rise.

4.8.2. ADDITION METHOD

In this method, rice husk ash is added to the concrete without corresponding reduction in the quantity of
OPC. This increased strength at all ages of the concrete mass. This method is useful when there is a maximum
cement content criterion due to some design consideration.

4.8.3. MODIFIED REPLACEMENT METHOD

This method is useful to make strength of rice husk ash concrete equivalent to the strength of control mix
(without rice husk ash concrete) at early ages i.e. Between 3 and 28 days. In this method rice husk ash is used by
replacing part OPC by mass along with adjustment in quantity of fine aggregates and water. The concrete mixes
designed by this method will have a total weight of OPC and rice husk ash higher than the weight of the cement
used in comparable to control to mix i.e. without rice husk ash mix. In this method the quantity of cementitious
material (OPC +RHA) is kept higher than quantity of cement in control mix to offset the reduction in early
strength.

pg. 20
Partial Replacement of cement by rice husk ash

4.9. EFFECTS OF QUALITY OF RICE HUSK ASH ON CONCRETE

The characteristics of rice husk ash depends on the burning conditions (temperature, rate of heating and
durability), geographical location, fineness, crop variety, and crop year etc. the important characteristics, which
affects the performance of rice husk ash in concrete are

 Loss of ignition (LOI)

 Fineness

4.9.1. LOSS OF IGNITION

when rice husk ash is burnt at about 700oC, it suffers a loss of weight through the presence of moisture
and unburnt residue and unstable mineral at high temperature. The combined effect is known as loss of ignition.
Thus, the increase water and admixture requirements and affects properties of concrete. It may be stated that
lower the LOI, better will be the rice husk ash.

4.9.2. FINENESS

Fineness of rice husk ash, which is also represented the terms of specific surface area, is determined by
Blaine method. This method is based on the resistance offered by material to airflow. More the surface area
greater will be the fineness. Fineness is also determined by wet sieved on 45-micron sieve. Finer the rice husk
ash has more reactive surface area available to react with lime and thus, more will be the pozzolanic activity of
rice husk ash. In short, it can be concluded that finer the rice husk ash and lower the carbon content, the greater
will be the pozzolanic activity and greater contribution to strength in concrete of same workability

pg. 21
Partial Replacement of cement by rice husk ash

CHAPTER - 5
METHODOLOGY

5.1. INTRODUCTION
This chapter describes the materials used, the preparation of the test specimens and the test procedures.
Also, the properties and chemical compositions were listed down in this section.

5.2. MATERIALS
The materials used in this study were cement, rice husk ash, aggregates (fine and coarse) and water. The
description of each of the material is described in the following sections.

5.3. TEST ON MATERIALS

5.3.1. CEMENT

Cement is used in this study was KCP brand ordinary Portland cement of grade 53. The cement was
kept in an airtight container and stored in the humidity-controlled room to prevent cement from being exposed to
moisture.

5.3.1.1. INTIAL AND FINAL SETTING TIME

We need to calculate the initial and final setting time as per IS: 4031 -1988. To do so we need vicat apparatus
conforming to IS: 5513-1976, Balance, Gauging trowel conforming to IS: 10086-1982.s

PROCEDURE TO DETERMINE INTIAL AND FINAL SETTING TIME OF CEMENT

 Take 500gms of cement and gauging it from 0.85 times the water required to produce a cement of standard
consistency.
 Start a stop watch, the moment water is added to the cement.
 Fill the vicat mould completely with the cement gauged as above, the mould resting on a non-porous plate
and smooth off the surface of the paste making it level with the top of the mould. The cement
 The temperature of water and that of test room at the time of gauging shall be within 27oC ± 2oC

 Initial setting time

Place the test block under the rod bearing the needle. Lower the needle gently in order to make contact
with the surface of the cement paste and release quickly, allowing it to penetrate the test block. Repeat the
procedure till the needle fails to pierce the test block to point 5.0 ± 0.5mm measured from the bottom of the mould.
The time period elapsing between the time, water is added to the cement and the time, the needle fails to pierce
the test block by 5.0 ± 0.5 mm measured from bottom of the mould, is the initial setting time.

pg. 22
Partial Replacement of cement by rice husk ash

 Final setting time

Replace the above needle by the one with by a circular attachment. The cement should be considered as
finally set when, upon applying the needle gently to the surface of the test block, the needle makes an impression
therein, while the attachment fails to do so. The period elapsing in within the time, water is added to be cement.
In other words, the paste has attained such hardness that the center needle does not piece through the paste more
than 0.5mm.

