CHAPTER-1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 GENERAL

Concrete is a most broadly utilized construction material. It is, all in all, a

mixture of cement (binding material), aggregate (filler materials), admixture and
water. It very well may be formed in any necessary shape, simple to deal with and has
a wide range of design strength. It is therefore utilized in approximately all benevolent
construction work. Cement is the main element of concrete as to act as a binding
material. Be that as it may, the production of concrete causes so numerous natural
risks, like cement dust, air contamination solid waste pollution, noise pollution,
ground vibrations and resource depletion because of crude material extraction. The
primary components of the gases produced from cement enterprises are CO2, N2, O2,
SO2, water vapours and micro components for example CO and NOx. The cement
industry is one of the two biggest producers of carbon dioxide (CO2), making up to
8% of overall man-made emanation of this gas, of which half is from chemical
process and 40% from consuming fuel. The CO2 produced from structural concrete is
assessed at 410 kg/m3. Around 900 kg of CO2 are discharged for the creation of
every 1 ton of concrete. The CO2 is major green house gas. In this way cement
assembling contributes green house gases both straightforwardly through the decay of
calcium carbonate and furthermore through utilization of energy, especially from the
combustion of fossil fuel.

Thus we are expected to discover other discretionary material for concrete

instead of cement. In the event that we ready to supplant few percent of cement from
concrete. It will supportive to lessen CO2 emission. From different exploration works,
some mechanical squanders are discovered which can diminish the measure of
concrete in cement without bargaining its essential properties (like strength).
Granulated blast furnace slag, silica fume, rice husk ash, cenospheres and fly ash are
some industrial waste that can be utilized as strengthening cementitious materials.
Rich husk ash is an agricultural by product which is obtained from rice mill and then
burned and very high temperature as fuel .which gives some extra advantages when

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utilized in cement. Before additional conversation about RHA let us quickly examine
about concrete.

Rice husks are the hard protective coverings of rice grains which are separated
from the grains during milling process. Rice husk is an abundantly available waste
material in all rice producing countries, and it contains about 30%–50% of organic
carbon. Rice husk ash is used in concrete construction as an alternative of cement.
The types, properties, advantages and uses of rice husk in construction is discussed.
The rice paddy milling industries give the by-product rice husk. Due to the increasing
rate of environmental pollution and the consideration of sustainability factor have
made the idea of utilizing rice husk. The reasons behind the usage of rice husk as an
alternative for cement in concrete manufacturing are explained in the following
sections. To have a proper idea on the performance of rice husk in concrete, a detailed
study on its properties must be done. About 100 million tons of rice paddy
manufacture by-products are obtained around the world. They have a very low bulk
density of 90 to 150kg/m 3. 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 these by-products to make a new product is the best sustainable idea. Among all
industries to reuse this product, cement, and concrete manufacturing industries are the
ones who can use rice husk in a better way Rice Husk Ash 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 ashes are found to be active within the cement paste. So, the use
and practical application of rice husk ash for concrete manufacturing are important.

Rice Husk Ash Classification and Chemical Composition.

The rice husk ash possesses a chemical composition similar to many of the organic
fibers. Rice husk ash consists of the following:

 Cellulose (C5H10O5)

 Lignin (C7H10O3)

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 Hemicellulose

 SiO2

 Holocellulose

These are compounds within them in common. The rice husk ash may vary
depending upon the source as well as the type of treatment. Treatment in the sense the
rice husk is burned to have proper properties. So, the method of heating can also bring
changes in the overall chemical composition of the ash. The silicates are one of the
primary components of the rice husk ash. During the burning process, the components
that can evaporate are evaporated and the only component left are the silicates. The
rice husk ash to be more precise have characteristics based on the components, the
temperature of burning and the time of burning. The silicates are the component that
gives the pozzolanic reactivity capacity for rice husk ash. So to gain this, the silica
must remain in its non-crystalline form. They should gain a highly porous structure
within their microstructure. So, this makes it clear that a proper quality burning of rice
husk to get rice husk ash would remove the cellulose and rice husk components
preserving the original cellular structure of the rice husk particles.

1.2 CONSIDERATIONS & STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS

Rice husk is one of three general types of coal combustion by products

(CCBP’S). The use of these by products offers environmental advantages by
diverting the material from the waste stream, reducing the energy investment in
processing virgin materials, conserving virgin materials, and allaying pollution.
Thirteen million tons of coal ash is produced in Texas each year. Eleven percent of
this ash is used which is below the national average of 30%. About 60-70% of central
Texas suppliers offer rice husk in ready- mix products. They will substitute rice husk
for 20-35% of the Portland cement used to make their products. Although rice husk
for 20-35% of the Portland cement used to make their products. Although rice husk
offers environmental advantages, it also improves the performance and quality of
concrete. Rice husk affects the plastic properties of concrete by improving
workability, reducing segregation, and bleeding, and lowering heat of hydration. Rice
husk increases strength, reduces permeability, reduces corrosion of reinforcing steel,

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increases sulphate resistance, and reduces alkali-aggregate reaction. Rice husk
reaches its maximum strength more slowly than concrete made with only Portland
cement. The techniques for working with this type of concrete are standard for the
industry and will not impact the budget of a job. This section also addresses wall-
from products. Most of these products have hollow interiors and are stacked or set in
place and them filled with steel-reinforced concrete creating a concrete structure for a
house. Some wall-form materials are made from EPS (expanded polystyrene) which is
a light weight non-CFC foam material. There are also fiber cement wall- form
products that can contain wood waste. The EPS/concrete system offer high insulating
qualities as well. Some EPS products also have recycled content.

1.3 TERMINOLOGY

Concrete: Concrete is the only major buildings material that can be delivered
to the job site in plastic state. This unique quality make concrete desirable as a
building material because it can be molded to virtually any from or shape. Concrete
provides a latitude in surface textures and colors and can be used to construct a wide
variety of structures, such as highways and streets, bridges, dams, large buildings
airport runways, irrigation structures, breakwaters, piers and docks, sidewalls, silos
and farm buildings, homes, and even barges and ships. The two major components of
concrete are a cement paste and inert materials. The cement paste consists of Portland
cement, water, and some air either in the form of naturally entrapped air voids or
minutes, intentionally entrained bubbles. The inert materials are usually composed of
fine aggregate, which is a material such as sand, and coarse aggregate, which is a
material such as gravel, crushed stone, or slag. When Portland cement is mixed with
water, the compounds of the cement react to form a cementing medium. In properly
mixed concrete, each particle of sand coarse aggregate is completely surrounded and
coated by this paste and all space between the particles are filled with it. As the
cement paste sets and hardness, it binds the aggregates in to a solid mass. Under
normal conditions, concrete grows stronger as it grows older. The chemical reaction
between the cement water that cause the paste to harden and bind the aggregates
together require time. The reaction takes place very rapidly at first and then more
slowly over a long period of time also the aim to mix these materials in measured
amounts to make concrete that is easy to transport, place, compact, finish and which

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will set and harden, to give a strong and durable product. The amount of which
material (i,e. cement, water and aggregates) affects the properties of hardened
concrete

Cement: Cement is a material that has adhesive and cohesive properties

enabling it to bond mineral fragments into a solid mass. Cement consists of silicates
and aluminates of lime made from limestone and clay (or shale) which is ground,
blended, fused in a kiln and crushed to a powder. Cement chemically combines with
water (hydration) to from a hardened mass. The usual hydraulic cement is know as
Portland cement because of its resemblance when hardened to Portland stone found
near Dorset, England. The name was originated in a patent obtained by Joseph Aspdin
of Leeds, England in 1824. Typical Portland cements are mixtures of tri calcium
silicates (3Cao. SiO2), tri calcium aluminate (3CaO. Al2O3), and di calcium silicate
(2CaO. SiO2), in varying proportions, together with small amounts of magnesium and
iron compounds. Gypsum is often added to slow hardening process. Blended cement
contain Portland cement and more than 5% of rice husk, ground slag, and silicates
fume.

