CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Concrete

Concrete is a composite material composed of coarse granular material (the aggregate of

filter) embedded in a hard matrix of material (the cement or binder) that fills the space among
aggregate particles and glues them together.

Concrete is widely used for making architectural structures, foundations, brick/block walls,
pavements, bridges/overpasses, motorways/roads, runways, parking structures, dams,
pools/reservoirs, pipes, footings for gates, fences, and poles and even boats.

1.2 History

The word concrete comes from Latin word “concretus” (meaning compact or condensed), the
perfect passive participle of “concrescere”, from “con-“ (together) and “crescere” (to grow).

Perhaps the earliest known occurrence of cement was twelve million years ago, when a
natural deposit formed after an occurrence of oil shale naturally combusted while adjacent to
a bed of limestone. These ancient deposits were investigate in the 1960s and 1970s. On a
human time-scale, lime mortar were used in Greece, Crete, and Cyprus in 800 BC, and the
Assyrian Jerwan Aqueduct (688BC) made use of fully waterproof concrete. The Romans
used concrete extensively from 300 BCE to 476 CE, a span of more than seven hundred
years.

Concrete, as the Romans knew it, was a new and revolutionary material. Laid in shape of
arches, vaults and domes, t quickly hardened into a rigid mass, free from many of the internal
thrusts and strains troubled the builders of similar structures in stone or brick, Modern
structural concrete differs from roman concrete in two important details. First, its mix
consistency is fluid and homogenous, allowing it to be poured into forms rather than
requiring hand layering together with the placement of aggregate, with, in Roman practice
often consisted of rubble, second, integral reinforcing steel gives modern concrete assemblies
great strength in tension, whereas Roman concrete could depend only upon the strength of the
concrete bonding to resist tension.

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The widespread use of concrete in many Roman structure has ensured that many survive to
present day. The Baths of Caracalla in Rome are just one example. Many Roman aqueducts
and bridges have masonry cladding on a concrete core, as does the dome of the Pantheon.

After Roman Empire, the us of burning lime and pozzolana was greatly reduced until the
technique was all but forgotten between 500AD and the 1300s. Between the 1300s until the
mid-1700s, the use of cement gradually returned. The Canal du Midi was built using concrete
in 1670, and there are concrete structures in Finland that date from the 16th century.

In 1889 the first concrete reinforced bridge was built, and the first large concrete dams were
built in 1936, Hoover Dam and Grand Coulee Dam. Reinforced concrete was invented in
1849 by Joseph Monier.

1.3 Composition of concrete

There are many types of concrete available, created by varying the proportions of the main
ingredients below. In this way or by substitution for the cementitious and aggregate phases,
the finished product can be tailored to its application with varying strength, density, or
chemical and thermal resistance properties. “Aggregate” consists of large chunks of material
in a concrete mix, generally course gravel or crushed rocks such as limestone, granite, along
with finer materials such as fine aggregate. “cement”, commonly Portland cement, and other
cementitious material such as fly ash and slag cement, serves as a binder for the aggregate.
Water is then mixed with this dry composite, which producesa semi-liquid that workers can
shape.

The concrete solidifies and hardens to rock-hard strength through a chemical process called
hydration. The water reacts with the cement, which bonds the other components together,
creating a robust stone-like material “chemicals” are added to achieve varied properties.
These ingredients may speed or slow down the rate at which concrete hardens, and impart
many other useful properties. “Reinforcements” are often added to concrete. Concrete can be
formulated with high compressive strength, but always has lower tensile strength. For this
reason it is usually reinforced with material that are strong in tension (often Steel). Concrete
can be damaged by many processes, such as the freezing of trapped Water.“Mineral
admixtures” are becoming more popular in recent decades.

The use of recycled materials as concrete ingredients has been gaining popularity because of
increasingly stringent environment legislation, and the discovery that such materials often

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have complimentary and valuable properties. The most conspicuous of these are fly ash, a by-
product of coal fired powdered plants, and silica fume, a by-productof industrial electric arc
furnaces. The use of these materials in concrete reduces the amount of resources required as
the ash and fume acts as a cement replacement.

This displaces some cement production, an energetically expensive and

environmentallyproblematic process, while reducing the amount of industrial waste that must
be disposed off. The mix design depends on the type of structure being built, how the
concrete is mixed and delivered, and how it is placed to form the structure.

1.4 Replacement of material in concrete

Replacement in cement can be done by certain materials such as glass, silica fumes, rice
husk, fly ash and many others. Some of them are explained below.

1.4.1 Glass

From varying recycling processes is considered to be a material which could be used as

binder and also as aggregate replacement. Glass which is most considered for recycling in
terms of environmental protection is that from containers, architectural and end of life vehicle
glass. These of such recycled glass as a binder and fine aggregate replacement and to know
workability and strength development of concrete containing glass as partial replacement of
traditional materials. The waste glass is being used for partial binder replacement in
proportion of 10%, 20% and 30% binder replacement whereas the processed glass is being
used for 100% replacement of fine aggregate.These of such recycled glass as a binder and
fine aggregate replacement and to know workability and strength development of concrete
containing glass as partial replacement of traditional materials.

1.4.2 Fly ash

Also known as flue-ash, is one of the residues generated in combustion, and comprises the
fine particles that rise with the flue gases.

In the past, fly ash was generally released into the atmosphere, but pollution control
equipment mandated in recent decades now requires that it be captured prior to release. In the
US, fly ash is generally stored at coal powder plants or placed in landfills. about 43% is
recycled, often used to supplement Portland cement in concrete production. fly ash can be
used for 10%, 20, and 30% replacement in the cement for the making of concrete mixes.

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1.5 Rice husk in general

Rice husk is one of the most widely available agricultural wastes in many rice producing
countries around the world. Globally approximately 600 million tons of rice paddy is
produced each year. On average 20% of the rice paddy is husk, giving an annual production
of 120 million production of 120 million tons. In majority of rice producing countries much
of husk produced from processing of rice is either burnt or dumped as waste. Burning rice
husk in ambient atmosphere leaves a residue, called rice husk ash. For every 1000 Kgs of
paddy milled, about 220 Kgs (22%) of husk is produced, and when this husk is brunt in
boiler, about 55Kgs (25%) of rice husk is generated. Rice husk removal during rice refining,
creates disposal problem due to less commercial interest. Therefore, commercial use of rice
husk and its ash is the alternative solution of disposal problem.

Rice husk contains 75%-90%, organic matter such as cellulose, lignin etc. and rest internal
components such as silica, alkalis and trace elements. Rice husk is usually high in ash
compared to other biomass fuels in range 10-20%. The ash is 87% silica, highly porous and
light weight, with a very high external surface area. Presence of high amount of silica makes
it a valuable material for use in industrial application. Various factors which influence ash
properties are incinerating conditions (temperature and duration), rate of heating, burning
technique, crop variety and fertilizer used. The silica in the ash undergoes structural
transformations depending on the conditions of combustion such as time and
temperature.Therefore, commercial use of rice husk and its ash is the alternative solution of
disposal problem.

1.6 Chemical composition of rice husk:

The chemical composition of rice husk is similar to that of many common organic fibers and
it contains of cellulose 40-50 percent, lignin 25-30 percent, ash 15-20 percent and moisture 8-
15 percent

1.7 Application of rice husk

Suitability of rice husk to be used for different applications depends upon the physical and
chemical properties of the husk such as ash content, silica content etc. Direct use of rice husk
as fuel has been seen in power plants. Apart from its use as fuel, RH finds its use as source
raw material for synthesis and development of new phases and compounds. A detailed

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description related to application of rice husk in industrial sectors as well as other fields has
been given below.

1.7.1 As fuel in power plants

Rice husk is mostly used as fuel in boilers for processing paddy and generation of process
steam. Heat energy is produced through direct combustion or by gasification. Small sector
process industries use fixed low capacity boilers, which are manually fired using rice husk as
a fuel. Partial and uneven fuel combustion leads to smoke emission and decrease the fuel
efficiency. As husks are available virtually for free, the boiler efficiency and the degree of
combustion were the issues of receiving the latest attention. Plants with capacity 2-10 MV
range can become commercially viable and this biomass resource can be utilize to a much
greater extent than at present. It has been seen that to produce 1MWh, approximately 1 tonne
of rice husk is required. So, the technical and economic factors decide the effective use of
rice husk as fuel for power generation. Also, rice husk has been used as a useful and
alternative fuel for household energy. Rice husk is also used as fuel in brick kilns, in furnaces
etc.

1.7.2 Formation of activated carbon

Due to presence of large amount of hydrocarbon such as cellulose and lignin content, rice
husk can be used as raw material to prepare activated carbons which are complex porous
structure. They are obtained by two different processes. The physical or thermal activation
and the chemical activation. In the former carbonization is followed by char activation in the
second one, carbonization and activation are performed in a single step, using a chemical
agent. Physical activation of rice husk produces activated carbon that exhibits very low
specific area. Activated carbons are effective adsorbents due to their micro-porous structure..
The physical or thermal activation and the chemical activation. In the former carbonization is
followed by char activation in the second one, carbonization and activation are performed in
a single step, using a chemical agent.

1.7.3As a source of silica and silicon compounds

Apart from organic components, presence of up to 20% silica makes rice husk a promising
raw material source for a number of silicon compounds such as silicon carbide, silicon
nitride, silicon tetrachloride, zeolite, silica, and pure silicon. The application of such materials

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derived from rice husk are very comprehensive. The above compounds prepared in powder
form are characterized by high purity and fine dispersity.

1.7.4 Porous silicon dioxide or composite rice husk

During heat treatment of rice husk in inert atmosphere, organic compounds decompose and
partly change to water, carbon dioxide, and volatile compounds, remaining carbon and
Silicon dioxide. The porous silicon dioxide/C composites with a high surface area have been
fabricated by heating the pellets in inert atmosphere. Porous silicon dioxide was able to be
fabricated through a simple one-step firing process.

The pore characteristics of the products could be controlled by changing the moulding
pressure, raw rice husk particle size, and heat treatment temperature. Heating at 1000° C
displayed the optimal properties such as 87% porosity and 450 sq. meter/g specific surface
area. Larger rice husk particles resulted in products with higher strength.

1.7.5 Insulating fire brick using rice husk

Bricks made using rice husk develop plenty of pores during heat treatment due to burning out
of organic material. The more percentage of rice husk in a brick, the more porous would be
the brick and better thermal insulation. The presence of entrapped air in pores have thermal
insulation characteristics and thus make the porous fire brick structure suitable for back up
insulation.

1.7.6 Other uses

Rice husk is used as raw material for production of xylitol, furfural, ethanol, acetic acid, lingo
sulphonic acids. It is used as cleaning or polishing agent in metal and machine industry, in
manufacturing of the building material etc. Rice husk has been used as an industrial raw
material e.g. as an insulating board material, filler in plastics, filling material, building
material for making panel board, activated carbon etc. Little effort has been made to
manufacture composite products based on two surface structure of rice husk.

Despite so many well established uses, little portion of rice husk produced is utilized in a
meaningful way, remaining part is allowed to burn in open piles or dumped as a solid waste.
Rice husk ash finds large number of industrial applications which are described in other types
such as silica fume and rice husk ash.

