Performance of Blended Cement in High Strength Self Compacting Concrete

Abstract

Rice husk is an agricultural waste generated in massive quantitites from rice processing units worldwide. With no worthwhile use, it is a waste material which creates disposal problems. It’s high silica content makes it suitable for use with cement. Very limited investigations on rice husk ash have suggested improved strength/durability however its performance in high strength SCC has not been investigated to-date. This experimental study aimed at evaluating the properties of high strength SCC made from blended cements using rice husk ash, portland cement, natural aggregates and sand. Wide ranging investigations covering most aspects of mechanical behaviour and permeability were carried out for various mixes for compressive strengths of 60N/mm, 80N/mm and 100N/mm. Compressive strengths of high strength SCC specimen with blended cements for 60N/mm, 80N/mm and 100N/mm were observed to be higher by about 4 to 9% than the control specimen, for concrete with 50% Portland cement blended with 50% rice husk ash. Higher elastic moduli and reduced permeabilities were observed along with better sulphate and acid resistance. Better strengths and improved durability of such high strength SCC make it a more acceptable material for major construction projects.