5.3.1.2. CONSISTENCY TEST

The basic aim is to find out the water content required to produce a cement paste of standard consistency
as specified by the IS 4031 -1988. The principle is that standard consistency of cement is that consistency at
which the vicat plunger penetrates to a point 5-7mm from the bottom of vicat mould.

Apparatus - Vicat apparatus conforming to IS: 5513-1976, Balance, gauging trowel conforming to is
10086 - 1982

PROCEDURE TO DETERMINE CONSISTENCY OF CEMENT

 Weigh approximately 400g of cement and mix it with the weighted quantity of water. The time of
gauging should be between 3 to 5 minutes.
 Fill the vicat mould with paste and level it with the trowel.
 Lower the plunger gently till it touches the cement surface.
 Release the plunger allowing it to sink into the paste.
 Note the reading on the gauge.

Repeat the above procedure taking fresh samples of cement and different quantities of water until the
readings on the gauge is 5 to 7 mm

Fig. 5.1. Vicat apparatus

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Partial Replacement of cement by rice husk ash

5.3.1.3. SPECIFIC GRAVITY TEST

Specific gravity: it is the ratio between the weight of a given volume of material and weight of an unequal volume
of water. To determine the specific gravity of, kerosene which doesn’t react with cement used.

Apparatus: Density bottle, cement, weighting balance capable of the weighting accurately up to 0.1 gm kerosene.

Procedure to determine specific gravity of cement:

 Weigh a clean and dry specific gravity bottle with stopper (W1).
 Place a sample of cement in the flask till fills and weigh with its stopper (W2)
 Add kerosene to the cement in the flask till it fills and weigh it (W3).
 Mix thoroughly with glass rod to remove entrapped air.
 Empty the flask, clean it refill with clean kerosene and weigh (W4)

CALCULATION:

Specific gravity = (W2 – W1) / (W2 – W3) – (W3 – W4)

Fig.5.2. specific gravity

The cement is tested by conducting various tests as per IS: 12269 – 1987 (53 grade) and the test results obtained
are represented in table 5.1

Table 5.1. Test results of cement obtained

Characteristics Test results IS: 12269 – 1897 Specifications

Initial setting time (minutes) 58 minutes >30 minutes

Final setting time (minutes) 480 minutes <600 minutes
Consistency 29% -
Specific gravity 3.1 3.15
Fineness 4.9% <10%

The chemical composition of the ordinary Portland cement as IS: 12269 – 1987 is given in table 5.2.

pg. 24
Partial Replacement of cement by rice husk ash

Table 5.2. Chemical composition of ordinary Portland cement

Ingredients Content (%)

Lime 60 – 67

Silica 17- 25

Alumina 3–8

Iron oxide 0.5 – 6.0

Magnesia 0.1 – 4.0

Alkalis 0.4 – 1.3

Sulphur 1.3

5.3.2. FINE AGGREGATES AND COARSE AGGREGATE

Fine aggregate

The sand used for experimental programme was locally produced and conformed to grading zone III as
per IS: 383 – 1970. The sand was first sieved through 4.75 mm sieve to remove any article greater than 4.75mm
and then was washed remove the dust. The sand is tested for its various properties like

Coarse aggregate

Locally available graded aggregate of maximum size of 20mm is used for our present investigation. Testing of
course aggregates was done as per IS: 383 1970. The 20mm aggregates used were first sieved through 20mm
sieve and then retained on 4.75 mm sieve. They were then washed to remove impurities such as dust, clay,
particles and organic matters thereby dried to surface and dry condition.

5.3.2.1. SEIVE ANALYSIS (FINE AND COURSE AGGREGATES)

Sieve analysis helps to determine the particles size distribution of the course and fine aggregates. This is done by
sieving the aggregates as per IS 2386 - 1963. In this we use different sieves as standardized by the IS code and
then pass aggregates through them and collect different sized particles left different sieves.

pg. 25
Partial Replacement of cement by rice husk ash

Apparatus

i. A set of IS Sieve of sizes – 80mm, 63mm, 50mm, 40mm, 31.5mm, 25mm, 20mm, 16mm, 12.5mm, 10mm,
6.3mm, 4.75mm, 3.35mm, 2.36mm, 1.18mm, 600micron, 300micron, 150micron, 75micron.
ii. Balance with an accuracy to measure 0.1% of the weight of the test sample.

Procedure to determine particle size distribution of aggregates:

 The test sample is dried at a constant temperature and weighed.