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 CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

Mauro M. Tashima, Carlos A. R. da Silva, Jorge L. Akasaki, Michele Beniti Barbosa,

2005:- In the last decades, the use of residue in civil construction, specially in addition to
concrete, has been subject of many researches due to, besides to reduce the environmental
polluters factors, it may lead several improvements of the concrete properties. The world rice
harvest is estimated in 500 million tons per year, and Brazil is the 8th producer. Considering
that 20% of the grain is husk, and 20% of the husk after combustion is converted into ash, a
total of 20 million tons of ash can be obtained. This paper evaluates how different contents of
rice husk ash (RHA) added to concrete may influence its physical and mechanical properties.
Samples with dimensions of 10 X 20 cm were tested, with 5% e 10% of RHA, replacing in
mass the cement. Properties like simple compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, water
absorption and modulus of elasticity were evaluated. The results were compared to control
sample and the viability of adding RHA to concrete was verified.

A. A. Ramezanianpour, M. Mahdi khani, Gh. Ahmadibeni, 2007:- Rice Husk Ash (RHA)
is a by-product of the agricultural industry which contains high amount of silicon dioxide
(SiO2). In this research, for the first time in the Middle East, in order to supply typical RHA,
a special furnace was designed and constructed in Amirkabir University of Technology.
Afterwards, XRD and XRF techniques were used to determine the amorphous silica content
of the burnt rice husk. Attempts were made to determine the optimum temperature and
duration of burning. Results show that temperature of 650 degrees centigrade and 60 minutes
burning time are the best combination. Then various experiments were carried out to
determine properties of concretes incorporating optimum RHA. Tests include compressive
strength, splitting tensile strength, modules of elasticity, water permeability and rapid
chloride permeability test. 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 concrete. In addition, results show that RHA as an artificial
pozzolanic material has enhanced the durability of RHA concretes and reduced the chloride
diffusion.

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A. A. Ramezanianpour, M. Mahdi khani, Gh. Ahmadibeni, 2007:- Rice Husk Ash (RHA)
is a by-product of the agricultural industry which contains high amount of silicon dioxide
(SiO2). In this research, for the first time in the Middle East, in order to supply typical RHA,
a special furnace was designed and constructed in Amirkabir University of Technology.
Afterwards, XRD and XRF techniques were used to determine the amorphous silica content
of the burnt rice husk. Attempts were made to determine the optimum temperature and
duration of burning. Results show that temperature of 650 degrees centigrade and 60 minutes
burning time are the best combination. Then various experiments were carried out to
determine properties of concretes incorporating optimum RHA. Tests include compressive
strength, splitting tensile strength, modules of elasticity, water permeability and rapid
chloride permeability test. 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 concrete. In addition, results show that RHA as an artificial
pozzolanic material has enhanced the durability of RHA concretes and reduced the chloride
diffusion.

Fernanda Giannotti da Silva, Jefferson B. L. Liborio, Paulo Helene, 2008:- The use of
industrial and agricultural waste substitutions for Portland cement has greatly contributed to
sustainable development practices. The increase in cement demand will be met by the use of
supplementary cementing materials, in order to minimize the clinker consumption. In this
study, the effects of silica extracted from rice husk (SRH) as a partial replacement of cement
in concretes with low water/binder are reported. The properties investigated include
compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, water absorption by immersion, water
absorption by capillarity and resistance to chloride ion penetration. The research indicates
that SRH is an effective mineral addition for designing durable concrete presenting an
optimal performance when the replacement ratio of Portland cement is around 10%.

Fernanda Giannotti da Silva, Jefferson B. L. Liborio, Paulo Helene, 2008:- The use of
industrial and agricultural waste substitutions for Portland cement has greatly contributed to
sustainable development practices. The increase in cement demand will be met by the use of
supplementary cementing materials, in order to minimize the clinker consumption. In this
study, the effects of silica extracted from rice husk (SRH) as a partial replacement of cement
in concretes with low water/binder are reported. The properties investigated include
compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, water absorption by immersion, water

8
absorption by capillarity and resistance to chloride ion penetration. The research indicates
that SRH is an effective mineral addition for designing durable concrete presenting an
optimal performance when the replacement ratio of Portland cement is around 10%.

M.U Dabai, C. Muhammad, B.U. Bagudo and A. Musa, 2009:- Compressive strength tests
were carried out on six mortar cubes with cement replaced by rice husk ash (RHA) at five
levels (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50%). After the curing age of 3, 7, 14 and 28 days. The
compressive strengths of the cubes at 10% replacement were 12.60, 14.20, 22.10, 28.50 and
36.30 N/mm 2 respectively and increased with age of curing but decreased with increase in
RHA content for all mixes. The chemical analysis of the rice husk ash revealed high amount
of silica (68.12%), alumina (1.01%) and oxides such as calcium oxide (1.01%) and iron oxide
(0.78%) responsible for strength, soundness and setting of the concrete. It also contained high
amount of magnesia (1.31%) which is responsible for the unsoundness. This result,
therefore, indicated that RHA can be used as cement substitute at 10% and 20% replacement
and 14 and 28 day curing age.

Pravin V Domke, Fine aggregateesh D Deshmukh,Satish D kene. R.S.Deotale, 2009:-

Considerable efforts has been taken worldwide to utilize local natural waste and by-products
materials as supplementary cementing materials to improve the properties of cement concrete
as well as the use of these materials leads to the proper disposal of natural waste results in the
less impact on environment in order to reduce the loss due to improper disposal of the waste.
RHA is a bye- product of paddy industry obtained by controlled burning of rice husk and is a
highly reactive pozzolanic material. On the other hand coir (coconut fiber) has excellent
physical and mechanical properties and can be utilized more effectively in the development
of composite materials. The detailed experimental investigation done to study the effect of
partial replacement of cement with RHA on cement concrete as well as the addition on
natural fibers too from certain percentage of RHA to overcome the decreasing strength of
concrete . It is observed that though the strength of RHA concrete goes on decreasing after
the 12.5% addition of RHA, the composition of 15% RHA + COIR gives maximum strength
results as well as shows the potential to be used as useful material for different building
materials such as wall panels, paving blocks etc.

Tomas U. Ganiron Jr, 2009:- This experimental study aimed to analyze the effect of rice
husks as fine aggregate in terms of water-cement ratio, quality and size of coarse aggregate,
and consistency of the mixture and determine how rice husk differ with other ordinary

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concrete mix as fine aggregate in terms of water adsorption, compressive strength, tensile
strength and modulus of elasticity. This also aims to help contribute to the industry in saving
the environment, to encourage the government to find solutions regarding the disposal to
landfills of waste materials and save the environment, to provide new knowledge to the
contractors and developers on how to improve the construction industry methods and services
by using rice husk, and to sustain good product performance and meet recycling goals.
Observations from the tests performed were conducted in the laboratory where precise data
were gathered and completely attained.

Badorul Hisham Abu Bakar, Ramadhansyah PutrajayaC and Hamidi Abdulaziz, 2010:-
The objective of this paper is to presents and study a pre-review of Malaysian rice ash ask as
a partial cement replacement in different percentage, grinding time and performance
corrosion of RHA blended concrete. The increasing demand for producing durable
construction materials is the outcome of the fast polluting environment. Supplementary
cementitious materials prove to be effective to meet most of the requirements of durable
concrete. Rice husk ash is found to be greater to other supplementary materials like silica
fume and fly ash. Due to its high pozzolanic activity, both strength and durability of concrete
are enriched. Addition of rice husk ash to Portland cement not only improves the early
strength of concrete, but also forms a calcium silicate hydrate gel around the cement particles
which is highly dense and less porous. This may increase the strength of concrete against
cracking. Previously, investigation on the corrosion performance of rice husk ash blended
concrete is very limited. Further researches are ongoing or have started recently by the
authors to study the performance of RHA and corrosion of concrete mixes. Various tests were
carried out to evaluate durability of concrete made with 10, 20, 30 and 40% replacements of
RHA by weight of cement. Nevertheless, the results of compressive strength, absorption test
and chloride penetration from previous investigation were presents in this study.

Jayasankar.R, Mahindran.N, Ilangovan.R, 2010:- During the 20th century there has been
an increase in the consumption of mineral admixtures by the cement and concrete industries.
This rate is expected to increase and the increasing demand for cement and concrete is met by
partial cement replacement. Substantial energy and cost saving can result when industrial by-
products are used as a partial replacement for the energy intensive Portland cement. The
presence of mineral admixtures in concrete is known to impart significant improvements in
workability and durability. The use of byproducts is an environmental friendly method of

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disposal of large quantities of materials that would otherwise pollute land, water and air. This
study focuses on utilization of waste Pozzolana products such as fly ash and Rice Husk Ash
(RHA) as an alternative to OPC to produce ternary blended cement with an objective to
increase the optimum percentage of replacement of pozzolana to OPC without affecting the
concrete properties. CO2curing is carried out to reduce the curing duration without affecting
the compressive strength and trying to achieving the 28 days compressive strength in a short
period of 18 hours. The study of CO2 cured specimens kept in air and water for 3 days, 7
days is also carried out along with comparison of the compressive strength of normal
concrete.

D. S. Rajendra Prasad,S. Suresh,G. S. Shashidhar, 2011:- This research was conducted to

study the effect of Crushed Rock Powder (CRP) as fine aggregate and partial replacement of
cement with admixtures subjected to different water, carbon dioxide and air curing periods.
The CRP, one of the by-products in quarrying process, not being used for any applications
other than road surfacing was identified as a replacement material for river fine aggregate in
concrete. Rice husk ash (RHA) was used as admixture. Carbon dioxide is produced in huge
quantity which is left into atmosphere affecting it. Therefore it can be captured, stored and
used for curing of concrete in pre-cast concrete plants where plants uses reusable moulds to
form panels, walls, beams, columns etc., that are cured in the plant and then shifted to
construction site, offering faster production over pouring and curing on site. In the present
work, the percentage of CRP added by weight as a replacement of fine aggregate used in
concrete together with 10% RHA as a replacement of cement were considered. The results
show clearly that CRP of marginal quantity, as partial fine aggregate replacement, has a
beneficial effect on concrete properties. The results also indicated that the compressive
strength of 6 hr carbon dioxide curing, 12 hr air curing and 138 hr water curing varies from
53% to 107% of total 28 days water curing strength depending on the percentage of fine
aggregate replacement in concrete.

Pawade Prashant.Y, Nagarnaik P.B, Pande A.M, 2011:- This paper shows the
investigation on concrete due to the effect of silica fume with and without steel fibers on
Portland Pozzolona cement. In this study we used concrete mixes with Silica Fume of 0%,
4%, 8%and 12% with addition of crimped steel fibers of two diameters 0.5 mm Ø and 1.0
mm Ø with a constant aspect ratio of 60, at various percentages as 0%, 0.5 %, 1.0 % and 1.5
% by the volume of concrete on M30 grade of concrete. The effect of mineral admixture as

11
cement replacement material with and without steel fibers on mechanical properties were
analyzed and compared with normal concrete as well as silica fume concrete. In comparison,
with control concrete the replacement of 4%,8%,12% and 16% cement by silica fume showed
7.46%, 11.17%, 11.91%and 9.83% increase in compressive strength at 28 days of curing. The
optimum combined effect at 8% silica fume and 1.5% steel fiber with normal concrete the
maximum compressive strength increase at 0.5 mm Ø and 1.0 mm Ø steel fiber at 28 days of
curing were 15.38% and 18.69%, the maximum flexural strength increase were 17.13% and
24.02%.The combined effect of silica fume at 4% & 12% with steel fiber at 0.5%, 1.0% &
1.5% of both diameters 0.5 mm Ø and 1.0 mm Ø at different ages of curing are presented. As
a result of the incorporation of crimped steel fibers, Silica fume and Portland Pozzolona
cement has produced a strong composite with superior crack resistance, improved ductility
and strength behavior prior to failure. On the basis of regression analysis of large number of
experimental results, the statistical model has been developed. The proposed model was
found to have good accuracy in estimating relationship at 28 days and 90 days Compressive
strength with Flexural Strength of concrete.

