Research and evaluate the potential of rice husk ash and rice straw ash for soil improvement in Vietnam

Abstract

Rice husk ash and rice straw ash are common agricultural wastes in developing countries. Currently, utilizing these wastes in the construction sector such as soil improvement and cement concrete production is a trend in many areas around the world. In Vietnam, with a rice production of more than 40 million tons/year, millions of tons of rice husk ash and straw ash can be generated. This is an abundant and a cheap material source. This article will research and evaluate the potential of rice husk ash and straw ash for soft soil improvement in Vietnam. Research results show that straw ash and rice husk ash are materials having high pozzolan activity. Various studies in the world and some studies in Vietnam showed that rice husk ash and straw ash not only improve some physical and mechanical properties of soil but can also partially replace the amount of binder. Vietnam has different types of soft soil and construction activities are increasing, so the demand for improving soft soil is also increasing. In which, improving soil with cement binder is one of the most popular methods. Therefore, rice husk ash and rice straw ash have great potential to combine with cement in improving soft soil in Vietnam. Utilizing these wastes not only helps reduce the negative impact their causes on the environment but also helps improve construction quality and reduce construction costs.