 The sample is sieved by using a set IS sieve.
 On completion of sieving, the material on each sieve is weighed.
 Cumulative weight passing through each sieve is calculated a percentage of the total sample weight.
 Fineness modules is obtained by adding cumulative percentage of aggregates retained on each sieve and
dividing the sum by 100
Fineness modulus = sum of cumulative retained% / 100

Fineness modulus of coarse aggregate obtained by investigation: 7

Fineness modulus of fine aggregate obtained by investigation: 3.4

5.3.3. WATER
Water is needed for the hydration of cement and to provide workability during mixing and for placing.
There is not much limitation for water except that the water must not severely contaminated. In this study,
normal tap water is used.

5.3.4. RICE HUSK ASH

In this paper, the cement is replaced by the proportion of 10%, 20% of RHA weight. The workability,
compressive strength of concrete for varying proportions are calculated.

5.4. MIX DESIGN

For ordinary concrete: Mix design for M40

Target strength:

In order that not more than the specified portion of test results are likely to fall below the characteristic
strength (fck), the concrete mix must be designed for somewhat higher target compressive strength (f’ck).

f’ck = fck + t (s) (OR) f’ck = fck + X

Where

f’ck = target average compressive strength at 28 days

fck = characteristic mean strength at 28 days = 40 MPa.

S = standard deviation = 5 (from table 1 of IS: 10262:2019)

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Partial Replacement of cement by rice husk ash

T = 1.65 (from table 2 of IS: 10262:2019)

Therefore,

f’ck =40 +1.65 (5) =48.25 N/mm2

(OR)

f’ck = fck + X

= 40 + 6.5 = 46.5 N/mm2

The higher value is to be adopted. So, Target strength = 48.25 N/mm2

Selection of water cement ratio:

From table 4, of code the maximum water content = 186 liters (for 25 to 50 mm slump range). So, the estimated
water content is corrected by increasing the water content. (the maximum size of aggregates is 20 mm).

Estimated water content for 100mm slump is 197 litres.

Calculation of cement content:

w/c = 0.4

Here w =197 litres

Therefore, cement content = 492.5 kg/m3

For severe exposure conditions, cement content = 320 kg/m3

So, calculated cement content is safe.

Calculation of volume of fine aggregates and coarse aggregate:

V = [ W + C/SC + (1/P) *Fa/Sfa]*1000

V = [W + C/SC + (1/1 – P) *Ca/Sca] *1000

V = absolute volume of fresh concrete, which is equal to (gross volume (m3) – (volume of entrapped air)

= 1 – 0.02

= 0.98

W = Mass of water (kg) per m3 of concrete = 197 kg/m3

C = mass of cement content (kg) per m3 of concrete = 492.5 kg/m3

Sc = specific gravity of cement = 3.15

Sfa = specific gravity of sand = 2.6

S ca = specific of coarse aggregate = 2.7

pg. 27
Partial Replacement of cement by rice husk ash

Fa, Ca = total masses of fine aggregate and coarse aggregate (kg) per m3 of concrete respectively,

P = ratio of fine to total aggregate by absolute volume = 0.33

By substituting,

Fine aggregate fa = 558 kg/m3

Coarse aggregate Ca = 1132 kg/m3

Therefore, mix design is 1:1.13:2.29

With water mix = 0.40

Cube dimension = 150*150*150 = 0.003375 mm3

For 3 cubes = 0.03375*3 = 0.010125 mm3

Density of cement = 1440 kg/m3

Density of fine aggregate = 1450 kg/m3

Density of coarse aggregate = 1500 kg/m3

Cement required = 1.5*1440*3*0.010125*1/4.5

= 4.86kg

Fine aggregate required = 1.5*1450*3*0.010125*1.13/4.5

=6.36 kg

Coarse aggregate required =1.5*1500*3*0.010125*2.2/4.5

= 11.13 kg

Volume of water =186*0.03375

= 0.627

= 627 ml (for 1 cube)

For 3 cubes = 3*627

=2.5litre

pg. 28
Partial Replacement of cement by rice husk ash

5.5. MIXING PROCEDURE

The mixing procedures were divided into three stages, all the binders (cement, metakaolin) were weighted
accordingly and mixed by hand until all the constituents mixed uniformly. This was to make sure that all he
binders were mixed thoroughly to produce homogeneous mix. The second stage involves mixing the binders with
the aggregates for about 5 minutes. At the final stage, measured water was added into the concrete mix this step
was crucially important to make sure that the water as distributed evenly so that the concrete will have similar
water – binder ratios for every specimen. After the was poured into the mould.