SISMAN, Can Burak, Erhan GEZER and Israfil KOCAMAN, 2011:- The objective of
this research was to investigate physical, mechanical and thermal properties of concrete
produced by using organic waste (rice husk). Concrete with a dosage of 300 was produced by
adding various amounts of rice husk into the normal aggregate. The compressive strength and
unit weight of the samples were determined after 7 and 28 days, and the water absorption
rate, freezing-thawing resistance and thermal conductivity were determined after 28 days.
According to the experimental results, the compressive strengths and unit weights of the
concrete ranged between 17.6 and 37.5 MPa and between 1797 and 2268 kg/m3,
respectively. All concrete produced were resistant to freezing. The concrete water absorption
rates were below 5.5%. In addition, thermal conductivities varied between 1.53 and 0.79
W/mK. In conclusion, rice husk had potential as a material to produce lightweight concrete
when considering its strength, resistance and insulation properties, and to be used in
agricultural buildings.

Ravanade Kishore, V.Bhikshma And P.Jeevana Prakash, 2011:- The objective of the
study is to investigate the mechanical properties of high strength concrete with different
replacement levels of ordinary Portland cement by Rice Husk Ash. The standard cubes
(150mmX150mmX150mm), cylinders (150mmdiaX300mm height) and prisms

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(100mmX100mmX500mm) were caste. In all 144 specimens with M40 and M50 grade mix
cases were caste and tested. The strength effect of High-strength concrete of various amounts
of replacement of cement with Rice Husk Ash of both the grades were compared with that of
the high-strength concrete with out Rice Husk Ash. The compressive strength at 7, 28 and 56
days have been obtained. The results of the mechanical properties of the rice husk ash at 28
days have shown quite encouraging and interesting results. The optimum replacement of rice
husk ash found to be 10% in both the grades of the concrete.

Satish H. Sathawanea,Vikrant S. Vairagadeb and Kavita S Kene, 2011:- In this paper,

the detailed experimental investigation was done to study the effect of partial replacement of
cement by Fly Ash (FA) and Rice Husk Ash (RHA) in combine proportion started from 30%
FA and 0% RHA mix together in concrete by replacement of cement with the gradual
increase of RHA by 2.5% and simultaneously gradual decrease of FA by 2.5%. Last
proportion was taken 15%FA and 15% RHA. The tests on hardened concrete were
destructive in nature which includes compressive test on cube for size (150 x 150 x 150 mm)
at 7,14,28,56 and 90 days of curing as per IS: 516 1959, Flexural strength on beam (150 x
150 x700 mm) at 28 days of curing as per IS: 516 1959 and split tensile strength on cylinder
(150 mm ø x 300mm) at 28 days of curing as per IS: 5816 1999. The work presented in this
paper reports the effects on the behavior of concrete produced from cement with combination
of FA and RHA at different proportions on the mechanical properties of concrete such as
compressive strength, flexural strength, and split tensile strength. Investigation reported that
compressive strength increases by 30.15% in compared with targeted strength and reduces by
8.73% compared with control concrete at 28 days, flexural strength increases by 4.57%
compared with control concrete at 28 days, split tensile strength decreases by 9.58%
compared with control concrete at 28 days, were obtained at combination of 22.5% FA and
7.5% RHA. Partial replacement of FA and RHA reduces the environmental effects, produces
economical and eco-friendly concrete.

Kartini. K, 2011:- Finding a replacement for cement to assure sustainability is crucial as the
raw materials (limestone, fine aggregate, shale, clay, iron ore) used in making cements which
are naturally occurring are depleting. The raw materials are directly or indirectly mined each
year for cement manufacturing and it is time to look into the use of agriculture waste by-
products in replacing cement. Rice husk ash (RHA) which has the pozzolanic properties is a
way forward. An intensive study on RHA was conducted to determine its suitability. From

13
the various grade of concrete (Grade 30, 40, 50) studied, it shows that up to 30% replacement
of OPC with RHA has the potential to be used as partial cement replacement (PCR), having
good compressive strength performance and durability, thus have the potential of using RHA
as PCR material and this can contribute to sustainable construction.

M. Sivaraja and S. Kandasamy, 2011:- Performance enhancement of non-engineered infra-

structural systems in rural areas with locally available materials has become necessary in
current day technology, mainly to counter unanticipated loads like Earthquake. In many
smaller towns and villages in southern parts of India, materials result in the form of fibers and
granular materials as waste. This paper is aimed to characterize the structure related
properties of concrete composite with locally available rice husk fibers, for achieving
reasonable energy absorbing capacity. Experimental investigations were performed to find
the mechanical, shear, impact and flexural properties of concrete with and without rice husk
composites. Microstructure of as received and reacted rice husk fibers with concrete for two
years are also studied for durability considerations.

R. S. Deotale, S. H. Sathawane, A.R. Narde, 2012:- Considerable efforts are being taken
worldwide to utilise natural waste and bye –product as supplementary cementing materials to
improve the properties of cement concrete. Rice husk ash (RHA) and Fly ash (FA) with using
Steel fiber is such materials. RHA is bye- product of paddy industry. Rice husk ash is a
highly reactive pozzolanic material produced by controlled burning of rice husk. FA is finely
divided produced by coal-fired power station. Fly ash possesses pozzolonic properties similar
to naturally occurring pozzolonic material. The detailed experimental investigation is doing
to study the effect of partial replacement of cement by FA, RHA with using Steel fiber in
concrete. In this paper started proportion form 30% FA and 0% RHA mix together in
concrete by replacement of cement,last proportion taken 15% FA and 15% RHA, with
gradual increase of RHA by 2.5% and simultaneously gradual decrease of FA by 2.5% and to
improve the strength of concrete steel fibers were added and fiber volume fraction was 0%,
0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75% and 1.0% in volume basis in the proportion of 10% RHA and 20% FA.
The purpose of this research is to study the effects of steel fibers on the workability,
compressive strength, flexural tensile strength, splitting tensile strengths, Acid resistant test,
durability study of fly ash and rice husk ash in concrete.

N. K. Amudhavalli 1, Jeena Mathew, 2012:- Portland cement is the most important

ingredient of concrete and is a versatile and relatively high cost material. Large scale

14
production of cement is causing environmental problems on one hand and depletion of
natural resources on other hand. This threat to ecology has led to researchers to use industrial
by products as supplementary cementations material in making concrete. The main parameter
investigated in this study is M35 grade concrete with partial replacement of cement by silica
fume. This paper presents a detailed experimental study on Compressive strength, split tensile
strength, flexural strength at age of 7 and 28 day. Durability study on acid attack was also
studied and percentage of weight loss is compared with normal concrete. Test results indicate
that use of Silica fume in concrete has improved the performance of concrete in strength as
well as in durability aspect.

M.R. Karim, M.F.M. Zain, M. Jamil, F.C. Lai and M.N. Islam, 2012:- Due to the
pozzolanic reactivity, rice husk ash (RHA) is used as supplementary cementing material in
mortar and concrete and has demonstrated significant influence in improving the mechanical
and durability properties of mortar and concrete. It has economical and technical advantages
to use in concrete. In this paper, a critical review on the influences of RHA on the strength
of mortar and concrete are mainly presented. In addition, properties and pozzolanic
activity of RHA, advantages and disadvantages of supplementary use of RHA in
mortar/concrete are mentioned here. Based on the available documented literature, it can be
concluded that RHA could be used as supplementary cementing material up to a certain level
of replacement (about 20-30% of binder) without sacrificing strength of concrete. Proper
consumption of these RHA contributes in solving environmental pollution and production of
cost-effective concrete; it can also play a vital role for the production of sustainable concrete.

S. D. Nagrale, Dr. Hemant Hajare, Pankaj R. Modak, 2012:- India is a major rice
producing country, and the husk generated during milling is mostly used as a fuel in the
boilers for processing paddy, producing energy through direct combustion and / or by
gasification. About 20 million tones of Rice Husk Ash (RHA) is produced annually. This
RHA is a great environment threat causing damage to the land and the surrounding area in
which it is dumped. Lots of ways are being thought of for disposing them by making
commercial use of this RHA. RHA can be used as a replacement for concrete (15 to
25%).This paper evaluates how different contents of Rice Husk Ash added to concrete may
influence its physical and mechanical properties. Sample Cubes were tested with different
percentage of RHA and different w/c ratio, replacing in mass the cement. Properties like
Compressive strength, Water absorption and Slump retention were evaluated.

15
Kartini, K., Nurul Nazierah, M.Y., Zaidahtulakmal, M.Z., Siti Aisyah, G., 2012:- High
strength concrete (HSC) are known to have a higher amount of cement binder in the mix
design properties with low w/b ratio. The high mass of cement content produced substantial
heat liberation in the concrete due to the reaction between cement and water, which can lead
to cracking. Additive likes silica fume is too expensive to use in the HSC in order to
overcome the problems, however, the initiative of utilizing the rice husk ash (RHA) which
have high silica content are apply for the design of HSC. The RHA is obtained by burning the
rice husk which is an agro-waste material, and was found to have good pozzolanic material
properties. This paper highlighted the study conducted in determining the effect of silica
content in RHA in HSC production. Compressive strength test was conducted at age of 28, 60
and 90 days to see the development of strength, while for the durability index performance,
the Rapid Chloride Penetration Test (RCPT) tested at age 28, 60 and 90 days and water
absorption test tested at age 28 and 90 days of water curing were performed. This research
paper reported that 10% replacement of cement with RHA was found to be the optimum
replacement in achieving the targeted strength, however, for durability index performance,
higher replacement level (up to 50%) can be achieved, resulted in decreased in charge passed
and decreased in water absorption, therefore, improved the durability performance of the
concrete. These shows that high amount of silica in RHA gave some effects on the strength
and durability of the HSC.

Celso Yoji Kawabata, Holmer Savastano Junior, Joana Sousa-Coutinho, 2012:- In this
study rice husk ash (RHA) and broiler bed ash from rice husk (BBA), two agricultural waste
materials, have been assessed for use as partial cement replacement materials for application
in lightweight concrete. Physical and chemical characteristics of RHA and BBA were first
analyzed. Three similar types of lightweight concrete were produced, a control type in which
the binder was just CEMI cement (CTL) and two other types with 10% cement replacement
with, respectively, RHA and BBA. All types of similar lightweight concrete were prepared to
present the same workability by adjusting the amount of superplasticizer. Properties of
concrete investigated were compressive and flexural strength at different ages, absorption by
capillarity, resistivity and resistance to chloride ion penetration (CTH method) and
accelerated carbonation. Test results obtained for 10% cement replacement level in
lightweight concrete indicate that although the addition of BBA conducted to lower
performance in terms of the degradation indicative tests, RHA led to the enhancement of

16
mechanical properties, especially early strength and also fast ageing related results, further
contributing to sustainable construction with energy saver lightweight concrete.