STORAGE: Cement should be stored off the ground in a well-aired, clean,

dry place. Wrapping the cement bags in plastic sheets gives extra protection; Bulk
cement will normally be stored in soils

Aggregates: Aggregate are two basic types:

Coarse Crushed rock, gravel or screenings

Fine and coarse sands and crusher fines. Sand should be concreting sand and not
bricked sand or plaster sand. Aggregate should be strong and hard stronger, harder
aggregate will give a stronger final concrete, Never use a crumble or flakey rock like
sandstone. Durable to stand up to wear and tear and weathering. If chemically inactive
so the aggregates don’t react with the cement. Clean, Dirt or clay sticking to the
aggregates will weaken the bond between paste and aggregates. Graded aggregates
should range in size so that they fit together well. This gives a stronger denser
concrete. Rounded aggregates give a more workable mix. Angular aggregates make
concrete harder to place, work and compact, but can make concrete stronger. Since
aggregate usually occupies about 75% of the total volume of concrete, its properties

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have definite influence on behavior of hardened concrete. Not only does the strength
of the aggregate affect the strength of the concrete, its properties also greatly affect
durability (resistance to deterioration) under freeze – thaw cycles). Since aggregate is
less expensive than cement it is logical to try to use the largest percentage feasible.
Hence aggregates are usually graded by size and a proper mix has specified
percentages of both fine and coarse aggregate. Fine aggregate (sand) is any material
passing through a No.4 sieve. Coarse aggregate (gravel) is any material of larger size.
Fine aggregate provides the fineness and cohesion of concrete. It is important that fine
aggregate should not contain clay or any chemical pollution. Also fine aggregate has
the role of space filling between coarse aggregate. Coarse aggregate includes: fine
gravel, and coarse gravel In fact coarse aggregate comprises the strongest part of the
concrete. It also has reverse effect on the concrete fineness. The more coarse
aggregate, the higher is density and lower is the fineness.

Water: The water has two roles in concrete mixture: First is the chemical
composition with cement and perform cement hydration and second is to make the
concrete composition fluent and workable. The water which is used to make the
concrete is drink water. The impurity of water can have undesirable effect on concrete
strength. Since water is mixed with the cement powder clean, fresh and free from any
dirt, unwanted chemicals or rubbish that may affect concrete, many concrete plans
now use recycled water Always check before water before use. Don’t use sea water
as it may rust thee steel reinforcement in the concrete.

Admixtures: Admixtures are mixed into the concrete to change or alter its
properties, i.e. the time concrete takes to set and harden, or its workability.

1.4 HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Some building health experts have raised concerns about the presence of trace
heavy metals in the rice husk. Others maintain that the metals are effectively locked in
to the cementitious matrix, preventing their release. Furthermore, by using rice husk
in concrete rather than sending it to a land fill, the potential for the metals to leach
into the environment is reduce. Concerns have also been raised about the higher
incidence of Radium-226 in rice husk than in cement. However, a study conducted by
the EPA suggests that the slight increased risk imposed by the greater exposure was

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offset by the reduce exposure to radon gas, which is less likely to pass through the
denser, less permeable structure of rice husk concrete.

1.5 WHAT'S WRONG WITH MODERN PORTLAND CEMENT?

1.5.1 Changes in the chemistry of cement:

The experience that even when specific building code requirements of

durability in terms of concrete cover and concrete quality are achieved in practice,
there is an unacceptably high risk of premature corrosion deterioration of concrete
structures exposed to aggressive salt-laden environments, directly points to the fact
that Portland Cement concretes are not totally resistant to penetration by aggressive
ions, even when the water cementitious materials (w/cm) ratio is as low as 0.40 (14-
19). The strong implication here is that with current design codes, premature
deterioration due to steel corrosion is likely to continue. There is thus a need for a
fundamental change in thinking about concrete and concrete quality made with
Portland cement One of the major reasons for this much lower resistance of modern
Portland cement concrete to penetration by aggressive ions is the gradual but
significant changes that have occurred in the chemical composition of Portland
Cements during the last four to five decades. The two major changes in cement
composition and their implications on engineering and durability properties of the
resulting concrete can be identified as: i) A significant increase in the C3S/C2S ratio
from about 1.2 to 3.0 resulting in higher strengths at early ages with a lower
proportion of strength developed after 28 days. From a design point of view, this
implies that structural design 23 strengths can be achieved with lower cement contents
and higher water/cement ratios. ii) A direct result of the changes in this chemical
composition of Portland cement is an increase in the heat of hydration evolved, and
more importantly, in the evolution of heat at early ages. It is estimated that the
average increase in peak temperature is about 17%, and this peak temperature is
reached in less that half the time the high strength may appear to be attractive at first
sight, but may give misleading ideas of durability. Although strength is clearly the
result of the pore-filling capability of the hydration products, there is considerable
evidence to show that there is no direct relationship between cement/concrete strength
and impermeability, for example and hence durability, whatever be the nature of the
concrete constituents.

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1.5.2 Cracking and quality of concrete:

The three major factors that encourage the transport of aggressive agents into
concrete, and influence significantly its service behavior, design life and safety are
cracking, depth and quality of cover to steel, and the overall quality of the structural
concrete. These three factors have an interactive and interdependent, almost
synergistic, effect in controlling the intrusion into concrete of external aggressive
agents such as water, air, chloride and sulphate ions. Chloride and sulphate ions,
atmospheric carbonation, and the corrosive effects of the oxides of nitrogen and
sulphur, are recognized to be the most potentially destructive agents affecting the
performance and durability of concrete structures, whilst the depth of cover, concrete
quality, and cracking are the most critical factors in determining the electrochemical
stability of steel in concrete.

1.5.3 Modified binders - the only way forward:

Extensive research has now established, beyond a shadow of doubt that the
most direct, technically sound and economically attractive solution to the problems of
reinforced 24 concrete durability lies in the incorporation of finely divided siliceous
materials in concrete. The fact that these replacement materials, or supplementary
cementing materials as they are often known and described, such as Pulverized Fuel
Ash (PFA), Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (Slag), Silica Fume (SF), Rice
Husk Ash, Natural Pozzolana, and Volcanic Ash are all either pozzolanic or
cementitious make them ideal companions to Portland Cement (PC). Indeed, Portland
cement is the best chemical activator of these siliceous admixtures so that PFA, slag
and/or SF and PC can form a life-long partnership of homogeneous interaction which
can never end in divorce or unhealthy association and after-effects. But more
importantly, the PC + FA/slag/SF/RHA partnership can result in high quality concrete
with intrinsic ability for high durability with immense social benefits in terms of
resources, energy and environment - the only way forward for sustainable
development. There are two fundamental reasons why this PC-siliceous materials
partnership is essential for sustainable development in the cement and concrete
industry.

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1.5.4 Environmental aspects:

Every tonne of cement clinker requires about 4000-7500 MJ total energy for
production whilst slag requires only 700 to 1000 MJ/tonne, and PFA about 150 to 400
MJ/tonne. Replacing 65% of cement with slag having 15% moisture content, for
example, will only require 0.5 tonnes of raw material and about 1500 MJ of energy.
Each tonne of cement replaced will thus save at least 2500-6000 MJ of energy.
Further, since every tonne of cement releases 1.0 to 1.2 tonnes of CO2, for every one
tonne reduction in clinker production, there is an almost equivalent reduction in CO2
emissions. These direct impacts on economics and environment are strong, hard-to-
refute arguments for using cement replacement materials in concrete construction.

1.5.5 Durability considerations:

It is now well-established that the incorporation of industrial byproducts such

as PFA, slag and Rice Husk Ash in concrete can significantly enhance its basic
properties in both the fresh and hardened states. Apart from enhancing the rheological
properties and controlling bleeding of fresh concrete, these materials greatly improve
the durability of concrete through control of high thermal gradients, pore refinement,
depletion of cement alkalis, resistance to chloride and sulphate penetration and
continued micro structural development through long-term hydration and pozzolanic
reactions. Further, concrete can provide, through chemical binding, a safe haven for
many of the toxic elements present in industrial wastes; and there are strong
indications that these mineral admixtures can also reduce the severity of concrete
deterioration problems arising from chemical phenomena such as alkali silica
reaction, delayed ettringite formation and thaumasite formation.

1.5.6 Sustainability - the ultimate challenge:

A critical evaluation of the world scenario described above emphasizes the

complex but close interrelationship between three seemingly unrelated but gigantic
problems that confront the construction industry, namely - The insatiable
infrastructure needs of a rapidly growing and urbanizing world coupled with the
desire for a better quality of life of nations suffering from a lack of availability and
accessibility to world resources, global warming, and the consequent destruction of
infrastructure through natural disasters. - The need to achieve a balance between

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economic development and protection of environment - The crises in the area of
materials and durability. Sustainability implies that the needs of the present generation
are met without wasting, polluting or damaging/destroying the environment, and
without compromising the 26 ability of future generations to meet their needs. In the
construction industry, sustainable development would involve, amongst others, -
Design for durable and functional service life of structures for the duration of their
specified design life. - Use of waste materials, reduction of waste and recycling of
waste. - Construction to cause the least harm to our environment.

