EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

RECOMMENDATION

The Civil Engineering design project entitle Effects of Micro and Nano Rice Husks Ash
on Concrete prepared and submitted by the project study committee composed of the 5th Year
Civil Engineering students in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Bachelor of
Science in Civil Engineering has been examined and found satisfactory, and hereby recommended
for oral examination.

Project Study Committee:

Submitted by:
CORCUERA, NATHANIEL
MIRANDA, INDIMAY
PENA, LEIGH ANN
SALVADOR, JAYVESS
TRINIDAD, DENVER
A.Y. 2015-2016

LEONARDO V. SURIO, M. Eng.

Reader

Mrs. MARICRIS CONSTANTINO

Adviser

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

APROVAL SHEET
The Civil Engineering design project entitle Effects of Micro and Nano Rice Husks Ash
on Concrete was presented before a Panel of Examiners of the College of Environmental Design
and Engineering on 16 October 2015 by the project study committee
Composed of:
CORCUERA, NATHANIEL V.
MIRANDA, INDIMAY S.
PENA, LEIGH ANN V.
SALVADOR, JAYVESS N.
TRINIDAD, DENVER T.
A.Y. 2015-2016
Is hereby approved by the committee on Oral Examination with a grade of _________ .

MANOLITO S. SAN JOSE, M. Eng.

Member

LOURDES B. HIPOLITO, Ed. D

Member

NOEL T. FRANCO
Chairman
Approved and accepted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Bachelor
of Science in Civil Engineering.

LEONARDO V. SURIO, M. Structural Eng.

Dean College of Environmental Design and Engineering

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

BALIUAG UNIVERSITY
Baliwag, Bulacan

EFFECTS OF MICRO AND NANO

RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

A Project Study Presented to the Dean and

Faculty of the College of Environmental Design and Engineering
Baliuag University

Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree

Of Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

SUBMITTED BY:
CORCUERA, NATHANIEL V.
PENA, LEIGH ANN V.
MIRANDA, INDIMAY S.
SALVADOR, JAYVEES N.
TRINIDAD, DENVER I.

October 2015

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

Abstract
Rice Husk Ash (RHA) Cement is a mixture of Portland cement and ground RHA. It can be
used as a partial replacement to cement to obtain an economic and viable material. RHA can be
produced by burning and grinding. The burning of RHA was exposed to temperatures 600oC to
800oC. RHA concrete is a mixture of aggregates, sand, RHA cement and Ordinary Portland
cement. It undergone compression test. This study limits on determination of compressive strength
of Class A mixture of Portland cement and RHA having 20% and 30% RHA to cement as a partial
replacement to OPC using micro-silica and nano-silica. One of the high potential silica fines as
replacement to cement and additive to concrete is nano-silica (nS). The use of nS makes concrete
financially more attractive and reduces CO2 of the produced concrete products Concrete strength
testing was done after days of curing, 3 days, 7days, 21 days, and 28 days. The testing process was
done to determine if the concrete reach the standard compressive strength of 3000 Psi according
to NSCP, and the comparison of concrete strength between micro-silica and nano-silica. The
researchers used methods of experiments because the study required careful preparation of RHA
cement, correct sample test sand investigation during preparation of samples, and compression
tests of 20% and 30% RHA cement used as partial replacement to OPC. The study found out that
cement with 20% RHA replacement got 3,006 Psi and it reach the standard compressive strength
of concrete compared to cement with 30% RHA that got 2658 Psi.
Keywords: compression test, curing, rice husk ash concrete

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1.

Properties of OPC and RHA

Table 2.

The results of particle size analysis performed on the ash samples.

Table 3.

Results of Slump Test of Concrete Samples

Table 4.

Pure Concrete Mixture Class A

Table 5.

30% RHA Concrete Mixture Class A

Table 6.

20% RHA Concrete Mixture Class A

LIST OF GRAPHS

Figure 1.

Experiment Flow Diagram

Figure 2:

Mixture Component of 20% RHA Concrete (Cylinder)

Figure 3:

Mixture Component of 30% RHA Concrete (Cylinder)

Figure 4:

Mixture Component of 20% RHA Concrete (Mortar)

Figure 5:

Mixture Component of 30% RHA Concrete (Mortar)

Figure 6.

Compressive Strength Test of three day old cylindrical concrete samples.

Figure 7.