D. A. Opeyemi1, O. O. Makinde, 2012 :- The mixture of Rice Husk Ash and Bone Powder
were used as partial replacement for cement in concrete structures. In this paper, the
replacement varied from 5% to 20% in a mix of 1:2:4. Cubes casted comprise the control and
specimen samples with various test considered, and the results showed that workability were
consistent within the described values for lightweight concrete. The compressive strength
dropped with the mixed ash content, the value was found to be within the range acceptable
for concrete; particularly light weight concrete. Substitution of the mixture should not be
more than 10% for the best result in the concrete production for concrete structures. There is
reduction in density of the concrete from 0 - 10% replacement of material, and an increase in
10% - 20% which shows that the unit weight of concrete first reduced, which in turn leads to
reduction in total self-weight of the structure.

R. S. Deotale, S. H. Sathawane, A.R. Narde, 2012:- In the ancient period, construction

work was mostly carried out with help of mudstone from industry. Fly ash is a by-product of
burned coal from power station and rice husk ash is the by –product of burned rice husk at
higher temperature from paper plant artificial fibers are commonly used nowadays in order to
improve the mechanical properties of concrete. Especially Synthetic (Polypropylene,
polyester etc.,) glass, nylon, asbestos, carbon and steel fibers used in concrete caused good
results to improve numerous concrete properties. Considerable efforts are being taken
worldwide to utilise natural waste and byproduct as supplementary cementing materials to
improve the properties of cement concrete. Rice husk ash (RHA) and Fly ash (FA) with using
Steel fiber is such materials. RHA is bye- product of paddy industry. Rice husk ash is a
highly reactive pozzolanic material produced by controlled burning of rice husk. FA is finely
divided produced by coal-fired power station. Fly ash possesses pozzolonic properties similar
to naturally occurring pozzolonic material. The detailed experimental investigation is doing
to study the effect of partial replacement of cement by FA, RHA with using Steel fiber in
concrete. In this paper started proportion form 30% FA and 0% RHA mix together in
concrete by replacement of cement,last proportion taken 15% FA and 15% RHA, with
gradual increase of RHA by 2.5% and simultaneously gradual decrease of FA by 2.5% and to
improve the strength of concrete steel fibers were added and fiber volume fraction was 0%,
0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75% and 1.0% in volume basis in the proportion of 10% RHA and 20% FA.

17
The purpose of this research is to study the effects of steel fibers on the workability,
compressive strength, flexural tensile strength, splitting tensile strengths, Acid resistant test,
durability study of fly ash and rice husk ash in concrete.

Dilip Kumar Singha Roy, Amitava Sil, 2012:- The use of Silica Fume (SF) in short period
of time had one of the most dramatic impacts on the industry’s ability to routinely and
commercially produce SF modified concrete of flowable in nature but yet remain cohesive,
which in turn would develop both high early and high later-age strengths including resistant
to aggressive environments. This paper features an experimental study on the nature of SF
and its influences on the properties of fresh and hardened concrete. In the present study, an
attempt has been made to investigate the strength parameters of concrete made with partial
replacement of cement by SF. Very little or no work has been carried out using silica fume as
a replacement of cement. Moreover, no such attempt has been made in substituting silica
fume with cement for low/medium grade concretes (viz. M20, M25). Properties of hardened
concrete viz Ultimate Compressive strength, Flexural strength, Splitting Tensile strength has
been determined for different mix combinations of materials and these values are compared
with the corresponding values of conventional concrete. The present investigation has been
aimed at to bring awareness amongst the practicing civil engineers regarding advantages of
these new concrete mixes.

Iyenagbe B. Ugheoke and Othman Mamat, 2012:- A review of production and properties
of silica produced from rice husk is carried out with assessment of processing and
manufacturing methods and suggestion of new research directions with respect to the
processing methods. It was revealed that the structural nature of the silica produced from rice
husk is independent of the purification methods but largely dependent on the incineration
temperature used in the production process. Also, it was established that without pre-
treatment, incineration of rice husk results in the production of silica of low purity, surface
area and whiteness. The paper concludes by advocating the use of a novel process called
hydro thermo-baric process, for producing high-purity reactive nano-silica from rice husk.
This novel process, has the advantages of high volume production, versatility of application
of its product through varying any of its process parameters and being environmentally
benign compared to other processes.

M.R. Karim, M.F.M. Zain, M. Jamil, F.C. Lai and M.N. Islam, 2012:- Due to the
pozzolanic reactivity, rice husk ash (RHA) is used as supplementary cementing material in

18
mortar and concrete and has demonstrated significant influence in improving the mechanical
and durability properties of mortar and concrete. It has economical and technical advantages
to use in concrete. In this paper, a critical review on the influences of RHA on the strength
of mortar and concrete are mainly presented. In addition, properties and pozzolanic
activity of RHA, advantages and disadvantages of supplementary use of RHA in
mortar/concrete are mentioned here. Based on the available documented literature, it can be
concluded that RHA could be used as supplementary cementing material up to a certain level
of replacement (about 20-30% of binder) without sacrificing strength of concrete. Proper
consumption of these RHA contributes in solving environmental pollution and production of
cost-effective concrete; it can also play a vital role for the production of sustainable concrete.

Prof. R. Sathish Kumar, 2012:- In this context an experimental study was carried out to find
the suitability of the alternate construction materials such as, rice husk ash, sawdust ,
recycled aggregate and brickbats as a partial replacement for cement and conventional
aggregates .For this concrete cubes of sixe 150mm x150mm were casted with various
alternate construction materials in different mix proportion and with different water cement
ratios. Their density, workability and compressive strengths were determined and a
comparative analysis was done in terms of their physical properties and also cost savings.
Test results indicated that the compressive strength of the OPC/RHA concrete cube blocks
increases with age of curing and decreases as the percentage of RHA content increases.It was
also found that the other alternate construction materials like saw dust, recycled aggregates
and brick bats can be effectively used as a partial replacement for cement and conventional
aggregates. The results showed that the compressive strength, of recycled aggregate are on
average 70% to 80% of the natural aggregate concrete and the compressive strength of brick
bat concrete and saw dust concrete was found to be in the range of 30-35% and 8-10%
respectively. The compressive strength of rice husk ash concrete was found to be in the range
of 70-80% of conventional concrete for a replacement of cement up to 20%.

Ramadhansyah P. Ja, Salwa M.Z.M b, Mahyun A. Wb, Abu Bakar B. Hc, Megat Johari
M. Ac, Che Norazman C., 2013:- In this study, the influences of different replacement
levels of RHA blended cement concrete subjected to 5% NaCl solution with drying-wetting
cycles was evaluated. For parametric study, RHA was used as a Portland cement Type I
replacement by weight of binder. The water-to-binder ratio was 0.49. The evolution of
compressive strength, weight loss, and reduction in strength was monitored for up to 6

19
months. Generally, the compressive strength test has been shown that use of RHA in blended
cement has a significant influence on chloride concentration. When increasing the
replacement level of RHA, the strength of concrete also increases in comparison to OPC
concrete (except RHA40) even subjected to sodium chloride. In addition, increasing the
percentage replacement of RHA tends to reduce the compressive-strength loss due to
increased pozzolanic reaction. It is concluded that the incorporation of RHA in cement
significantly improved the resistance to chloride penetration of concrete.

Mohammad Qamruddin,Prof. L. G. Kalurkar, 2013:- Fast depleting natural resources,

huge consumption of energy, and environmental hazards involved in the production of
cement has inspired for searching the substitution by other material with similar material,
especially in developing countries. Rice husk ash (RHA), an agricultural waste, is classified
as “a highly active pozzolan” because it contains a very high amount of amorphous silica and
a large surface area. The objective of the study is to investigate the mechanical properties of
concrete with different replacement levels of ordinary Portland cement by rice husk ash and
silica fume individually and in combination. The standard cubes (150mmx150mmx150mm)
cylinders (150mmdia x 300mmheight) were cast. The compressive strength at 7days and 28
days have been obtained with normal curing regime. For RHA a maximum increase in
compressive strength was 16% whereas for silica fume it was approximately 20% compared
with nominal mix when used individually. Combination of RHA and silica fume did not
show any exciting results.

Deepa G Nair, K. Sivaraman, and Job Thomas, 2013:- High strength and high
performance concrete are being widely used all over the world. Most of the applications of
high strength concrete have been found in high rise buildings, long span bridges etc. The
potential of rice husk ash as a cement replacement material is well established .Earlier
researches showed an improvement in mechanical properties of high strength concrete with
finely ground RHA as a partial cement replacement material. A review of literature urges the
need for optimizing the replacement level of cement with RHA for improved mechanical
properties at optimum water binder ratio. This paper discusses the mechanical properties of
RHA- High strength concrete at optimized conditions.

Godwin A. Akeke, Maurice E. Ephraim, Akobo, I.Z.S and Joseph O. Ukpata, 2013:-
This research was experimentally carried out to investigate the effects of introducing Rice
Husk Ash (RHA) as a Partial Replacement of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) on the

20
Structural Properties of Concrete. Rice Husk Ash which is an Agro-Waste and known to be a
Super Pozzoland have been used for mass concrete and found to have compressive strength
ranging from 33-38.4N/mm2at replacement percentages of 10-25% in a mix of 1:1.5:3. A
further study was carried out on its flexural properties to determine their moduli of rupture as
well as its tensile strength characteristics for the determination of cracking, the values
obtained at 28days are 3, 2.5 and 2.4N/mm2 while the tensile strength values are 1.94, 1.17
and 0.91N/mm2 at replacement percentages of 10%, 20% and 25%. This research has proved
that RHA Concrete can be used as a Structural Concrete at suitable replacement percentages.
This research therefore is an investigation of the performance of the concrete made of
partially replacing OPC with RHA on the structural integrity and properties of RHA concrete.

Aliu Adekunle O.,Daramola A.S, 2013 :- The disposal of saw dust and rice husk has
always been by incineration or open air burning, this has hazardous effect on the air and
environment at large. They can be recycled for use in construction industry without
producing any harm to human and environment. Research has shown that they can be used as
a binder replacement.This paper highlights the optimal material that can be added to concrete
for optimum strength. Sawdust and Rice husk mixed with bone powder was added to replace
cement in relative percentage of 5, 10, 15 and 20%.The result shows that rice husk and
sawdust are alternative binder that can replace cement to some extent but there is reduction in
strength as well. 18 concrete cubes were casted using mix ratio 1:2:4, the control experiment
without sawdust or rice husk has strength of 8.9N/mm2. With 5% Rice husk ash, the strength
dropped to 7.6 N/mm2, but using 5% saw dust, the strength dropped to 7.71 N/mm2. Further
addition of both materials to give 15% addition produced strength of 6.2 N/mm2 and 4.4
N/mm2 for rice husk and saw dust respectively. Both materials can be added to produce a
lightweight structure but the amount replacement for saw dust must not exceed 10% while
rice husk must not exceed 15% in order to produce safe and durable structure.