1.5.7 21st Century concrete construction:

Bearing in mind the technical advantages of incorporating PFA, slag, SF and

other industrial pozzolanic byproducts in concrete, and the fact that concrete with
these materials provides the best economic and technological solution to waste
handling and disposal in a way to cause the least harm to or environment, PFA, slag,
Rice Husk Ash and similar materials thus need to be recognized not merely as partial
replacements for PC, but as vital and essential constituents of concrete. Indeed a stage
has now been reached where the use of PC alone as the binder in the concrete system
would need to be justified before such a material can be accepted for construction.
Viewed in this way, the 21st century concrete will be seen as a provider for mankind
with a construction material requiring the least consumption of energy and raw
material resources, and reduced environmental pollution through reduced carbon
dioxide emissions. Enhancement of the durability of infrastructure construction and
stopping of the desecration of the environment - the essential basis for quality of life -
should thus be the criteria for selection of material constituents for the 21st Century
Concrete. This report will introduce and explore the usage Rice Husk Ash (RHA) as a
replacement along with cement. Fly ash has been thoroughly studied and used for
several decades, yet current usage is far below its potential. The benefits of rice husk
ash (also known as rice hull ash) have been documented since the 1980’s, yet it
remains barely available in the INDIA. The addition of recovered ultra-fines (such as
mineral flours) to concrete has gotten relatively little attention, especially in the
INDIA. For the 27 first time in INDIA in this project already replaced fly ash based
cement has been used along with Rice Husk Ash. The research summarized here
provides the structural engineer with some practical insights into the use of carbon-

10
neutral mineral admixtures and their performance benefits.

1.6 NEED OF THE PROJECT

The need to reduce the high cost of Ordinary Portland Cement in concrete has
intensified research into the use of some locally available materials that could be used
as partial replacement for Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) in Civil Engineering and
Building Works. Extensive research has established, beyond a shadow of doubt that
the most direct, technically sound and economically attractive solution to the
problems of reinforced concrete durability lies in the incorporation of finely divided
siliceous materials in concrete. Rice husk is an agricultural waste product which is
produced in about millions of tons. Approximately, for 100 Kg of rice, 20 Kg of rice
husk are obtained. Rice husks contain organic substances and 20% of inorganic
material. Physical characteristics and chemical composition of mineral admixtures can
be fulfilled by burning Rice husk into ash. Pozzolanic activity of rice husk ash (RHA)
depends on (i) silica content, (ii) silica crystallization phase, and (iii) size and surface
area of ash particles. In addition, only a small amount of carbon must be present in
ash. Combustion of rice husk at controlled temperature produces RHA that has
amorphous silica content and large surface area. Rice Husk Ash (RHA) has been
reported to be a good pozzolan by numerous researchers. During mass concrete, as
compared to OPC concrete, RHA is very effective in reducing the temperature of
mass concrete.

1.7 OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT

The aim of the present investigation is:

a) To study different strength properties of Rice husk ash concrete with age in
comparison to Control concrete.

b) To study the relative strength development with age of Rice husk ash concrete with
Control concrete of same grade.

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1.8 SCOPE OF THE PROJECT

The Experimental investigation is planned as under:

1) To obtain Mix proportions of Control concrete by IS method.

2) To conduct Compression test on RHA and Control concrete on standard IS

specimen size 150 x 150 x 150 mm.

1.9 APPLICATIONS OF RICE HUSK ASH

1. Used in steel industries

2. Due to fine insulating properties of rice husk like low thermal conductivity, high
melting point, low bulk density high porosity, it used for the production of high
quality steel. It is also used as a coating over the molten metal in the tundish and in
ladle which acts as a very good insulator and does not allow quick cooling of metal.

3. Used in cement and construction industries

4. Blended cement is produced by using rice husk ash for fulfilling the increasing
need for building material. Rice husk ash is a highly reactive pozzolana cement . Rice
husk ash mainly used a replacement of silica fume or as an admixture in
manufacturing of low cost concrete block.

5. Use of rice husk ash as silica source.

6. Due to large silica content in rice husk ash, extraction of silica is economical. Silica
is used in rubber industries as a reinforcing agent, in cosmetics, in toothpastes, in
food industries as an anti-caking agent. There is a growing demand for fine
amorphous silica in the production of high performance cement and concrete, use in
bridges, marine environments, nuclear power plants etc. Silica aero gels prepared
from Rice Husk Ash (RHA) finds application in super thermal insulators, catalyst
supports and dielectric materials. It can be an economically viable raw material for the
production of silicates and silica.

7. Indian Space Research Organization has successfully developed a technology for

producing high purity silica from RHA that can be used in manufacturing of silicon

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chip in industry. RHA used in vulcanizing rubber. Use of Rice Husk to synthesize
High-Performance Phosphors. Other uses of Rice Husk (RH) are in control of insect
pests in Stored Food Stuffs. RHA has been found to be effective as an oil spill
absorbent, and for use in waterproofing chemicals, flame retardants, and as a carrier
for pesticides and insecticides.

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 CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 GENERAL

The usage of industrial by-products especially industrial wastes in making of

concrete is an important study of worldwide interest. Many researchers have
investigated the possible use of Rice Husk Ash Waste as a concrete aggregate. For
this investigation, some of the important literatures were reviewed and presented
briefly.

2.2 REVIEW OF LITERATURES

The literatures regarding the potential uses of rice husk as one of the suitable
aggregates for concrete have been reviewed and are presented below.

BertilPersson [1] reported that on these mechanical properties, such as

strength, creep, elastic modulus and shrinkage of self-compacting concrete and the
corresponding properties of normal compacting concrete (NCC). The report included
eight mix proportions of sealed or air-cured specimens. The water binder ratio which
is used in this (w/b) varying between 0.24 and 0.80. Fifty percent of the mixes were
SCC and rests were NCC. The time period at loading of the concrete mix in the creep
studies varied between 2 and 90 days. The results indicated that elastic modulus,
creep and shrinkage of SCC did not change significantly from the corresponding
properties of NCC.

Ahmadi et.al [2] reported the development of Mechanical properties up to

180 days of self-compacting concrete and ordinary concrete mixes with rice-husk ash
(RHA), from a rice paddy milling industry. Two different replacement percentages of
cement by RHA, 10%, and 20%, and two different water/cementitious material ratios
(0.40 and 0.35) were used for the self compacting and normal concrete specimens.
The results were compared with those of the self compacting concrete without RHA.
SCC mixes show higher compressive and flexural strength and lower modulus of
elasticity rather than the normal concrete. Upto 20% replacement of cement with rice

14
husk ash in matrix caused reduction in use of cement and expenditures, and also
improved the quality of concrete at the time period of more than 60 days. It was said
that RHA provides a good effect on the Mechanical properties after 60 days.

S. S. Vivek et.al [3] in this paper examined the performance of Self

Compacting Concrete (SCC) by replacing cement with varying the silica fume (SF).
An attempt was made to check performance and properties of fresh concrete by slump
flow test, T500 test and the hardened properties of concrete by compression test.
There were four mixes of SCC made by replacement of cement with different
percentages of silica fume from 5 to 20% with an increment of 5%. Tests were carried
out to assess the compressive strength of concrete at different ages namely 7, 14 and
28 days. For SCC, super- plasticizer (Conplast SP430) was added in optimized
dosage. It was found that replacement of cement by 10% of silica fume with a water
to powder (w/p) ratio of 0.8 gave better results on fresh properties and compressive
strength of admixed concrete. The replacement of cement by 15% of silica fume with
a w/p ratio of 0.8 gave better results in Slump flow and T50test. Whereas replacement
of cement by 5% of silica fume with a w/p ratio of 0.8 gave better compressive
strength at the time period of 7 and 14 days but it fails in flow properties and also the
replacement of cement by 10% of silica fume with a w/p ratio of 0.8 gave better fresh
concrete performance and compressive strength at the time of 28 days.

