Properties of rice husk Ash (RHA and MIRHA) mortars

Abstract

Rice husk Ash (produced by traditional burning called RHA and by using microwave incinerator called MIRHA) has shown promise as a cement replacement material. This study investigated the properties of RHA and MIRHA mortar used for brick manufacture at binder sand proportions of 1:3 and 1:4. RHA and MIRHA were intermediate in particle size to cement and sand particles. Percentages of replacement were 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30%, respectively. Strength at w/c ratios (0.5, 0.55, 0.6 and 0.65, respectively) was investigated to identify optimum w/c ratios as well as optimum percent replacement of RHA and MIRHA. Variations of IRS, density and water absorption were investigated. Generally 1:3 RHA and 1:3 MIRHA mortars strength showed decreasing trend with increasing percentage replacement with RHA and MIRHA. Whereas 1:4 RHA and 1:4 MIRHA mortars showed increase in strength at 5% replacement and decrease thereafter. IRS values for RHA mortars are generally within limits (0.25-1.5 kg/m2.min) recommended. Water absorption values of RHA mortars are generally higher than control mortar. IRS values for MIRHA mortars with w/c 0.5 and 0.55 ranged between 1.4-2.0 kg/m2.min; indicating the need for wetting the bricks before use. IRS values for 1:3 MIRHA mortars with w/c 0.6 and 0.65 were below 1.0 kg/m2.min indicating low suction values. For 1:4 MIRHA mortars, IRS values were very low in all cases. Water absorption values of MIRHA mortars are generally higher than the control mortar. MIRHA mortars with w/c 0.6 and 0.65 showed low percentages of water absorption. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2014.