Rahizuwan Hamid, Norisham Ibrahim, Adiza Jamadin, 2013:- Producing cement emits a
lot of carbon dioxide which would link to bad environmental effects. Partial substitution of
cement with natural waste product reduces cement consumption in concrete production. As a
result, discharge of carbon dioxide is reduced. This paper presents an investigation on the
effects of different grinding time of rice husks ash (RHA) on the physical properties of the
concrete which is workability and strength. However, the burnt RHA need to be ground for
optimum grinding time before mixing it with other materials. This study is based on

21
experimental program. For laboratory tests, concrete mix proportion samples were introduced
with RHA and superplasticiser (Sp) as additives. There were three type of RHA grinding time
used; 30, 60 and 90 minutes. Concrete was evaluated for compressive strength and
workability. It is found that the increasing of grinding time decreases the workability but
increases the compressive strength of the concrete. This research shows that RHA has the
potential to be utilized as an alternative material to cement in concrete production. It is also
found that RHA grinding time does affect the workability and compressive strength of the
RHA concrete.

22
 CHAPTER 3

EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAMME

3.1 Tests on Cement:-

The following given test performed on cement are important in order to find the normal
consistency, final and initial setting time and specific gravity of cement.

3.1.1 Determination of normal consistency of cement:

Apparatus Used:

Vicat’s apparatus with plunger of 10 mm diameter, measuring cylinder, weighing balance,

trowel.

Procedure:

1. Take about 400 g of the cement and weight carefully and add 20% of water, proper
care should be taken that the mixing time is not more than 3 minutes and gauging
shall be counted from the time of adding the water.
2. Fill the paste in the mould.
3. The excess paste to be trim off and vibrations are given to remove the air.
4. Fix the 10 mm diameter plunger in the moving rod and brin down in touch with the
paste.
5. Replace the plunger.
6. Repeat the procedure till it penetrate 5-7 mm from bottom (33-34mm) from top and
note down the water percentage.

Calculations:

୛ଵ
Normal consistency = ×100
୛ଶ

Weight of water = W1

Weight of cement = W2

23
3.1.2 Determine the initial and final setting time of cement:

Apparatus Used:

Vicat’s apparatus, mould and non-porous plate, needle, balance, weighing balance, measuring
cylinder, stop watch.

Procedure:

1. Take about 500 gof cement.

2. Add water of standard consistency to make cement paste(0.85P+400/100), where P is
penetration.
3. To take the surface of the cement paste till it is smooth and level.
4. The whole assembly is kept in Vicat’s apparatus.
5. Bring the needle in the rod gently near the surface of the test block and release it
quickly allowing it to penetrate into the block and note the time.
6. Repeat the procedure till the needle fail to penetrate into the test block from 5mm to
7mm from bottom.

3.1.3 Determine the specific gravity of cement:

Apparatus Used: Specific Gravity bottle 25 ml capacity, Balance, Distilled water, Beaker.

Procedure:

1. Weight a clean and dry specific gravity bottle with its stopper.
2. Place a sample of cement upto half of bottle and weight with its stopper.
3. Add distilled water to cement in bottle till it is flush with the graduated mark and
weigh the sample.
4. Empty the flask and clean it and refill with distilled water and weight the sample.
5. Calculate the values using the formula given below.

Calculations:

୛ଶି୛ଵ
Specific Gravity =
[ሺ୛ଶି୵ଵሻିሺ୛ଷି୛ସሻ]×ଵ଴଴

Where,

Weight of empty flask = W1

24
Weight of flask +fine aggregate = W2

Weight of flask +fine aggregate +distilled water = W3

Weight of flask +distilled water = W4

3.2 Tests on fine aggregate :-

The following given tests performed on fine aggregate are important in order to find the
normal zone of fine aggregate, specific gravity of fine aggregate and silt factor of fine
aggregate specimen.

3.2.1 Determine the zone of the fine aggregate by sieve analysis:

Apparatus Used:

Sieve size from 4.75mm to 150micron, Balance.

Procedure:

1. Weight a clean and dry sample of the fine aggregate.

2. Take near about 5 kg of sample.
3. Pass this sample from sieve no. 4075mm, 2.36mm, 1.18mm, 600 micron, 300 micron,
150 micron.
4. According to the percentage corresponding to the IS recommendations, match and get
your fine aggregate sample confirmed to particular zone.
5. Finally determine the zone of fine aggregate.

3.2.2Determine the specific gravity of fine aggregate:

Apparatus Used:

Specific Gravity bottle-25 ml capacity, balance, Distilled water, beaker.

Procedure:

1. Weight a clean and dry specific bottle with its stopper.

2. Place a sample of fine aggregate in bottle and weight with its stopper.
3. Add distilled water to fine aggregate in bottle till it is flush with the graduated mark
and weight the sample.
4. Empty the flask clean it and refill with distilled water and weight tha sample.

25
Calculation:

୛ଶି୛ଵ
Specific gravity = ×100
[ሺ୛ଶି୛ଵሻିሺ୛ଷି୛ସሻ]

Where,

Weight of empty flask = W1

Weight of flask+ fine aggregate = W2

Weight of flask+ fine aggregate+ water = W3

Weight of flask+ distilled water = W4

3.2.3 Determine the silt factor of the fine aggregate specimen:

Apparatus Used:

Graduated Cylinder, Calculator, a balance of capacity 3Kg

Procedure:

1. Place 50 ml of water into graduated cylinder.

2. Add fine aggregate gradually until the 100 ml mark is reached.
3. Add more water until the 150 ml marked is reached.
4. Shake the cylinder vigorously.
5. Allow the settle for 10 minutes.
6. Measure the height of the fine aggregate and silt.
7. Calculate the amount of silt as a percentage of the amount of the fine aggregate
from obtained values.
8. Use the formula to calculate the values.

Calculations:

Height of the silt above the fine aggregate layer = H1

Height of the fine aggregate below the silt layer = H2

ୌଵ
Quantity of the silt = ×100
ୌଶ

26
3.3 Test On Coarse Aggregate:-

The following given tests performed on aggregate are important in order to find the specific
gravity and the absorption, so the material used should in accordance with the standard limits
and the values obtained should also be in certain limit.

3.3.1 Determine the specific gravity and water absorption of the given sample of coarse
aggregate:

Apparatus Used:

A balance of capacity 3kg, an oven to maintain a temperature of 100-110o, a wire-basket of

mesh not more than 6.3mm, a container for filling water and for suspending the basket, a
shallow tray.

Procedure:

1. Take about of 2Kg of aggregate and wash it properly, place the bucket in wire basket.
2. Dip the basket in water, bring it out of water slightly and repeat this process 20-25
times. This removes the suspended air.
3. Let the basket and sample remain immersed in water for 24 hours, weight the basket
and the sample or aggregate. Let it be ‘w1’ g.
4. Remove the aggregate from the basket and put it in a tray. Immerse the basket in
water and weight it. Let it be ‘W2’ g.
5. Dry the sample of aggregate with a clean cloth and weight it. Let it be ‘W3’ g.
6. Place the aggregate in the oven for 24 hours and weight it. Let it be ‘W4’ g.
7. Calculate the values using the formula given below.

Calculations:

Weight of aggregate+ Basket in water = W1 g

Weight of basket in water = W2g

Weight of aggregate in water = (W1-W2) g

Weight of saturated aggregate in air = W3g

Weight of dry aggregate in air = W4

୛ସ
Specific gravity =
୛ଶିሺ୛ଵି୛ଶሻ

27
 ୛ଷି୛ସ
Water absorption = ×100
୛ସ

3.3.2 Determination of impact value of the coarse aggregate:

Apparatus Used:

Impact testing machine, IS Sieves of sizes 2.36mm, A cylindrical metal measure of 75mm
dia. and 50mm depth, A tamping rod of 10mm circular cross section and 230mm length,
rounded at one end and Oven.

Procedure:

1. Aggregate is dried in an oven for four hours at a temperature 1000C to 1100C and
cooled.
2. Test aggregates are filled up to about one-third full in the cylindrical measure and
tamped 25 times with rounded end of the tamping rod. Further quantity of aggregates
is then added up to two-third full in the cylinder and 25 stocks of the tamping rod are
given.
3. The measure is now filled with the aggregates to over flow, tamped 25 times. The
surplus aggregates are struck off using the tamping rod as straight edge.
4. The impact machine is placed with its bottom plate flat on the floor so that the
hammer guide columns are vertical.
5. The cup is fixed firmly in position on the base of the machine and the whole of the
test sample from the cylindrical measure is transferred to the cup and compacted by
tamping with 25 strokes.
6. The hammer is raised until its lower face is 380mm above the upper surface of the
aggregates in the cup, and allowed to fall freely on the aggregates.
7. The test sample is subjected to a total 15 such blows, each being delivered at an
interval of not less than one second.
8. The crushed aggregate is then removed from the cup and the whole of it sieved on the
2.36mm sieve until no further significant amount passes.

Calculations:

Total weight of dry sample = W1 g

Weight of portion passing 2.36 mm sieve = W2 g

28
 ୛ଵ
Aggregate Impact Value (percent) = ×100
୛ଶ

3.3.3 Determination of flakiness index of the coarse aggregate:

Apparatus:

A weighing balance, standard metal flakiness gauge and I.S sieves (31.5mm, 25mm, 20mm,
16mm, 12.5mm and 10mm)

Procedure:

1. A quantity of aggregate shall be taken sufficient to provide the minimum number of

200 pieces of any fraction to be tested.
2. The sample shall be sieved with the specified sieves.
3. Then each fraction must be gauged in turn for thickness of metal gauge.
4. The total amount of aggregate passing the gauge must be weighed to an accuracy of at
least 0.1 % of the weight of the sample.
5. The total amount of aggregate not passing the gauge must be weighed to an accuracy
of at least 0.1 % of the weight of the sample.

Calculations:

௪
Flakiness Index of the aggregate sample (%) = × 100
ௐ

Where,

w = sum of weight of material passing the thickness gauges

W = sum of weight of material not passing the thickness gauges

3.3.4 Determination of elongation index of the coarse aggregate:

Apparatus:

A weighing balance, standard metal flakiness gauge and I.S sieves (31.5mm, 25mm, 20mm,
16mm, 12.5mm and 10mm)

29
Procedure:

1. A quantity of aggregate shall be taken sufficient to provide the minimum number of

200 pieces of any fraction to be tested.
2. The sample shall be sieved with the specified sieves.
3. Then each fraction must be gauged in turn for thickness of metal gauge.
4. The total amount of aggregate passing the gauge must be weighed to an accuracy of at
least 0.1 % of the weight of the sample.
5. The total amount of aggregate not passing the gauge must be weighed to an accuracy
of at least 0.1 % of the weight of the sample.

Calculations:

ௐ
Elongation Index of the aggregate sample (%) = × 100
௪

Where,

w = sum of weight of material passing the thickness gauges

W = sum of weight of material not passing the thickness gauges

3.4 Testsfor determination of workability of concrete by compaction factor test:

Apparatus Used:

Compacting factor apparatus which consists of: Upper hopper with a dimension ( Top: 254
mm , bottom: 127 mm and height: 279 mm) , lower hopper with a dimension ( Top : 229 ,
Bottom: 127, and height : 229 mm ) and cylinder (with dia. 152 and height 305 mm )
connected, the total height measuring from the base of upper hopper to the base of cylinder
about 1 m.