Yaghuobmohammadi et.al [4] studied that the effect of silica fumes on

properties of self-compacting lightweight concrete (SCLC) containing perlite and
leca. For this purpose, silica fume has been replaced by different contents. In this
study, all mixtures total cementitious materials (cement + silica fume) were kept at
450 kg/m3. Test was carried out such as Slum flow, L-box, U-box, V-funnel and J-
ring. This research showed that mixtures without silica fume were not satisfactory..
For all tests added the silica fume demonstrated acceptable values. However, for the
SCLC mixture containing 15% silica fume significant results were attained. Adding
silica fume, compressive strength of samples increased.

Krishna Murthy N. et.al [5] reported Self-compacting concrete possesses

good qualities, productivity and working conditions due to removal of avoids.
Designed for self-compacting concrete mix design with 29% of coarse aggregate,
replacement of cement with Metakaolin and class F fly ash, combinations of both and

15
controlled SCC mix with 0.36 water/cement ratio and 388 liter/m3 of cement paste
volume. After that they introduced Metakaolin and class F fly ash were user friendly
for SCC design mix, and considered to be most promising building for the
revolutionary changes on structures.

P.Padma Rao, et al [6] studied the Use of Rice Husk Ash in Concrete, In this
investigation, a feasibility study is made to use Rice Husk Ash as an admixture to an
already replaced Cement with fly ash (Portland Pozzolana Cement) in Concrete, and
an attempt has been made to investigate the strength parameters of concrete. Five
different replacement levels namely 5%, 7.5%, 10%, 12.5% and 15% are chosen for
the study concern to replacement method. Large range of curing periods starting from
3days, 7days, 28days and 56days are considered in this investigation. All materials
shall be brought to room temperature, preferably 270+ 30 C before commencing the
results. At all the cement replacement levels of Rice husk ash; there is gradual
increase in compressive strength from 3 days to 7 days. However there is significant
increase in compressive strength from 7 days to 28 days followed by gradual increase
from 28 days to 56 days.

Obilade [7], I.O. investigated the use of rice husk ash as partial replacement
for cement in concrete. In this research work on the properties of Rice Husk Ash
(RHA) when used as partial replacement for Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) in
concrete. OPC was replaced with RHA by weight at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and
25%. 0% replacement served as the control. The concrete mix proportion was 1:2:4
by weight. Compressive Strength test was carried out on hardened 150mm concrete
cubes after 7, 14 and 28 days curing in water. The concrete used in this research work
was made using Binder, Sand and Gravel. The results revealed that the Compacting
factor decreased as the percentage replacement of OPC with RHA increased.

Makarand Suresh Kulkarni et al[8] studied the Effect of Rice Husk Ash on
Properties of Concrete The main objective of this work is to study the suitability of
the rice husk ash as a pozzolanic material for cement replacement in concrete.
However it is expected that the use of rice husk ash in concrete improve the strength
properties of concrete. Also it is an attempt made to develop the concrete using rice
husk ash as a source material for partial replacement of cement, which satisfies the
various structural properties of concrete like compressive strength and Flexural

16
strength. From the entire experimental work & studies it is concluded that mix M2
(M0+20% RHA) is the best combination among all mixes, which gives max, tensile,
flexure & compression strength over normal concrete.

Velupillai [9] The use of RHA will contribute not only, to the production of
concrete of a higher quality and lower cost, but also the reduction of carbon dioxide
(CO2) emissions from the production of cement. The partial replacement of cement
by RHA will result in lower energy consumption associated with the production of
cement.

S. Ramesh et al [10] studied the behaviour of cement concrete with rice husk
ash. In this study RHA partially replaced to 20% by weight of cement. Experimental
works and studies are conducted are workability, weight comparison, compressive
strength, tensile and flexural strength of concrete. This paper reported the properties,
benefits and uses of RHAC by experimental works. From the experiments and test
results on fresh and hardened concrete, it is concluded that it will increase the
workability as compared to normal concrete. The use of rice husk ash will increase
the corrosion resistance and durability of concrete and it reduces the environmental
pollution due to construction.

Kartini& Mahmud [11] reported on the improvement on Mechanical

Properties of Rice Husk Ash Concrete with Super plasticize. Without super plasticizer
RHA concrete attained lower compressive strength than that of the control due to the
higher amount of water for similar workability. RHA concrete improves the durability
of concrete. It is concluded from the paper that by adding super plasticizer to the RHA
mixes, higher replacement levels are possible. Concrete containing up to 30%RHA
can attain strength of 30 N/mm2 at 28 days.

DaoVan&PhamDuy [12] presented several key properties of high strength

concrete using RHA. RHAs obtained from two sources: India and Vietnam. India
RHA was much better than that of the Vietnam RHA. The acceptable content is 10%
to replace for cement with an acceptance of reduction in compressive strength. It is
concluded that Rice husk is an abundant waste generated from agriculture product in
Vietnam. Investigations in manufacturing high quality RHA in Vietnam is necessary.

17
 Ramezanianpour&Khani [13] investigated the effect of rice husk ash on
mechanical properties and durability of sustainable concrete. RHA replaced with
cement by weight are 7%, 10% and 15%. Results show that concrete incorporating
RHA had higher compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and modulus of
elasticity at various ages compared with that of the control cement concrete. In
addition, results show that RHA as an artificial pozzolanic material has enhanced the
durability of RHA concretes and reduced the chloride diffusion.

Harunur&Keramat [14] investigated the durability of cement mortar in

presence of Rice Husk Ash (RHA). The strength and durability of mortar with
different replacement level (0%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30%) of Ordinary
Portland Cement (OPC) by RHA is investigated. RHA was manufactured from an
uncontrolled burning process. In durability test all samples passed for 20 cycles
except 25% and 30% replacement level. It is concluded from the paper that the mortar
incorporating rice husk ash is more durable than OPC mortar up to 20% replacement
level.

Abhilash&Arbind [15] evaluated one type of commercially available RHA as

supplementary cementitious material for cement. There was a significant
improvement in Compressive strength of the Concrete with RHA content of 10% for
M30 and M60 at 7 days and 28 days i.e. 4.23% to 10.93%. It is concluded that we can
replace 10% cement with the help of RHA without any ill effect.

18
 CHAPTER-3

METHODOLOGY

3.1 GENERAL

The main objective of this work is to study the suitability of the rice husk ash
as a pozzolanic material for cement replacement in concrete. However it is expected
that the use of rice husk ash in concrete improve the strength properties of concrete.
Also it is an attempt made to develop the concrete using rice husk ash as a source
material for partial replacement of cement, which satisfies the various structural
properties of concrete like compressive strength. It is also expected that the final
outcome of the project will have an overall beneficial effect on the utility of rice husk
ash Concrete in the field of civil engineering construction work.

3.2 FOLLOWING PARAMETERS INFLUENCES BEHAVIOR OF

THE RICE HUSK ASH CONCRETE, SO THESE PARAMETERS
ARE KEPT CONSTANT FOR THE EXPERIMENTAL WORK

a) Percentage replacement of cement by rice husk ash

b) Fineness of rice husk ash

c) Chemical composition of rice husk ash

d) Water to cementitious material ratio (w/b ratio)

3.3 METHODOLOGY ADOPTED FOR MIX DESIGN

Mix design is a process of selecting suitable ingredients for concrete and

determining their proportions which would produce economical concrete. The
proportioning of the ingredients of concrete is an important segment of concrete
technology as it ensures quality and economy. For obtaining the concrete of desired
performance characteristics, the component materials should be selected likewise.
Then by considering these components, appropriate mix design is prepared.

19
3.3.1 DESIGN OF CONCRETE MIX

The compressive strength is said to be the index of quality of concrete.

Therefore the design mix should be prepared keeping in view compressive strength of
concrete with adequate workability so that the fresh concrete can be properly mixed,
placed and compacted. The proportions for the mix were calculated adopting the
requirements of water as specified in IS: 10262-2009. The following three steps must
be followed for proportioning of concrete mixes. (i) Selection of suitable ingredients-
cement, supplementary cementing materials, aggregates, and water and chemical
admixtures (if required). (ii) Determination of the relative quantities of components to
have economical concrete, that has desired rheological properties i.e. strength and
durability. (iii) Careful quality control of every phase of the concrete making process.
In the present study Mix Design (Design value at the age of 28 days) grade concrete is
done according to BIS: 10262-2009.

