Abstract
Flowable fill is a self-compacting material, which has been developed in recent years. It is a relatively new construction technology where rapid construction is needed for different applications such as backfilling walls, sewer trenches, bridge abutments, conduit trenches, pile excavations, and retaining walls. The objective of this study is to evaluate the usage of RHA in producing low strength and self-consolidating flowable fill concrete (FFC). Two different RHA samples (600 µm and 150 µm) in three different percentages (40%, 60%, and 80% by the weight) of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) have been used to prepare flowable fill mixture. The evaluation processes of these fresh FFC mixtures includes determination of strength, setting time, flowability, unit weight, and air content in the laboratory. Further, two field demonstration projects have been planned to evaluate their workability, placement, and in-service performance. Findings of this study will help the transportation and the construction agencies in finding a cost-effective construction material.
Highlights
Rice husk ash (RHA) is an agricultural residue produced by the rice industry
Specific surface areas of all RHAs and cement were measured through the BET surface area method
The outcome of the specific surface area of different sizes of RHAs used in this study followed the same trend as the findings of another research conducted by Habeeb and Mahmud [11]
Summary
Rice husk ash (RHA) is an agricultural residue produced by the rice industry. RHA is produced from the burning process of rice husk (RH). According to the US Department of Agriculture’s national agricultural statistics [1], over 18 billion pounds (9 million tons) of rice were produced in 2016, which eventually generated 720 million of pounds (0.36 million tons) of RHA in the milling process. A higher percentage of silica (SiO2) presents in RHA, which determines a highly reactive pozzolanic property [2]. The hydration process in the concrete is influenced by different particle sizes of RHA [4]. The SiO2 from the controlled combustion process of RHA helps to create a secondary CalciumSilicate-Hydrate (C-S-H) gel, which signifies the strength development of concrete
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