Procedure:

1. Clean and moist the internal sides of the upper and lower hoppers using dampen cloth.
2. Place the sample of prepared fresh concrete in the upper hopper; and let the sliding
door closed.
3. Open the top slide door so that the concrete falls into the lower hopper.
4. Open the slide door of the lower hopper, so that the concrete is allowed to fall into the
cylinder.

30
 5. Remove the excess concrete above the top level of the cylinder, the outside is wiped
clean.
6. Weigh the concrete in the cylinder that is partially compacted let be W1.
7. Empty the cylinder and fill it with the concrete from the same sample in 3 layers
approximately of equal volumes.
8. Each layer heavily rammed or vibrated so as to obtain full compaction.
9. Struck off level the top surface of the fully compacted concrete with the top of the
cylinder, and weigh it, let to be W2.

Calculations:

୛ଵ
Compacting factor =
୛ଶ

3.5 Mix Design-:

Method of Mix Design:

1. Determine the mean target strength f*ck from the specified characteristics compressive
strength at 28-days fck and the quality control.
f*ck = fck + 1.65 S
Where ‘S’ is the standard deviation from the table of approximate contents given after
the design mix.
2. Obtain the water cement ratio for the desired mean target using the empirical
relationship between compressive strength and water cement ratio so chosen is
checked against the limiting water cement ratio. The water cement ratio so chosen is
checked against the limiting water cement ratio for the requirement of durability given
in table and adopt the lower of the two values.
3. Estimate the amount of entrapped air for maximum nominal size of the aggregate
from the table.
4. Select the water content, for the required workability and maximum size of aggregates
(for aggregate in saturated surface dry condition) from table.
5. Determine the percentage of fine aggregate by absolute volume from table for the
concrete using crushed coarse aggregate.
6. Adjust the value of water content and percentage of fine aggregate as provided in the
table for any difference in workability, water cement ratio, grading of fine aggregate
and for rounded aggregate the value are given table.

31
7. Calculate the cement contentfrom the water-content ratio and the final water content
as arrived after adjustment.Check the cement against the minimum cement content
from the requirements of the durability and greater of the two values is adopted.Check
the cement against the minimum cement content from the requirements of the
durability and greater of the two values is adopted.
8. From the quantities and the cement per unit volume of concrete and the percentage of
fine aggregate already determined in steps 6 an d7 above,calculate the content of
coarse and fine aggregate per unit volume of concrete from the following relations.

Where,

V = Absolute volume of concrete

Sc = Specific gravity of cement
W = Mass of water per cubic m of concrete, Kg
C = Mass of cement per cubic meter of concrete, Kg
P = Ratio of fine aggregate to total aggregate by absolute volume.
F a, Ca = Total masses of fine and coarse aggregate.
Sfa, Sca = Specific gravities of fine and coarse aggregate, resp.
9. Determine the concrete mix proportions for the first trial mix.
10. Prepare the concrete using the calculated proportions and cast 3 cubes of 150 mm size
and test them wet after 28 days moist curing and check for the strength.

Table 3.1 Assumed standard deviation as per IS 10262: 1982

Grade of Assumed standard

concrete deviation
N/mm2

M10
M15 3.5
M20
M25
M30 4.0
M35
M40
M45 5.0
M50

32
 Table 3.2 Value of tolerance factor (t) (Risk Factor)

Tolerance level 1 in 10 1 in 15 1 in 20 1 in 40 1 in 100

No. of samples

10 1.37 1.65 1.81 2.23 2.76

20 1.32 1.58 1.72 2.90 2.53
30 1.31 1.51 1.70 2.04 2.46
Infinite 1.28 1.50 1.64 1.96 2.33

Table 3.3 Estimation of Entrapped air

Maximum size of Entrapped air, as % of

aggregate (mm) volume of concrete

10 3.0
20 2.0
40 1.0

Table 3.4 Approximate fine aggregate and water content per cubic meter of concrete W/C =
0.60, workablity = 0.80 C.F (Slump 30 mm approximately) (for concrete upto grade M35)

Maximum size Water Content including Fine aggregate as per of

of aggregate Surface Water, per Cubic Total Aggregate By Absolute
(mm) Meter of Concrete (Kg) volume

10 200 40
20 186 35
30 165 30

Table3.5 Approximate fine aggregate and water contents per cubic meter concrete W/c =
0.35, workability = C.F. (applicable for above grade)

Maximum Water content including Fine aggregate

size of surface water , per cubic as per cent of
aggregate meter of concrete (Kg) Total Aggregate
(mm) by absolute
volume
10 200 28
20 180 25

33
 Table 3.6 Adjustment of values in water content and fine aggregate percentage for other
conditions

Change in conditions Adjusting Required in

stipulated for Table
Water content % fine aggregate in total
aggregate
For fine aggregate conforming to 0 +1.5% for Zone 1
grading Zone IV of table 4,IS: -1.5% for Zone III
383-1979 -3% for Zone IV

Increase or decrease in values of +3% or -3% 0

compacting factor by 0.1

Each 0.05 increase or decrease 0 +1% or – 1%

in water cement ratio

Mix Design procedure:

A. Design stipulations for proportioning:

i. Grade designation = M20
ii. Type of cement = OPC 43 grade
iii. Aggregate sizes = 20 mm & 10mm (60:40)
iv. Exposure condition = Mild
v. Degree of supervision = Good
vi. Type of aggregate = Crushed angular aggregate
vii. Chemical admixture = No
B. Test data for materials:
a) Sp. gravity of cement = 3.19
b) Sp. gravity of coarse aggregate = 2.7
c) Sp. gravity of fine aggregate = 2.68
d) Sieve analysis fine aggregate = Conforming to Zone II
C. Target strength for mix proportioning:
f*ck = fck+ 1.65 S

34
 Where,
f*ck = Target average compressive strength at 28 days,
fck = Characteristic compressive strength at 28 days,
S = Standard deviation From Table 3.1 standard deviation, = 4 N/mm

Therefore, target strength = 20 + 1.65 × 4 = 26.60 N/mm

D. Selection of water cement ratio:

From Table 3.4, maximum water cement ratio = 0.55 (Mild exposure) Based on
experience adopt water cement ratio as 0.50 0.5 < 0.55, hence OK.
E. Selection of water content:
From Table 3.5,
Maximum water content = 186 liters (for 20 mm aggregates)
F. Calculation of cement content:
Water cement ratio = 0.50
ଵ଼଺
Cement content = = 372 kg/m3> 320 kg/m3
଴.ହ
Hence OK
G. Absolute volume of fresh concrete:
Now, from table 3.6,
Entrapped air in 20mm aggregate = 2%
Absolute volume of fresh concrete = Gross Volume – Entrapped Air
Suppose, we have 1m3 of concrete,
Absolute volume = 1 – 0.02
= 0.98m3
H. Calculation of quantities:
I. Volume of concrete = 1 m3
II. Quantity of cement = 372Kg/m3
III. Quantity of water = 186Kg/m3
IV. Quantity of fine aggregate,
େ ଵ ୊ୟ ଵ
v = [w+ + × ]×
ୗୡ ୔ ୗ୊ୟ ଵ଴଴଴

ଷ଻ଶ ଵ ி௔ ଵ
0.98 = [186+ + × ]×
ଷ.ଵଽ ଴.ଷଷ ଶ.଺଼ ଵ଴଴଴

35
 Fa = 635.44Kg/m3

V. Quantity of coarse aggregate,

ଵି୔ ୗେୟ
Ca = ×F a ×
୔ ୗ୊ୟ

ଵି୭.ଷହ ଶ.଻
Ca =
଴.ଷହ
×635.44×ଶ.଺଼
Ca = 1188.90Kg/m3

VI. Mix design proportion from the calculations is given as under:

= 372: 635.44: 1188.90

= 1: 1.64: 3.14

3.6 Test for determination of fineness modulus of rice husk by sieve analysis:

Apparatus: Weighing balance, pan, I.S sieves of sizes – 4.75mm, 2.36mm, 1.18mm, 600µ,
300µ and 150µ

Procedure:

1. Weight a clean and dry sample of the fine aggregate.

2. Take near about 5 kg of sample.
3. Pass this sample from sieve no. 4.75mm, 2.36mm, 1.18mm, 600 micron, 300 micron,
150 micron.
4. Weigh the different weights of rice husk retained on each sieve.
5. Prepare the sieve analysis table.
6. Finally determine the fineness modulus of rice husk to check whether it will replace
fine aggregate or cement.

Calculations:

∑ୡ୳୫୫୳୪ୟ୲୧୴ୣ % ୵ୣ୧୥୦୲ ୰ୣ୲ୟ୧୬ୣୢ

Fineness modulus =
ଵ଴଴

3.7 Test for determination of slump value from slump test:

Apparatus: Slump test mould, trowels, tamping rod and measuring rod.

36
Procedure:

1. Dampen the slump test mould and place it on a flat, moist, nonabsorbent, rigid
surface, like a steel plate.
2. Fill the mould to 1/3 full by volume (about 2 1/2 inches), and rod the bottom layer
with 25 evenly spaced strokes.
3. Fill the mould to 2/3 full (about 6 inches), and rod the second layer with 25 strokes
penetrating the top of the bottom layer.
4. Heap the concrete on top of the mould, and rod the top layer with 25 strokes
penetrating the top of the second layer.
5. Strike off the top surface of the concrete even to the top of the mould.
6. Remove the mould carefully in the vertical direction (take about five seconds).
7. Immediately invert and place the mould beside the slumped concrete and place the
rod horizontally across the mould, and measure the slump, in inches, to the nearest 1/4
inch. The slump test should take approximately 2 1/2 minutes

3.8 Fabrication of Specimens:

Apparatus:

Concrete cube moulds, Cylinder moulds,Standard tamping rod, Scoop, Trowel.

Procedure – Making Cube Specimens:

1. For the standard 150 mm × 150 mm × 150 mm specimen, fill each mould in three
approximately equal layers, moving the scoop or trowel around the perimeter of the
mould to evenly distribute the concrete. When filling the final layer, slightly overfill
the mould.
2. Consolidate each layer with 25 strokes of the appropriate tamping rod, using the
rounded end.
3. Distribute strokes evenly over the cross section of the concrete. Rod the first layer
throughout its depth without forcibly hitting the bottom.
4. After rodding each layer, tap the sides of each mould 10 to 15 times with the mallet or
lightly with the open hand.
5. Strike off the surface of the moulds with tamping rod or straightedge and begin initial
curing.

37
Procedure – Making Cylinder Specimens:

1. For the standard 150 mm (6 in.) by 300 mm (12 in.) specimen, fill each mould in three
approximately equal layers, moving the scoop or trowel around the perimeter of the
mould to evenly distribute the concrete. When filling the final layer, slightly overfill
the mould.
2. Consolidate each layer with 25 strokes of the appropriate tamping rod, using the
rounded end. Distribute strokes evenly over the cross section of the concrete. Rod the
first layer throughout its depth without forcibly hitting the bottom.
3. After rodding each layer, tap the sides of each mould 10 to 15 times with the mallet or
lightly with the open hand
4. Strike off the surface of the moulds with tamping rod or straightedge and begin initial
curing.