3.3.2 Proportioning:

The proportions of the materials, including water, in concrete mixes used for
determining the suitability of the materials available, shall be similar in all respects to
those to be employed in the work. Where the proportions of the ingredients of the
concrete as used on the site are to be specified by volume, they shall be calculated
from the proportions by weight used in the test cubes and the unit weights of the
materials.

3.3.3 Weighing:

The quantities of cement, each size of aggregate, and water for each batch
shall be determined by weight, to an accuracy of 0.1 percent of the total weight of the
batch.

3.3.4 Mixing Concrete:

The concrete shall be mixed by hand or preferably in a laboratory batch mixer,

in such a manner as to avoid loss of water or other materials. Each batch of concrete
shall be of such a size as to leave about 10 percent excess after moulding the desired
number of test specimens.

20
3.3.4.1 Hand Mixing:

The concrete batch shall be mixed on a water-tight, non absorbent platform

with a shovel, trowel or similar suitable implement, using the following procedure:

a) The cement and fine aggregate shall be mixed dry until the mixture is thoroughly
blended and is uniform in color.

b) The coarse aggregate shall then be added and mixed with the cement and fine
aggregate until the coarse aggregate is uniformly distributed throughout the batch, and

c) The water shall then be added and the entire batch mixed until the concrete appears
to be homogenous and has the desired consistency. If repeated mixing is necessary,
because of the addition of water in increments while adjusting the consistency, the
batch shall be discarded and a fresh batch made without interrupting the mixing to
make trial consistency tests.

3.3.4.2 Cube moulding

The mould shall be of metal, preferably steel or cast iron, and stout enough to
prevent distortion. It shall be constructed in such a manner as to facilitate the removal
of the moulded specimen without damage, and shall be so machined that, when it is
assembled ready for use, the dimensions and internal faces shall be accurate within
the following limits: The height of the mould and the distance between opposite faces
shall be the specified size + 0.2mm. The angle between adjacent internal faces and
between internal faces and top and bottom planes of the mould shall be 900 + 0.50.
The interior faces of the mould shall be plane surfaces with a permissible variation of
0.03 mm. Each mould shall be provided with a metal base plate having a plane
surface. The base plate shall be such dimensions as to support the mould during the
filling without leakage and it shall be preferably attached to the mould by spring or
screws. The parts of the mould when assembled shall be positively and rigidly held
together, and suitable methods of ensuring this, both during the filling and on
subsequent handling of the filled mould, shall be provided. In assembling the mould
for use, the joints between the sections of mould shall be thinly shall be thinly coated
with mould oil and a similar coating of mould oil shall be applied between the contact
surfaces of the bottom of the mould and the base plate in order to ensure that no water

21
escapes during the filling. The interior surfaces of the assembled mould shall be thinly
coated with mould oil to prevent adhesion of the concrete.

3.3.5 Compaction of Test Specimens: (As per IS: 516-1959)

The test specimens shall be made as soon as practicable after mixing, and in
such a way as to produce full compaction of the concrete with neither segregation nor
excessive laitance. The concrete shall be filled into the mould in layers approximately
5 cm deep. In placing each scoopful of concrete, the scoop shall be moved around the
top edge of the mould as the concrete slides from it, in order to ensure a symmetrical
distribution of the concrete within the mould. Each layer shall be compacted either by
hand or by vibration as described below. After the top layer has been compacted, the
surface of the concrete shall be finished level with the top of the mould, using a
trowel, and covered with a glass or metal plate to prevent evaporation.

3.3.5.1 Compaction by Hand:

When compacting by hand, the standard tamping bar shall be used and the
strokes of the bar shall be distributed in a uniform manner over the cross section of
the mould. The number of strokes per layer required to produce specified conditions
will vary according to the type of concrete. For cubical specimens, in no case shall the
concrete be subjected to less than 35 strokes per layer for 15 cm cubes or 25 strokes
per layer for 10 cm cubes. The strokes shall penetrate into the underlying layer and
the bottom layer shall be rodded throughout its depth. Where voids are left by
tamping bar, the sides of the mould shall be tapped to close the voids.

3.3.5.2 Compaction by Vibration:

When compacting by vibration, each layer shall be vibrated by means of an

electric or pneumatic hammer or vibrator or by means of a suitable vibrating table
until the specified condition is attained.

22
3.4 Vibrating Table: (As per IS: 7246-1974 & IS: 11389-1985)

3.4.1 Scope:

This standard deals with the use of vibrating tables for the consolidation of
concrete and gives recommendations regarding placing of concrete and its
consolidation by vibration.

3.4.2 Suitability of Table Vibrators:

Vibrating tables are used for the consolidation of concrete in moulds for the
manufacture of plain and reinforced concrete or pre stressed concrete elements. In
case of lightweight concrete prepared from admixtures and lightweight aggregates,
the degree of vibration shall be suitably controlled since excessive or over vibration
may lead to floating of aggregates to the surface where thorough consolidation is not
desirable, table vibrators may be used for improving the cohesion among the grains of
concrete. With the table vibrators, the vibration of concrete can start from the moment
the concrete is placed on the base of the mould, so that the expulsion of air facilitated
and compaction continues steadily with the addition of each batch of concrete in the
mould.

3.4.3 Recommended Practice for Vibration of Concrete:

3.4.3.1 Placing moulds on the vibrating table:

The moulds may be rigidly clamped to the vibrating table in such a manner
that they have contact with the support in as many and in the most suitable places
possible, so that the vibration amplitude is fairly uniform over the whole range of the
support and moulds. With the rigid and uniform clamping of the moulds the frequency
and amplitude of vibration of the table are uniformly transmitted to the mould as well
as the fresh concrete. For smaller units when the moulds are not rigidly clamped on
the table, they are repeatedly thrown into the air in a haphazard manner owing to the
vibration acceleration of the tables, which is generally considerably greater than the
acceleration due to gravity. During this process the concrete may be subjected to
impacts with quite high acceleration but there may be considerable loss of energy
transmitted to the concrete and there may be damage to the concrete, moulds and
table.

23
3.4.3.2 Period of Vibration:

The period of vibration depends on the efficiency of the vibrating table, the
consistency of fresh concrete and the height of the filled concrete. The appropriate
vibration time will have to be determined in each case. The vibrating time is
considered adequate when the laitenance layers is about to form at the top surface.
The adequacy of compaction due to vibration is also indicated by the movement of the
whole mass in the form while the top surface of concrete is pressed strongly by hand
and moved. On adequate compaction, there is cessation of escape of air bubbles and
the top surface of concrete appears smooth with greasy white appearance.

3.5 Curing of Test Specimens: (As per IS: 516-1959)

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 + ½ hour from the
time of adding the water to the other ingredients. The temperature of the place of
storage shall be within the range of 220 to 320C. After the period of 24 hours, they
shall be marked for later identification, removed from the moulds and, unless required
for testing within 24 hours, stored in clean water at a temperature of 240 to 300C until
they are transported to the testing laboratory. They shall be sent to the testing
laboratory well packed in damp 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 the specimens remain
on the site and in the laboratory.

Figure 3.1 Casting of cubes

24
 Figure 3.2 Curing of specimens

Figure 3.3 Testing of compression strength of cube

25
 CHAPTER-4

EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION

Six different types of specimens were developed in the in the laboratory and Cubes of
150mm size cast for testing compression.

4.1MaterialsUsed:

1. Cement : Ordinary port land cement of 53 grade confirming to IS-

12269 having specific gravity of3.03

Figure 4.1 Cement

Table 4.1: Physical Properties of Cement

Specific Gravity of Cement 3.03

Initial Setting time 44 min
Final Setting time 540 min
Normal Consistency 31%
Compressive Strength 54.7 N/mm2

26
2. Fine Aggregate:

Fine aggregate is natural and obtained from local market. The physical properties
like specific Gravity, gradation are tested in accordance with Is2386.

Figure 4.2 Fine aggregates

Figure 4.3 Coarse aggregates

2.Coarse Aggregate

The crushed coarse aggregate of 20 mm maximum size as well as 12mm size

are obtained from the local crushing plant, is used in the present study. The physical
properties of the coarse aggregate like specific gravity, gradation are tested in
accordance with IS 2386.