Compressive Strength Test of Seven day old cylindrical concrete samples.

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

Figure 8.

Compressive Strength Test of 21 day old cylindrical concrete samples

Figure 9.

Compressive Strength Test of 28 day old cylindrical concrete samples

Figure 10.

Summary of the results after 3, 7, 21 and 28 days of curing period

Figure 11.

Compressive Strength Test of three day old mortar samples

Figure 12.

Compressive Strength Test of seven day old mortar samples

Figure 13.

Compressive Strength Test of 28 day old mortar samples

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Title Page ............................................... 1
Abstract .......................................... 2
List of Tables ..................................... 3
Contents ............................................. 4
Introduction................................................. 6
Statement of the Problems................................. 9
Significance of the Study................................ 9
Scope and Delimitation..................................... 11
Objectives of the Literature Review................................. 11
Review of related literatures
Annotated Bibliography.................................... 12
Research Questions....................................... 15
Methods
Methods Used....................................... 17
Materials........................................... 17
Experiment Procedures......................................... 19

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

Preparation of Test Specimens.................................. 21

Theoretical Framework......................................... 22
Results and Discussion
Experiment Flow Diagram.................................... 23
Particle Size Analysis........................................... 25
Workability............................................... 26
Compressive Strength Tests...................................... 26
Cost Analysis............................................ 32
Cost Difference......................................... 33
Summary of Findings................................
34
Conclusion........................................................
35
Recommendation.........................................
36

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

Introduction

Concrete is the most widely used building material in the world.Self-compacting concrete
(SCC) is used that can go through obstructions and without the need of vibrations. Concrete is a
mixture of aggregates, fine and course, water and sand. The properties of concrete as composite
materials depend on the interaction between the constituent materials. Although the percentages
range from 7 to 15 % of the mixture, cement is considered the key ingredient in concrete.
RHA concrete is like ash/slag concrete with respect to strength development, but with a
higher pozzolanic activity it helps the pozzolanic reactions come about at early ages rather than
later as is the case with other replacement cementing materials (Molhotra, 1993).
Using rice husks as a partial replacement material in cement composition will downgrade
the amount of cement used and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions. Using available materials
like industrial and agricultural waste in industry became an implicit solution to problems related
to environment and economic as well.
Coarse aggregate is considered as the main ingredient to produce Portland cement concrete.
However, these materials are the most utilized in many countries and specific regions, thats why
it is very crucial to find a substitute which is possible for the coarse aggregate. The use of sand
which became a substitute for course aggregate was investigated if it can produce a sand concrete,
and if the Portland cement has a similar strength to this kind of cement. Sand concrete can be
defined as a fine aggregate concrete, in which the sand is used as a replacement to the coarse

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

aggregate and to filler material fine aggregate. (Bederina, 2012)

The fine grained concrete producing high performance is considered as a new generation
of sand concrete, and can be used similarly with high performance concrete in strength and
durability.
Rice husk, the outer covering part of rice kernel, is an agricultural waste which came from
the milling process of paddy. Rice husk is rich in many parts of the world, like rice cultivating
countries like Vietnam. (Bui, 2001) It is the outer covering of the grain of rice plant containing a
high concentration of silica, which is generally more than 80-85% (Siddique 2008). It is
responsible for approximately 30% of the gross weight of a rice kernel and it also contains 80% of
organic and 20% of inorganic substances.
Rice Husk is produced in millions of tons per year as a waste material in processes. It
contributes almost 20% of its weight to Rice Husk Ash (RHA) after incineration (Anwar, 2001).
RHA is a highly pozzolanic material (Tashima, 2004). RHA has been used in limepozzolana mixes
and could be a replacement for Portland cement (Smith, 1986).
One of the high potential silica fines as replacement to cement and additive to concrete is
nano-silica (nS). This paper aim to present the state of art of nS application in concrete, if it is
suitable to be applicable in concrete and the results of experimental investigation on the effect of
nS on properties of self-compacting concrete. It also create new practical application method and
a model to apply to newly developed nS in concrete. Nano-silica can be produced in high quantities
and for low prices. It allows mass application in concrete. In this study, 20% and 30% of nS
replaced cement in the mix, which is the most costly and environmentally unfriendly component