3.9 Compressive strength test of cube specimens:

Apparatus:

Compression testing machine

Procedure:

1. Remove the specimen from water after specified curing time and wipe out excess
water from the surface.
2. Clean the bearing surface of the testing machine
3. Place the specimen in the machine in such a manner that the load shall be applied to
the opposite sides of the cube cast.
4. Align the specimen centrally on the base plate of the machine.
5. Rotate the movable portion gently by hand so that it touches the top surface of the
specimen.
6. Apply the load gradually without shock and continuously at the rate of
140kg/cm2/minute till the specimen fails
7. Record the maximum load and note any unusual features in the type of failure.

Minimum three specimens should be tested at each selected age. If strength of any specimen
varies by more than 15 per cent of average strength, results of such specimen should be
rejected. Average of three specimens gives the crushing strength of concrete.

38
Calculations:

Size of the cube = 15cm x15cm x15cm

Area of the specimen = 225cm2 = 22500mm2
Maximum load applied = …….N
Compressive strength = ……………N/mm2

3.10Split tensile strength test for cylinder specimen:

Apparatus:

Compression testing machine

Procedure:

1. Remove the specimen from water after specified curing time and wipe out excess
water from the surface.
2. Clean the bearing surface of the testing machine
3. Place the specimen in the machine in such a manner that the load shall be applied to
the cylinder perpendicular to its diameter.
4. Align the specimen centrally on the base plate of the machine.
5. Rotate the movable portion gently by hand so that it touches the surface of the
specimen.
6. Apply the load gradually without shock and continuously at the rate of
140kg/cm2/minute till the specimen fails
7. Record the maximum load and note any unusual features in the type of failure.

Calculations:

Length of the cylinder = 20 cm

Diameter of the cylinder = 10 cm
Maximum load applied (P) = …….tones = …….N
ଶ×୔
Split tensile strength = N/mm2
୐×ୈ

39
 CHAPTER 4

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Results of tests (cement):

• Normal consistency:

The percentage of water for the normal consistency for the given sample is 32 %

The consistency of cement phase is expressed as a percentage by weight of dry cement.

Usually this percentage varies from 26-33% and the result we got is satisfying this. Hence we
can proceed with this for particular value.

• Initial and final setting time of cement:

Initial setting time of cement is 1hour and 50 minutes and the final setting time of cement is
14 hour and 30 minutes.

Normally the initial and final setting time of cement is 20-30 minutes and the final setting
time of cement is 9-11 hour, depending upon the type of cement used. These readings are
ought to be for the OPC cement and we also got the readings ranging away from the
respective interval.

• Specific gravity of cement:

Specific gravity of OPC cement is 3.19

The specific gravity of Portland cement is generally around 3.15 and but we got the value of
3.19 that is close to it and thus we will use it in the mix design.

4.2 Results of tests (fine aggregate):

• Determination of fine aggregate zone by sieve analysis:

The fine aggregate used of our project was of zone 2.

The fine aggregate grain was determined on the basis of particle size distribution and the fine
aggregate used in our project was confirmed as of zone 2 on the basis of calculation
recommended by IS (Indian standards).

40
 Table 4.1Sieve analysis observation table for fine aggregate

Sieve size Weight Cumulative Cumulative % Passing

retained weight % weight
retained retained

4.75 mm 0 0 0 100
2.36 mm 2 2 0.4 99.6
1.18 mm 88.5 90.5 18.1 81.9
600 µ 110.5 200 40 59
300 µ 240 441 88.2 11.8
150 µ 44.5 485.7 97.1 2.9
Pan 12.5 498 - -

The zone of the fine aggregate can be determined by tallying the values of %passing on
different sieves to that in the following table:

Table 4.2I.S sieve analysis table for zone grading

IS-Sieve Percentage passing for

Designation Grading Grading Grading Grading
Zone I Zone II Zone III Zone IV

10 mm 100 100 100 100

4.75 mm 90-100 90-100 90-100 95-100
2.36 mm 60-95 75-100 85-100 95-100

1.18 mm 30-70 55-90 75-100 90-100

600 µ 15-34 35-59 60-79 80-100
300 µ 5-20 8-30 12-40 15-50

150 µ 0-10 0-10 0-10 0-15

The logarithmic graph for sieve analysis can be drawn by plotting ir between the sieve sizes
or we can say grain sizes and the % passing, as under:

41
 % Passing
110
100
90
80

% Passing
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
8 4 2 1

Grain Size

Figure 4.1Logarithmic sieve analysis graph

• Specific gravity of fine aggregate:

Specific gravity of fine aggregate is 2.68.

The specific gravity of fine aggregate is 2.68 and our result were approximate equal to
standard results.

• Silt factor of fine aggregate:

The silt factor of fine aggregate was about 7.57% which is less than 8.As the result is within
the limits so this sample is good for the experimental work.

4.3 Results of tests (coarse aggregate):

• Specific gravity and water absorption of aggregate:

Specific gravity of the sample of aggregate is 2.7 approximately equal to 2.6. The
corresponding water absorption of the same aggregate is 2.58.

The specific gravity is nearly equal to standard value of 2.1; therefore we can use this sample.
The water absorption should be between 1-2% but our value is near to it, so this minor
variation of 0.1 can be eliminated.

42
 • Impact value of the aggregate:

Impact value of the aggregate is 20.29% which is far less than 30%, therefore the impact
value falls within the required limits.

Hence, the aggregate is good for experimental work.

• Flakiness index of the aggregate:

The flakiness index of the aggregate is18.41 % which is less than the standard value of 30 %.

Hence, the aggregate can be for experimental work

• Elongation index of the aggregate:

The elongation index of the aggregate is 24.11 % which is is less than the standard value of
30 %.

Hence, the aggregate can be for experimental work

4.4 Results of compaction factor test:

The value of compaction factor obtained is 0.90.

After wet concrete is poured in field, the concrete is allowed to dry to what is known as the
“workable” state of the concrete, where it can be toweled, shaped, or smoothed. Timing is
critical. If toweled too soon, it’s still too wet, and won’t keep shape, and could separate the
water from the particles, resulting in a poor finish. If toweled too late, it’s too hard and cannot
be shaped or smoothed. How well it behaves during the critical time is called the ‘workability
of concrete which does depend on factors such as water content and additives

4.5 Mix design proportion:

The result after calculation done with the various ingredients of the concrete, the mix
proportions developed was 1:1.64:3.14.

The standard proportion for the M20 mix 1:1.5:3 and the developed ration is approximately
the same, so we carried out the calculation on the basis of development ratio and very slight
differences were observed which the same were more or less.

43
4.6 Result of sieve analysis for fineness modulus of rice husk:

Table 4.3 Sieve analysis observation table for rice husk

Sieve size Weight Cumulative Cumulative % Passing

retained weight % weight
retained retained
4.75 mm 0 0 0 100
2.36 mm 0 0 0 100
1.18 mm 1.0 1.0 0.2 99.8
600 µ 412 413 82.6 17.4
300 µ 74.5 487.5 97.5 2.5
150 µ 10.5 498 99.6 0.4
Pan 1.5 499.5 - -
Total 499.5 279.9

ଶ଻ଽ.ଽ
Fineness modulus = = 2.79
ଵ଴଴

The fineness modulus of the rice husk specimen is 2.79 which is greater than 2.Hence, it will
be used as a replacement for fine aggregate, i.e fine aggregate.

4.7 Result of slump value:

The following are the slump values obtained in PCC containing 0%, 1%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10%
replacement of fine aggregate with rice husk:

Table 4.4Different slump values at different replacements

Replacement (%) Slump Value

(mm)
0% 87
1% 66
2.5% 56
5% 45
10% 29

44
4.8 Result of compressive strength:

It is one of the most important properties of concrete and influences many other describable
properties of the hardened concrete. The mean compressive strength requires at a specific
age, usually 28 days, determinesthe nominal water cement ratio of the mix. The experimental
program was designed to investigate rice husk as partial cement replacement in concrete. The
replacement level of the fine aggregate by rice rusk are selected as 1%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10%,
for standard size of cubes for the grade of concrete.The specimens of standard cubes
(150mm×150mm×150mm), was casted with rice husk. Compressive machine was used to test
the specimen. 64 samples were casted with the replacement of fine aggregate with rice husk
and 9 normal cubes were casted and all the cubes were put in the curing tank for 7, 14 and 28
days and compressive strength were determined and recorded down and the respective graphs
were prepared.

This result can be thoroughly studied by plotting graphs as done in figures 4.4, 4.5, 4.6 and
4.7.

Figure 4.1 Cube after testing

4.9 Result of split tensile strength test:

The concrete is not usually expected to resist the direct tension because of its low tensile
strength and brittle nature. However, the determination of tensile strength of concrete is
necessary to determine the load at which the concrete members may crack. The cracking is a
form of tension failure.

The splitting tests are well known indirect tests used for determining the tensile strength of
concrete sometimes referred to as split tensile strength of concrete.
45
The different values of splitting tensile strength achieved at replacement of 1%, 2.5%, 5%
and 10% is given with the help of a graph as in figure 4.8.

Figure 4.2 Cylinder after testing

This result of compressive strength test and split tensile strength test can be thoroughly
studied by plotting graphs as done in figures:

25

20
Compressive Strength

15
N/mm2

10 7 Days

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Replacement (%)

Figure 4.3Compressive strength of cubes after 7 days

46
 30

25
Compressive Strength

20
N/mm2

15

14 Days
10

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Replacement (%)

Figure 4.4Compressive strength of cubes after 14days

30

25
Compressive Strength

20
N/mm2

15

28 Days
10

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Replacement (%)

Figure 4.5Compressive strength of cubes after 28 days

47
 30

25
Compressive Strength

20
N/mm2

15 7 Days
14 Days
10
28 Days

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Replacement (%)

Figure 4.6Compressive strength of cubes

30

25
Compressive Strength

20
N/mm2

15
7 Days
14 Days
10
28 Days

0
0 1 2.5 5 10

Replacement (%)

Figure 4.7Bar graph of compressive strength of cubes

48
 2

1.8

1.6

1.4
Split tensile strength

1.2
N/mm2

0.8 28 Days

0.6

0.4

0.2

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Replacement (%)

Figure 4.8 Split Tensile strength of cylinders after 28 days

4.10 Discussion:

Under the experimental study, it is observed that there is a gradual increase in the
compressive strength of the cubes when replaced 1% of the fine aggregate is by rice husk,
with the increase in the percentage of the rice husk there is a gradual decrease in the
compressive strength of the cubes. The maximum value for that compressive strength is
achieved at 1% of rice husk, the value in turn get a decrease upto 10%. The increase in the
value is the result of decreased voids which are being filled up with rice husk.

In the graphical representation of the compressive strength for the cubes after 14 days also
indicate that there is a gradual increase in the value, the maximum strength is again obtained
at 1% replacement as discussed earlier the gaps are being filled with this rice husk and as a
result of which it shows an increase in the value but after 1% replacement the graphs decline
because the proper tamping and may be due to temperature conditions prevailing out there.
The same result were obtained as discussed above.