27
3. Water : Confirming to Is456:2000

4. Mix Proportion : M20 grade concrete.

4.2 MATERIAL TESTS

4.2.1 Specific gravity (IS:2386)

a) Specific gravity of Cement

1. Density bottle is cleaned with distilled water and dried.

2. The weight W1of the clean, dry density bottle with cap is noted.

3. About one-third of the density bottle is filled with cement. The weight W2of
the density bottle and cement solids is determined.

4. Small quantity of kerosene is poured in to the soil and left until all pores are
completely filled with water.

5. Additional kerosene is poured into the density bottle to fill it completely upto
the top of the cap. The density bottle is dried from outside. The weight W3of density
bottle and its contents is determined.

6. The contents of the density bottle are removed. It is filled completely with
kerosene up to the top of the cap. The density bottle is dried from outside and its
weight W4 is noted.

7. The specific gravity of the sample is determined by

w2−w1
G=

(w2−w1)−(w3−w4)0.79

8. The procedure is repeated twice, from steps 3 to 6 with other specimens from
the same material. The specific gravity is reported as the average of three readings.

28
 Table 4.2 specific gravity of cement

S.No Weights (gm) Trail 1 Trail 2 Trail 3

1 W1 35 35 35

2 W2 70.5 73 75.5

3 W3 137 138.5 140.5

4 W4 113 113 113

5 G 3.08 3.04 3.11

9. Average Specific Gravity of Cement =3.07

4.2.1 b). Specific gravity of Coarseaggregate

1. Pycno meter is cleaned with distilled water and dried.

2. The weight W1of the clean, dry pycno meter with cap is noted.

3. About one-third of the pycno meter is filled with coarse aggregates. The
weight W2 of the pycno meter and soil solids is determined.

4. Small quantity of water is poured into the soil and left until all pores are
completely filled with water.

5. Additional water is poured into the pycnometer to fill it completely up to the

top of the cap. The pycnometer is dried from outside. The weight W 3of pycnometer
and its contents is determined.

6. The contents of the pycnometer are removed. It is filled completely with

distilled water up to the top of the cap. The pycnometer is dried from outside and its
weight W4isnoted.

7. The specific gravity of the sample is determined by

29
 w2−w1
G=

(w2−w1)−(w3−w4)

8. The procedure is repeated twice, from steps 3 to 6 with other specimens from
the same material. The specific gravity is reported as the average of three readings.

Table 4.3: specific gravity of C.A

S.No Weights (gm) Trail 1 Trail 2 Trail 3

1 W1 638 638 638

2 W2 1209 1185 1214
3 W3 1897.5 1880 1903.5
4 W4 1530 1530 1530
5 G 2.805 2.776 2.844

9. Average Specific Gravity of C.A =2.8

4.2.1c). Specific gravity of fine aggregate

1. Pycnometer is cleaned with distilled water and dried.

2. The weight W1of the clean, dry pycno meter with cap is noted.

3. About one-third of the pycnometer is filled with fine aggregates. The weight
W2 of the pycnometer and soil solids is determined.

4. Small quantity of water is poured into the soil and left until all pores are
completely filled with water.

5. Additional water is poured into the pycnometer to fill it completely up to the

top of the cap. The pycnometer is dried from outside. The weight W3of pycnometer
and its contents is determined.

6. The contents of the pycnometer are removed. It is filled completely with

distilled water upto the top of the cap. The pycnometer is dried from outside and its
weight W4 is noted.

30
7. The specific gravity of the sample is determined by

w2−w1
G=

(w2−w1)−(w3−w4)

8. The procedure is repeated twice, from steps 3 to 6 with other specimens from
the same material. The specific gravity is reported as the average of three readings.

Table 4.4: specific gravity of F.A

S.No Weights Trail 1 Trail 2 Trail 3

(gm)
1 W1 638 638 638
2 W2 1129 1120 1194.9
3 W3 1838 1832 1877.5
4 W4 1530 1530 1530
5 G 2.68 2.67 2.65

9. Average Specific Gravity of F.A =2.66

Fig:4.4(a)W1 Fig: 4.4(b)W2

31
 Fig: 4.4(c)W3 Fig: 4.4 (d)W4

4.2.2 Tests for Aggregates

4.2.2.1 Sieve analysis

4.2.2.1 a). Coarse aggregate

The coarse aggregate produced from quarry was sieved through all the sieves (i.e.,
80mm, 40mm, 20mm, 10mm and 4.75mm). The material retained on each sieve was
filled in bags and stacked separately. To obtain 20mm well-graded aggregate, coarse
aggregate retained on each sieve is mixed in appropriate proportions which are shown
below.

The fineness modulus for coarse aggregate(20mm) 7.07

The fineness modulus for coarse aggregate(12.5mm) 7.75

32
 Table 4.5: Proportions of different size fractions to obtain 20mm aggregate

Sieve sizes Weight % weight Cumulative % % passing

(mm) retained retained weight retained
(gm)

80 0 0 0 100

40 0 0 0 100

20 490 9.8 9.8 90.2

10 4411 88.22 98.02 1.98

4.75 99 1.98 100 0

Table 4.6: Proportions of different size fractions to obtain 12.5mm aggregate

Sieve sizes Weight % weight Cumulative % passing

(mm) retained (gm) retained % weight
retained

16 0 0 0 100

12.5 875 17.5 17.5 82.5

9.5 2080 41.6 59.1 40.9

4.75 1980 39.6 98.7 1.3

2.36 65 1.3 100 0

4.2.2.1 b). Fine aggregate

The sand was sieved through a set of sieves ( i.e. 4.75mm, 2.36mm, 1.18mm, 600μ,
300μ and 150μ)

Sand retained on each sieve was filled in different bags and stacked separately. To
obtain zone – II sand correctly, sand retained on each sieve is mixed in appropriate
proportion.

33
i) The fineness modulus for fine aggregate 2.8

Table 4.7: Proportions of different size fractions to obtain zone-II sand

Sieve sizes Weight % weight Cumulative % passing

retained (gm) retained % weight
retained

4.75mm 25 2.5 2.5 97.5

2.36mm 52 5.2 7.7 92.3

1.18mm 161 16.1 23.8 76.2

600μ 355 35.5 59.3 40.7

300μ 364 36.4 95.7 4.3

150μ 36 3.6 99.3 0.7

75μ 5 0.5 99.8 0.2

Pan 2 0.2 100 0

Figure: 4.5 Sieve analysis for coarse aggregates

34
 Figure: 4.6 Sieve analysis for fine aggregates

4.2.3 Tests for Cement

4.2.3.1Fineness of Cement

Aim: To Determination of the Fineness of Cement by dry sieving.

Apparatus:

a) Standard balance with 100 gm. weighing capacity.

b) IS: 90 micron sieve conforming to IS: 460-1962 and a Brush

Procedure:

a) Break down any air-set lumps in the total sample is reported.

b) Weigh accuracy 100 gm of the cement and place it on a standard 90 micron IS

sieve.

c) Continuously sieve the sample for 15minutes.

d) Weigh the residue left after 15 minutes of sieving.

35
Observation: 1

Total Weight of cement Sample =100 gm

Weight of cement Retained on 90micron Sieve = 6 gm

Result:

The Percentage weight of residue over the total sample is reported. Fineness Modulus
of cement = 6%

Precaution:

Sieving shall be done holding the sieve in both hands and gentle wrist motion. This
will involve no danger of spilling the cement. Which shall be kept well spread out on
the screen.

Figure: 4.7 Fineness of cement test

36
4.2.3.1 STANDARD CONSISTENCY OF CEMENTPASTE

Aim : To determine the normal consistency of a given sample of cement

Reference : IS: 4031 (Part 4) - 1988, IS: 5513-1976

Theory : For finding out initial setting time, final setting time of cement, and strength
a parameter known as standard consistency has to be used. The standard consistency
of a cement paste is defined as that consistency which will permit a Vicat plunger
having 10 mm diameter and 50 mm length to penetrate to a depth of 33-35 mm from
the top of the mould.

Apparatus:

Vicat apparatus conforming to IS: 5513-1976, Balance, Gauging Trowel, Stop

Watch.

Procedure:

1. The Standard consistency of a cement paste is defined as that consistency

which will permit the Vicat plunger to penetrate to a point 5 to 7 mm from the bottom
of the Vicat mould.

2. Initially a cement sample of about 400gms is taken in a tray and is mixed with
a known percentage of water by weight of cement, say starting from 25% and then it
is increased by every 2% until the normal consistency is achieved.