fig.5.3. preparation of concrete mix fig.5.4. mould for test specimen

5.6. PREPARING TEST SPECIMENS

Moulds of distinct sizes and shapes (cubes, cylinder and beams) are used to produce the specimens. The
concrete was poured into the mould in three layers where each layer was compacted using a tapping rod. The
specimens were removed from the moulds after 24 hours and are cured by dipping in the moist environment.

fig.5.5.test specimen

pg. 29
Partial Replacement of cement by rice husk ash

5.7. CURING
In this study, the specimens were cured by placing in water for about 3,7 and 28 days. The specimen was
cured until they were ready to test at the designated ages.

The test specimens shall be stored on the site at a place free from vibration, under damp matting, sacks
or other similar material for 24 hours from the time of adding water to the other ingredients. The temperature of
the place of storage shall be within the range of 22o to 32oC. after the period of 24 hours, they shall be marked
for later identification, removed from the moulds and, unless required for testing with in 24 hours, stored in
clean water at a temperature of 24o to 30o C until they are transported to the testing laboratory. They shall be
sent to testing laboratory well packed in damped sand, damp sacks, or other suitable material so as to arrive
there in a damp condition not less than 24 hours before the time of test. On arrival at the testing laboratory, the
specimens shall be stored in water at a temperature of 270 +/- 20C until the time of test. Records of the daily
maximum and minimum temperature shall be kept both during the period of specimens remain on the site and in
the laboratory.

Fig.5.6. curing of test specimen

pg. 30
Partial Replacement of cement by rice husk ash

CHAPTER - 6
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
6.1. INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we focus on the procedure utilized for creating and testing rice husk ash concrete. To draw
reasonable conclusions regarding choosing appropriate mixture ratios for rice husk ash concrete, testing and
experimentation must be conducted. Different strengths are determined by creating specimens of rice husk ash
concrete subjecting it to loadings until failure.

6.2. LAB TESTS ON FRESH CONCRETE

Each batch of concrete shall be tested for consistency immediately after mixing, by one of the methods in
IS: 1199- 1959. The methods are:

1. Slump test – workability

2. Compacted factor

Provided that care is taken to ensure that no water or other material is lost, the concrete used for the consistency
tests may be remixed with the remainder of batch before making the test specimens. The period of remixing
shall be as short as possible yet sufficient to produce a homogeneous mass.

6.2.1. SLUMP TEST – WORKABILITY

Slump test is used to determine the workability of fresh concrete. Slump test as per IS: 1199 – 1959 is
followed. The apparatus used for doing slump test are slump cone and tamping rod.

Procedure to determine workability of fresh concrete by slump test:

i. The internal surface of the mould is thoroughly cleaned and applied with a light coat of oil.
ii. The mould is placed on a smooth, horizontal, rigid and non – absorbent surface.
iii. The mould is then filled in four layers with freshly mixed concrete, each approximately to ¼th of the
height of the mould.
iv. Each layer is tamped 25 times by the rounded end of the tamping rod (strokes are distributed evenly
over the cross section).
v. After the top layer is rodded, the concrete is struck off the level with a trowel.
vi. The mould is removed from the concrete immediately by raising it slowly in the vertical direction.
vii. The difference in level between the height of the mould and that of the highest point of the subsided
concrete is measured.
viii. This difference in height in mm is the slump of the concrete.

pg. 31
Partial Replacement of cement by rice husk ash

Fig.6.1. slump test

Reporting of results:

The slump measured should be recorded in mm of subsidence of the specimen during the test. Any slump
specimen, which collapses or shears off laterally, gives incorrect results and if this occurs, the test should be
repeated with another sample. If in the repeat test also, the specimen shears, the slump should be measured and
the fact that the specimen sheared, should be recorded.

Table 6.1. slump values

Replacement level slump

0% of RHA 27

At 10% of RHA 23

At 20% of RHA 20

pg. 32
Partial Replacement of cement by rice husk ash

6.3. LAB TESTS ON HARDENED CONCRETE

There are two kind of tests which are done on hardened concrete. These are:

1. Non - destructive tests

2. Destructive tests

6.3.1. Non - destructive tests:

in non – destructive test, the sample is not destroyed, and this test is very useful in determining the strength
of existing building or structures. The non – destructive tests conduct on concrete are as follows:

a. Rebounded hammer test

b. Ultrasonic pulse velocity test

6.3.2. Destructive tests:

In destructive test a sample is made and then destroyed to find out the strength of concrete. The destructive
tests conducted on concrete are as follows:

a. Compressive strength test

b. Tensile strength test
c. Flexural strength test

The test adopted in this study are only the destructive tests. These tests are done by using universal testing
machine (UTM).

