Evaluation of Mechanical Characteristics of concrete incorporating Fly Ash and Rice Husk Ash as sustainable alternatives

Abstract

The incorporation of industrial and agro waste materials in concrete production has gained significant attention in recent years due to their potential to enhance sustainability and reduce environmental impact. This study presents an evaluation of the mechanical properties of M25 grade concrete combined with Fly Ash (FA) and Rice Husk Ash (RHA) as sustainable alternatives to conventional cement. The experimental investigation focuses on a fixed 2.5% substitution of FA while varying the replacement level of cement with RHA from 0% to 2.5% at a constant water/cement ratio of 0.45. The mechanical properties assessed include compressive, tensile, flexural strengths, and workability characteristics at the age of 7 and 28 days. The experimental results show a highest compressive strength of 47.55 MPa and split tensile strength of 3.04 MPa at 1.5% dosage of RHA, and a peak flexural strength of 11.08 MPa at 2.5% substitution of RHA at 28 days. UPVT results indicate that the quality of concrete is enhanced with the improved substitution of RHA.