Exploiting the Potentials of Rice Husk Ash as Supplement in Cement for Construction in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper present the results of investigation on the use of rice husk ash as a partial substitute for cement in construction. One hundred and eighty specimens of concrete cubes were cast. 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% partial replacement of cement with rice husk ash were carried at 1:2:4 mixes by weight with 0.60, 0.65, 0.70 water/cement ratio. The results indicated that compressive strengths of cubes at 0.6, water/cement were higher than 0.65 and 0.70. Also 5% partial replacement cement with rice husk ash at 28 th day average compressive strength value of 25.4 N/mm 2 compared well with 0% partial replacement of cement with rice husk ash of 26.28 N/mm 2. This shows that at 5% partial replacement of cement with rice husk ash can be used for structural concrete and at 15% replacement or more it can be used for non-structural construction works or light weight concrete construction. The cost analysis shows substantial amount of savings for the country.