Utilization of rice husk ash for sustainable construction: A review

Abstract

Applications of Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCM) in construction industry are getting priority due to environmental friendly behavior as well as enhanced mechanical and durability properties. Considering the characteristics of SCM, properly burnt and ground Rice Husk Ash (RHA) has significant potential on account of rich reactive silica (SiO2) compound. When RHA is applied in cementitious system it improves the systems properties by two fold of effects; chemical or pozzlanic effect and physical or filler effect. The reactive silica compound present in RHA reacts with cement hydration products calcium hydroxide (Ca (OH)2) and formed secondary C-S-H gel, which is counted as chemical or pozzolanic activity of RHA. The physical or filler effect of RHA is denoted as the proper distribution of finer RHA particles into the cementitious system. This study reviews the advantageous use of RHA for sustainable construction. The aim of this study is to promote the idea of using RHA by elaborating upon their various production processes, different properties, pozzolanic activity and its contribution to the cementitious system.