7.4. OPERATIONS OF UTM

Apparatus: universal testing machine, test specimen, ruler etc.

Description of UTM:

A machine designed to perform tensile, compression, bend and shear tests is called UTM. It mainly
consists of two parts.

 Loading units, control unit. In addition to these units, there are certain accessories like bending table, jaws
for gripping recorders etc.
 Loading unit consists of two crossheads i.e. upper cross head and lower cross head and a table.

Procedure

i. Prepare a test specimen of at least two feet.

ii. Measure caliper at least at three places and then find average.
iii. Insert the suitable jaws in the grip and select a suitable load scale on UTM.
iv. Insert the specimen in the grip by adjusting the cross heads of UTM.
v. Start machine and continue applying loads.
vi. At a point when the values of the load at that point this is called yield point.
vii. When specimen breaks stop the machine.
viii. Note the ultimate value of the load.
pg. 33
Partial Replacement of cement by rice husk ash

7.5. STRENGTH TESTS ON CONCRETE

7.5.1. COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST:

Out of many tests applied to the concrete, this is the utmost important which gives an idea about all the
characteristics of concrete. By this single test one judge that whether concreting has been done properly or not.
For cube test two types of specimen either cubes of 150 x 150 x 150 mm or 100 x 100 x 100 mm depending on
the size of aggregate are used. For most of the works cubical moulds of 150 x 150 x 150 mm are commonly used.

Following are the procedure for compressive strength test of concrete cubes:

Apparatus: compression testing machine of capacity 400KN.

Preparation of cube specimens: The proportion and material for making these test specimens are from the same
concrete used in the field.

Mixing: mix the concrete either by hand or in a laboratory batch mixer.

Machine mixing:

 Mix the cement and fine aggregate on a water tight none – absorbent platform until the mixture is
thoroughly blended and is of uniform color for conventional concrete, and to the cement and sand add
required proportions of rice husk ash are added for other mixes.
 Add the required proportion of coarse aggregate to all the mixes until the coarse aggregate is uniformly
distributed throughout the batch for all mixes.
 Add water and mix it until the concrete appears to be homogeneous and of the desired consistency to form
uniform mixes.

Sampling:

1. Clean the moulds and apply oil.

2. Fill the concrete in the moulds in layers approximately 5cm thick.
3. Compact each layer with not less than 35 strokes per layer using a tamping rod (steel bar 16 mm
diameter and 60 cm long, bullet pointed at lower end)
4. Level the top surface and smoothen it with a trowel.

Curing:

The test specimens are stored in moist air for 24 hours and after this period the specimens are
marked and removed from the moulds and kept submerged in clean fresh water until taken out prior to test.

pg. 34
Partial Replacement of cement by rice husk ash

Fig.6.2. concrete cube

Procedure:

1. Remove the specimen from water after specified curing time and wipeout excess water from the surface.
2. Weight the specimen on weighing machine.
3. Clean the bearing surface of the testing machine.
4. Place the specimen in the machine in such a manner that the load shall be applied to the opposite sides of
the cube cast.
5. Align the specimen centrally on the base plate of the machine.
6. Rotate the movable portion gently by hand so that it touches the top surface of the specimen.
7. Apply the load gradually without shock and continuously till the specimen fails.
8. Record the maximum load and note any unusual features in the type of failure.

Note:

Minimum three specimen should be tested at each selected age. If the strength of any specimen varies by
more than 15% of average strength, results of such specimen should be rejected. Average of three specimens
gives the crushing strength of concrete.

Compressive strength = load in N / Area in mm2

pg. 35
Partial Replacement of cement by rice husk ash

Table 6.2. compressive strength of different grades of concrete at 7, 14 and 28 days

Replacement level (%) Compressive strength (Mpa)

Rice husk ash (%) 7 days 14 days 28 days

0% RHA 25.03 39 47.22

10% RHA 28.22 39.6 48.55

20% RHA 30.9 40.22 49.6

fig.6.3. Before and After application of load by Compressive testing machine

pg. 36
Partial Replacement of cement by rice husk ash

fig 6.4. specimen after testing in compression testing machine

pg. 37
Partial Replacement of cement by rice husk ash

pg. 38