Development of sustainable concrete using rice husk ash and refractory brick waste

Abstract

The current experimental research work was undertaken to assess the possibility of implementing sustainability by developing concrete mixes by utilising rice husk ash (RHA) and refractory brick waste (RBW) as a supplement to cement and coarse aggregates, respectively. To fulfil the objective mentioned earlier, a systematic study comprising evaluation of the impact of RHA and RBW on concrete behaviour was performed by carrying out different tests of strength and durability. These tests were conducted on specimens of specified mixes designed by varying the RBW as 0, 25 and 50% and RHA levels as 0, 10, 15 and 20%. The effects of RBW and RHA were analysed by comparing the behaviour of mixes with RBW and RHA with that of the corresponding control mixes. Critical analysis of the experimental results shows that an increase of RBW (%) has no substantial impact on various properties of mixes. However, the incorporation of RHA (%) affects concrete behaviour by degrading concrete quality. These outcomes suggest the usage of up to 10% RBW in place of coarse natural aggregates in concrete and 10% RHA as a substitute for cement to make an eco-friendly product for field applications.