3. Prepare a paste of 400gms of Cement with a weighed quantity of potable or

distilled water, taking care that the time of gauging is not less than 3minutes, nor
more than 5 min,and the gauging shall be completed before any sign of setting occurs.

4. Fill the Vicat mould with this paste, the mould resting upon a non-porous
plate. After completely filling the mould, smoothen the surface of the paste, making it
level with the top of the mould. The mould may be slightly shaken to expel the air.

5. Place the test block in the mould, together with the non-porous resting plate,
under the rod bearing the plunger; lower the plunger gently to touch the surface of the
test block, and quickly release, allowing it to sink into the paste. This operation shall

37
be carried out immediately after filling the mould.

6. Prepare trial pastes with varying percentages of water and test as described
above until the amount of water necessary for making up the standard consistency as
defined in Step 1 is found.

Figure 4.8 Vicat apparatus

Observations:

Express the amount of water as a percentage by mass of the dry cement to the first
place of decimal.

Table No: 4.8(a) Observations for Standard Consistency of Cement

S.No Weight of cement Percentage by Amount of water Penetration

(gm ) water of dry added (mm)
Cement (%) (ml)
1 400 25 100 28

2 400 27 108 16

3 400 29 116 13

4 400 31 124 7

Result1 : The Standard consistency of a given sample of cement is= 31%

38
4.2.3.2 INITIAL AND FINAL SETTING TIME OFCEMENT

Aim :Determination of Setting Time of Standard Cement Paste.

Reference : IS : 4031 ( Pat 4 ) -1988, IS : 4031 ( Pat 5 ) - 1988, IS : 5513-1976.

Theory :

Initial setting time: For convenience, initial setting time is regarded as the time
elapsed between the moments that the water is added to the cement, to the time that
the paste starts losing its plasticity.

Final setting time:

The final setting time is the time elapsed between the moment the water is added to
the cement, and the time when the paste has completely lost its plasticity and has
attained sufficient firmness to resist certain definite pressure.

Apparatus: Vicat apparatus conforming to IS: 5513-1976, Balance, Gauging Trowel,

Stop Watch, etc.

Procedure:

1. PreparationofTestBlock-
Prepareaneat400gmcementpastebygaugingthecementwith0.85times the water required
to give a paste of standard consistency. Potable or distilled water shall be used in
preparing the paste.

2. Start a stop-watch at the instant when water is added to the cement. Fill the
Vicat mould with a cement paste gauged as above, the mould resting on a nonporous
plate. Fill the mould completely and smooth off the surface of the paste making it
level with the top of the mould.

3. Determination of Initial Setting Time - Place the test block confined in the
mould and resting on the non-porous plate, under the rod bearing the needle , lower
the needle gently until it comes in contact with the surface of the test block and
quickly release, allowing it to penetrate into the test block.

39
4. Repeat this procedure until the needle, when brought in contact with the test
block and released as described above, fails to pierce the block beyond 5.0 ± 0.5 mm
measured from the bottom of the mould shall be the initial setting time.

5. Determination of Final Setting Time - Replace the needle of the Vicat

apparatus by the needle with an annular attachment.

6. The cement shall be considered as finally set when, up on applying the needle
gently to the surface of the test block, the needle makes an impression thereon, while
the attachment fails to do so.

7. The period elapsing between the time when water is added to the cement and
the time at which the needle makes an impression on the surface of test block while
the attachment fails to do so shall be the final setting time.

Observations:

1. Weight of given sample of cement is = 400gms

2. The normal consistency of a given sample of cement is = 96%

Result : Initial setting time of cement pate is = 32min Final setting time of cement
paste is = 430min

4.3 SPECIMEN PREPARATION:

The above specified concrete grade was poured in moulds of cubes, Specimen
were prepared with varying percentage of rice husk.

(6 proportions * 3 curings (7& 28 days) * 3(each set)) = 54 specimens required

4.4 CASTING:

Standard cast iron cubes of dimension 150 mm X 150 mm X 150 mm were used to
cast the specimen for compression test. The side plates of the mould where
sufficiently stiff to eliminate spreading and warping. Before the concrete was placed
in the mould, all the joints were checked thoroughly for any leakage.

40
A thin film of grease was applied to cover the joints between the halves of the
mould at the bottom surface of the mould and its base plate in order to ensure
that no water escapes.

4.5 CURING:

After casting the moulded specimens are stored in the laboratory at room temperature
for 24 hours. After these periods the specimens are remove from the moulds and
immediately submerged in clean, fresh water of curing tank specimens are cured
for 7,14 and 28 days in the present investigation work.

4.6 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH:

The various strength of concrete the determination of compressive strength has

received a large amount of attention because the concrete is primarily meant to
withstand compressive stresses. Generally cubes are used to determine the
compressive strength. In this present investigation the size of 150 X 150 X 150 mm
are used. In the compressive test, the cube while cleaned to wipe of the surface
water, is placed with the cast faces in contact with the planes of the testing
machine, i.e. the position of the cube then tested is at right angles to that as cast.
The specimen were removed from the moulds and submerged in clean fresh
water until just prior to testing. The temperature of water in which cylinders were
submerged was maintained at 27˚ C±2˚C and 90 %relative

4.7 TEST FOR FRESH PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE

(WORKABILITYTEST)

4.7.1 Slump Test

which can be employed either in laboratory or at site of work. It is not a suitable

method for very wet or very dry concrete. It does not measure all factors contributing
to workability no ways representative of the place ability of the concrete. It is not a
suitable method for very wet or very dry concrete. It does not measure all factor
contributing to workability. The slump test was carried in accordance with
B.S:1882PART2:1970.

41
 Figure 4.9 Slump cone test

4.7.1 Compacting Factor

The compacting factor test was conducted in accordance with B.S 1881: PART
2:1970. The compacting factor was computed using:-

Weight of freely fall of sample

Compacting factor =
Weight of the compacted sample

42
 Figure 4.10 Compaction factor test

4.8 Tests of Concrete Cubes with and without rice husk:

The compression test was conducted according to IS 516-1959. This test helps us in
determining the compressive strength of the concrete cubes. The obtained value of
compressive strength can then be used to assess whether the given batch of that
concrete cube will meet the required compressive strength requirements or not. For
the compression test, the specimen’s cubes of 15 cm x 15 cm x 15 cm were prepared
by using hwa concrete as explained earlier. These specimens were tested under
universal testing machine after 7days, 14 day sand 28daysofcuring.Loadwas applied
gradually at the rate of 140kg/cm 2 per minute till the specimens failed. Load at the
failure was divided by area of specimen and this gave us the compressive strength of
concrete for the given sample.

43
Table 4.9 Compressive strength properties of M 20 grade concrete with &
without rice husk

Sl..No % rice husk No of days

1 0% 7,14,28
2 5% 7,14,28
3 10% 7,14,28
4 15% 7,14,28
5 20% 7,14,28
6 25% 7,14,28

44
 CHAPTER-5

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

As per experimental programme results for different experiments were obtained. They
are shown in table format or graph, which is to be presented in this chapter.

5.1WORKABILITY TEST

5.1.1SlumpTest

The Slump test was performed on the RHA concrete to check the workability of it at
different replacements viz. 5 %, 10 %, 15%, 20%, 25% and the following results were
obtained, according to which it can be concluded that with the increase in % of RHA
from 0 to 25 % , workability decreases. The results obtained for Slump test are shown
below in Table 4.1.

Table 5.1: Results of Slump test

S.No % of RHA Slump value (mm)

1 0% 23
2 5% 18
3 10% 17
4 15% 15
5 20% 12
6 25% 12

45
 2
5

Slump value (mm)

2
0

1
5

1
0

0
0 5 10 15 20 25
% % % % of % % %
Rhhh

Fig 5.1: Slump test results

The above figure shows the slump results. It was observed that, the slumps decreased
as the RHA content were increased in the mix. It was suitable for Low Workability
mixes used for foundations with light reinforcement. Roads vibrated by hand operated
machines.

5.1.2 Compacting Factor

The compaction factor test was performed on the rubberized concrete to check the
work ability of it at different replacements viz. 5 % , 10 % , 15%,20%, 25% and the
following results were obtained, according to which it can be concluded that with the
increase in % of RHA from 0 to 25%, workability decreases .Theoretical maximum
value of compaction factor can be.96to1.0.The results obtained for compaction factor
test are shown below in Table4.2.