As the values obtained are greater of required strength, the maximum percentage replacement
of rice husk should be done for replacement of 1%. Because if the replacement is given more
than 1%, then it can cause damage to the structures made using higher percentage
replacement.

49
 CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSION AND FUTURE SCOPE

5.1 Conclusion:

In the present study, it is found that concrete mixes can be prepared for partial replacement
with rise husk and it can increase the strength of concrete. Rise husk can be used for making
concrete mixes of 1%.

• In case of cubes, concrete mix containing 1% rise husk replacement shows increase in
compressive strength in but after increasing the rise husk more than 1%, it does not
show good compressive strength as the more percentage of rise husk absorbs more
quality of water and the mix prepare are not of good quality, as the w/c ratio is same
i.e 0.5. When the quality of rise husk increases more than 1% there is a decline in
graph of compressive strength, which shows that after the percentage of rise husk is
increased more than 1%, it directly affects the concrete mixes and in turn decreases
the compressive strength by absorbing more quality of water and does not allowing
the concrete to gain sufficient strength.
• In case of cylinders, there is only decline in the graph of split tensile strength as we go
on increasing the percentage of rice husk. This shows that rice husk did not increase
the splitting tensile strength of the concrete. It is because concrete requires more time
to react with rice husk, so the results may be different if was given more time to cure.
• In case of beams, besides the beams made from conventional concrete, all the other
beams showed cracks at the time of extraction from their moulds, as shown in the
following figure:

Figure 5.1 Cracks in beam containing replacement at the time of extraction from mould.

50
This project review clearly demonstrates that the rise husk is an effective material to be used
in concrete mixes which increase its strength up to certain limits i.e up to 1% replacement of
fine aggregate by rice husk. The higher compressive strength of concrete, the lower is the
ratio of splitting tensile strength to compressive strength.

Finally this project search shows that properties of concrete are enhanced when the
substitution of rise husk is done but it should be kept in certain limits of replacement for
proper strength gaining.

5.2 Future Scope:

The future scope of work for the concrete mixes having fine aggregate replaced by rice husk
is as under:

• In the present study compressive strength of the specimenincreased only up to 1 per

cent replacement of fine aggregate by rice husk, the other percentages between 0 to 1
per cent i.e. 0.25 , 0.5 etc. per cent need investigation.
• In the present study only 0.5 w/c ratio have been considered. The other ratios i.e. 0.45
and 0.55 need investigation.
• Beams containing replacement showed cracks at the time of extraction from their
moulds, they must be allowed to dry for some more time may be 48 hours in the
moulds.

51
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54
 APPENDIX

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AND SPLIT TENSILE TEST READING

(a) Compressive strength reading for Conventional Concrete.

S.No Description Specimen

1 2 3
1 Identification mark A1P A2P A3P

2 Concrete mix designation M20 M20 M20

3 Curing time (days) 7 7 7

4 Cross-sectional area of specimen (A) sq.cm 15×15 15×15 15×15

5 Compressive strength in N/mm2 16.986 19.382 17.204

6 Average compressive strength in N/mm2 17.857

(b) Compressive strength reading for Conventional Concrete.

S.No Description Specimen

1 2 3
1 Identification mark A1Q A2Q A3Q
2 Concrete mix designation M20 M20 M20

3 Curing time (days) 14 14 14

4 Cross-sectional area of specimen (A) sq.cm 15×15 15×15 15×15

5 Compressive strength in N/mm2 22.866 23.84 23.302

6 Average compressive strength in N/mm2 23.336

55
(c) Compressive strength reading for Conventional Concrete.

S.No Description Specimen

1 2 3
1 Identification mark A1R A2R A3R

2 Concrete mix designation M20 M20 M20

3 Curing time (days) 28 28 28

4 Cross-sectional area of specimen (A) sq.cm 15×15 15×15 15×15

5 Compressive strength in N/mm2 25.4 24.39 24.28

6 Average compressive strength in N/mm2 24.69

(d) Split Tensile strength reading for Conventional Concrete.

S.No Description Specimen

1 2 3
1 Identification mark A1R A2R A3R

2 Concrete mix designation M20 M20 M20

3 Curing time (days) 28 28 28

4 Cross-sectional area of specimen (A) sq.cm 15×15 15×15 15×15

5 Split tensile strength in N/mm2 2.044 1.594 1.663

6 Average split tensile strength in N/mm2 1.767

56
(e) Compressive strength reading for 1% replacement of rice husk.

S.No Description Specimen

1 2 3
1 Identification mark B1P B2R B3P

2 Concrete mix designation M20 M20 M20

3 Curing time (days) 7 7 7

4 Cross-sectional area of specimen (A) sq.cm 15×15 15×15 15×15

5 Compressive strength in N/mm2 20.03 23.30 20.68

6 Average compressive strength in N/mm2 21.33

(f) Compressive strength reading for 1% replacement of rice husk.

S.No Description Specimen

1 2 3
1 Identification mark B1Q B2Q B3Q

2 Concrete mix designation M20 M20 M20

3 Curing time (days) 14 14 14

4 Cross-sectional area of specimen (A) sq.cm 15×15 15×15 15×15

5 Compressive strength in N/mm2 24.826 24.608 25.679

6 Average compressive strength in N/mm2 25.043

57
(g) Compressive strength reading for 1% replacement of rice husk.

S.No Description Specimen

1 2 3
1 Identification mark B1R B2R B3R

2 Concrete mix designation M20 M20 M20

3 Curing time (days) 28 28 28

4 Cross-sectional area of specimen (A) sq.cm 15×15 15×15 15×15

5 Compressive strength in N/mm2 25.91 25.00 27.22

6 Average compressive strength in N/mm2 26.04

(h) Split tensile strength reading for 1% replacement of rice husk.

S.No Description Specimen

1 2 3
1 Identification mark A1R A2R A3R

2 Concrete mix designation M20 M20 M20

3 Curing time (days) 28 28 28

4 Cross-sectional area of specimen (A) sq.cm 15×15 15×15 15×15

5 Split tensile strength in N/mm2 2.044 1.594 1.663

6 Average split tensile strength in N/mm2 1.767

58
(i) Compressive strength reading for 2.5% replacement of rice husk.

S.No Description Specimen

1 2 3
1 Identification mark C1P C2R C3P

2 Concrete mix designation M20 M20 M20

3 Curing time (days) 7 7 7

4 Cross-sectional area of specimen (A) sq.cm 15×15 15×15 15×15

5 Compressive strength in N/mm2 13.828 14.591 13.937

6 Average compressive strength in N/mm2 14.118

(j) Compressive strength reading for 2.5% replacement of rice husk.

S.No Description Specimen

1 2 3
1 Identification mark C1Q C2Q C3Q

2 Concrete mix designation M20 M20 M20

3 Curing time (days) 14 14 14

4 Cross-sectional area of specimen (A) sq.cm 15×15 15×15 15×15

5 Compressive strength in N/mm2 14.155 15.33 17.204

6 Average compressive strength in N/mm2 15.563

59
(k) Compressive strength reading for 2.5% replacement of rice husk.

S.No Description Specimen

1 2 3
1 Identification mark C1R C2R C3R

2 Concrete mix designation M20 M20 M20

3 Curing time (days) 28 28 28

4 Cross-sectional area of specimen (A) sq.cm 15×15 15×15 15×15

5 Compressive strength in N/mm2 15.02 16.333 16.224

6 Average compressive strength in N/mm2 15.859

(l) Split tensile strength reading for 2.5% replacement of rice husk.

S.No Description Specimen

1 2 3
1 Identification mark C1R C2R C3R

2 Concrete mix designation M20 M20 M20

3 Curing time (days) 28 28 28

4 Cross-sectional area of specimen (A) sq.cm 15×15 15×15 15×15

5 Split tensile strength in N/mm2 0.658 0.679 0.693

6 Average split tensile strength in N/mm2 0.676

60
(m)Compressive strength reading for 5% replacement of rice husk.

S.No Description Specimen

1 2 3
1 Identification mark D1P D2R D3P

2 Concrete mix designation M20 M20 M20

3 Curing time (days) 7 7 7

4 Cross-sectional area of specimen (A) sq.cm 15×15 15×15 15×15

5 Compressive strength in N/mm2 0.98 1.197 1.524

6 Average compressive strength in N/mm2 1.233

(n)Compressive strength reading for 5% replacement of rice husk.

S.No Description Specimen

1 2 3
1 Identification mark D1Q D2Q D3Q

2 Concrete mix designation M20 M20 M20

3 Curing time (days) 14 14 14

4 Cross-sectional area of specimen (A) sq.cm 15×15 15×15 15×15

5 Compressive strength in N/mm2 3.92 3.0488 2.656

6 Average compressive strength in N/mm2 3.208

61
(o) Compressive strength reading for 5% replacement of rice husk.

S.No Description Specimen

1 2 3
1 Identification mark D1R D2R D3R

2 Concrete mix designation M20 M20 M20

3 Curing time (days) 28 28 28

4 Cross-sectional area of specimen (A) sq.cm 15×15 15×15 15×15

5 Compressive strength in N/mm2 11.977 8.602 10.235

6 Average compressive strength in N/mm2 10.271

(p) Split tensile strength reading for 5% replacement of rice husk.

S.No Description Specimen

1 2 3
1 Identification mark D1R D2R D3R

2 Concrete mix designation M20 M20 M20

3 Curing time (days) 28 28 28

4 Cross-sectional area of specimen (A) sq.cm 15×15 15×15 15×15

5 Split tensile strength in N/mm2 0.277 0.381 0.311

6 Average split tensile strength in N/mm2 0.322

62
(q) Compressive strength reading for 10% replacement of rice husk.

S.No Description Specimen

1 2 3
1 Identification mark E1P E2R E3P

2 Concrete mix designation M20 M20 M20

3 Curing time (days) 7 7 7

4 Cross-sectional area of specimen (A) sq.cm 15×15 15×15 15×15

5 Compressive strength in N/mm2 0.646 0.762 0.696

6 Average compressive strength in N/mm2 0.701

(r)Compressive strength reading for 10% replacement of rice husk.

S.No Description Specimen

1 2 3
1 Identification mark E1Q E2Q E3Q

2 Concrete mix designation M20 M20 M20

3 Curing time (days) 14 14 14

4 Cross-sectional area of specimen (A) sq.cm 15×15 15×15 15×15

5 Compressive strength in N/mm2 1.42 1.088 1.197

6 Average compressive strength in N/mm2 1.231

63
(s) Compressive strength reading for 10% replacement of rice husk.

S.No Description Specimen

1 2 3
1 Identification mark E1R E2R E3R

2 Concrete mix designation M20 M20 M20

3 Curing time (days) 28 28 28

4 Cross-sectional area of specimen (A) sq.cm 15×15 15×15 15×15

5 Compressive strength in N/mm2 1.96 2.177 1.633

6 Average compressive strength in N/mm2 1.923

(t) Split tensile strength reading for 10% replacement of rice husk.

S.No Description Specimen

1 2 3
1 Identification mark E1R E2R E3R

2 Concrete mix designation M20 M20 M20

3 Curing time (days) 28 28 28

4 Cross-sectional area of specimen (A) sq.cm 15×15 15×15 15×15

5 Split tensile strength in N/mm2 0.069 0.103 0.0692

6 Average split tensile strength in N/mm2 0.0804

64