46
 Table 5.2: Results of compaction factor test

S.No % of rubber Value of compaction

factor (%)
1 0% 0.81

2 5% 0.87

3 10% 0.85

4 15% 0.82

5 20% 0.80

6 25% 0.79

0.88

0.86

0.84
Compaction factor (%)

0.82

0.8

0.78

0.76

0.74
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%
% of RHA

Figure 5.2: Compacting factor test

47
The above figure 5.2 shows the results of the compacting factor. The results show
that, the compacting factor decreased as the RHA content was increased.

5.1.3 Compressive Strength Test

Thecompressivestrengthtestwasperformedonthecubesofsize15cmx15cmx15cmtocheck
the compressive strength of RHA concrete and the results obtained are given in Table
4.3 to4.5.

Table 5.3 Experimental Data of concrete at 7 days

SL.No % of rice No of days Average Compressive

husk strength in N/mm2
1 0% 7 18.65
2 5% 7 17.34
3 10% 7 15.25
4 15% 7 10.01
5 20% 7 9.32
6 25% 7 9

Table 5.4 Experimental Data of concrete at 14days

SL.No % of rice No of days Average Compressive

husk strength in N/mm2
1 0% 14 24.21
2 5% 14 26.31
3 10% 14 22.56
4 15% 14 19.75
5 20% 14 17.42
6 25% 14 13.21

Table 5.5 Experimental Data of concrete at 28days

48
 SL.No % of rice No of days Average Compressive
husk strength in N/mm2
1 0% 28 35.1
2 5% 28 35.92
3 10% 28 33.87
4 15% 28 28.04
5 20% 28 20.23
6 25% 28 15

4
0

3
5

3
0
Compressive strength (N/mm2)

2
5

2 7 days
0
14
days
28
1 days
5

1
0

0
0 5 10 15% 20 25
% % % % of rha % %

Fig.5.3 Compressive strength of cubes

49
 CHAPTER-6

CONCLUSIONS

In this project an attempt was made for assessment of compressive strength of rice
husk cement concrete. Concrete mix M20 was designed as per the Indian Standard
code (IS- 10262-82) by adding 0 %, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% & 25% of rice husk.
Concrete cubes of size 150mm x 150mm x150mm were casted and tested for
compressive strength at 7 days, 14 days, and 28 days for all mixes and comparing
the results of the cubes containing rice husk ash and the pure concrete.

1. As the rice husk ash is a waste material, it reduces the cost of construction.

2. The replacement of cement with RHA is much lower than that of cement.

3. The slump values of the concrete reduced as the percentage of RHA increased.

4. By using this Rice husk ash in concrete as replacement the emission of greenhouse
gases can be decreased to a greater extent. As a result there is greater possibility to
gain more number of carbon credits.

5. The technical and economic advantages of incorporating Rice Husk Ash in

concrete should be exploited by the construction and rice industries, more so for the
rice growing nations.

6. In this project the workability decreased with increasing percentage of proportion

of rice husk ash. The compressive strength of specimen with 5% rice husk ash shows
higher than that of control mix.

50
 CHAPTER-7

FUTURE SCOPE

Other levels of replacement with Rice husk ash can be researched. Some tests relating
to durability aspects such as water permeability, resistance to penetration of chloride
ions, corrosion of steel reinforcement, resistance to sulphate attack durability in
marine environment etc. with Rice husk ash and Silica fume need investigation.

The study may further be extended to know the behavior of concrete whether it is
suitable for pumping purpose or not as present day technology is involved in RMC
where pumping of concrete is being done to large heights.

For use of Rice husk ash concrete as a structural material, it is necessary to investigate
the behavior of reinforced Rice husk ash concrete under flexure, shear, torsion and
compression.

51
 REFERENCES

[1] SwamiNathen.A.N.,Indian rice husk-improving the mechanical properties of

concrete:a review. ISSN : 2248-9622, issue 1,(part-1) January 2017,pp.76-79

[2] AlirezaNajiGivi, “contribution of rice husk ash to the properties of mortar and
concrete: a review,” journal of American science ,2010;6(3), NajiGivi, et al, rice husk
ash in concrete

[3] Dr. A. M. Pande, S.G. Makarande, “effect of rice husk ash on concrete,”
international journal of engineering research and applications (IJERA) ISSN:2248-
9622.

[4] J. Prasad, D.K. Jain and A.K. Ahuja, “factors influencing the Sulphate
resistance of cement concrete and mortar”, Asian Journal Of Civil Engineering
(Building And Housing) Vol. 7, Pages 259-268 (2006)

[5] P.Padma Rao, 2A.Pradhan Kumar, 3B.Bhaskar Singh, “A Study on Use of

Rice Husk Ash in Concrete.” IJEAR Vol. 4, Issue Spl-2, Jan - June2014

[6] Deepa G Nair , K. Sivaraman, and Job Thomas, “Mechanical Properties of

Rice Husk Ash (RHA) - High strength Concrete” American Journal of Engineering
Research (AJER) e-ISSN : 2320- 0847 p-ISSN : 2320-0936 Volume-3pp-14-19(2013)

[7] IS: 383:1970 “specification for coarse and fine aggregates from natural
sources for concrete” 2nd revision ,Bureau of Indian standard, NewDelhi

[8] IS Number : IS 2386 (Part 3):1963. “Methods of test for aggregates

forconcrete.”

[9] IS 10262:2009 “Guidelines for concrete mix design proportioning” Bureau of

Indian standard, New Delhi.

[10] IS : 516 – 1959 (reaffirmed 1999) edition 1.2 (1991-07) indian standard
methods of tests for strength ofconcrete

[11] Arvind kumar and amit kumar to mar,“Replacement of cement in concrete

with rice husk ash,”SSRG international journal of civil engineering (SSRG-IJCE)-

52
volume 3 issue 7 – july 2016

[12] IS 10262:2009 CODE BOOK

[13] CONCRETE TECHONOLOGY TEXT BOOK BY M.S.SHETTY.

53
 APPENDIX-A

MIX DESIGN

1. REQUIREMENTS
a) Specified minimum strength = 20 N/Sq mm

b) Durability requirements
i) Exposure Moderate
ii) Minimum Cement Content = 300 Kgs/cum

c) Cement
(Refer Table No. 5 of IS:456-2000)
i) Make Chetak (Birla)
ii) Type OPC
iii) Grade 43

d) Workability
i) compacting factor = 0.7

e) Degree of quality control Good

2. TEST DATA FOR MATERIALS SUPPLIED

a) CEMENT
i) Specific gravity = 3.07
ii) Avg. comp. strength 7 days = 46.5 more than 33.0 OK
28 days = 55.0 more than 43.0 OK

b) COARSE AGGREGATE
i) 20mm Graded
Type Crushed stone aggregate
Specific gravity = 2.8
Water absorption = 1.46
Free (surface) moisture = 0

c) FINE AGGREGATE (Coarse sand)

Specific gravity = 2.66

54
Water absorption = 0.5
Free (surface) moisture = 1.4

3. TARGET MEAN STRENGTH (TMS)

a) Statistical constant K = 1.65
b) Standard deviation S = 4.6
Thus, TMS = 27.59 N/Sqmm

4. SELECTION OF W/C RATIO

a) As required for TMS = 0.5
b) As required for ‘Moderate’ Exposure = 0.55
Assume W/c ratio of 0.5

5. DETERMINATION OF WATER & SAND CONTENT

For W/C = 0.6
C.F. = 0.8
Max. Agg. Size of 20 mm
a) Water content = 186 Kg/cum
b) Sand as percentage of total aggregate by absolute volume = 35 %

Thus,
Net water content = 180.42 Kg/cum
Net sand percentage = 33 %

6. DETERMINATION OF CEMENT CONTENT

W/c ratio = 0.5
Water content = 180.42 Kg/cum
Thus, Cement content = 360.84 Kg/cum Adequate for moderate exposure Say 360
Kg/cum

7. DETERMINATION OF COARSE AND FINE AGGREGATE CONTENT

Assume entrapped air as 2 %
Thus,
0.98 cum = [180.42+360/3.05 + {1/0.33}*{fa/2.6}]/1000
& 0.98 cum = [180.42+360/3.05 + {1/0.67}*{Ca/2.68}]/1000
Hence,

55
fa = 584 Kg/cum
Ca = 1223.8 Kg/cum

The final mix proportions of M-20 grade of concrete become

56