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

in concrete. The use of nS makes concrete financially more attractive and reduces CO2 of the
produced concrete products. The concrete will developed high performance concrete and low cost.
Due to nano scale size of particles and very high pozzolanic activity, nano-particles show
unique physical and chemical properties. Nano scale could significantly increase the compressive
strength of concrete containing large volume of fly-ash. It can observe that the Nano-SiO2 particles
are more beneficial in providing strengthening rice husk ash (RHA).
Burning Rice Husk can change its physical and chemical composition of that admixture.
The Rice husks is exposed in the environment or sometimes burned in open piles in the fields. This
may result as a serious environmental pollution, especially after being disintegrated under wet
conditions. (Mehta1994). Using less-expensive and available rice husk as a mineral admixture in
concrete brings benefits to the economy, the technical properties of concrete and to the
environment as well. RHA is a considered porous material. The most important characteristic of
this material is the pore structure. The change of this characteristic results in a different specific
surface area (Bui, 2001). Rather than disposing the rice husk, it can be used as materials in
construction like as a replacement of course aggregates. This will help in economic and
environmental ways and also help maintain ecological balance. Rice husk can be used as building
materials because it is light weight. Insulating blocks have also been made with cement and husk
ash that resists very high temperatures. It is a good insulating material because it contains silica
and it protects the house from the heat. Like the use of Rice husk to ice to minimize its melting
process because rice husk control the temperature, and because of the silica content that add
plasticity to the concrete, it becomes stronger and it lessens the brittleness of the concrete.
Combustions of Rice Husks was develop around 1970s, using a method called liquidized
layer. In this method, the temperature and the combustion can be controlled wherein it requires

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

only a moderate temperature and a short time period. There are several methods and there is an
instrument use in burning Rice husks. There are combustion stages where the required temperature
is present. (Zain, 2010) Aside from using furnace burners in combusting rice husks, there is an
alternative way of burning it. Charcoal burner is applicable by using two steel drums, big and small
steel drum. Charcoals are placed inside the big steel drum whereas rice husks are put inside the
small one. The small steel drum will be placed inside the big drum to burn the rice husk.
Several tests will be conduct in this research, slump test, compression test and shear test.
After burning the Rice husk and gathering materials to be used, the addition of mixtures can be
done to create concrete that will undergo testing. In slump test, there is an equipment use where
the admixtures are placed inside and the slump test tool will pull upward, the admixtures must not
be less than 4 inches high and not greater than 6 inches high to achieve a good quality of mixtures.
The concrete admixtures will be placed inside the cylinder and after few days it can be undergo
compression and tensile test to assure that the concrete is strong.
The materials and admixtures to be used are classified as Class A, 1:2:3 where the 1 unit
is cement that has 20% and 30% rice husk ash replacing cement, 2 units of sand and 3 units of
Gravel. Standard concrete will be used as the control in testing the strength of the concrete samples
with replacements. This study will determine if the concrete gain strength or there are differences
between the strength of standard concrete and the concrete mixed with rice husks and rice husk
ash.

Statement of the Problem

1. What is the proportion of cement + RHA, sand, and gravel that will produce an applicable
replacement concrete to OPC?

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

2. What procedure must be conducted to produce the right RHA sample to replace cement?
3. What test are applicable to determine strength of concrete with the right proportion of
mixes?
4. What is the comparison between Nano-silica and Micro-silica on concrete?

Objectives of the Study

1. To determine the right mix of RHA concrete with strength comparable to OPC concrete.
2. To compare the strength and mechanical properties of the following:
a. RHA Concrete of various mixes and
b. Standard concrete
3. To transform Rice Husks, an agricultural waste as replacement material for the
construction industry and to reduce the environmental waste produced by agriculture.
4. To help the people in the construction industry by developing an alternative material as
partial replacement for Portland cement in the construction works.
5. The study seeks to further assess how the Rice Husks Ash can help in terms of economics
and efficacy as a building material.

Significance of the study

The research intends to create a replacement concrete by adding Rice Husk Ash as a partial
replacement to Ordinary Portland Cement. The study will determine if the mixture with RHA will
lessen the cost compared to the Ordinary Portland Cement and water mixture. It also aims to

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

produce strong concrete with less cost than using liquid admixtures that helps to strengthen the
concrete.
This research helps also the construction industries to have alternative materials that can
be used in construction.
This research helps the following:
Students in the field of Engineering
In this study, ideas and information regarding how alternative materials are developed,
how it attempts to help the environment, and specially how such material can be used when they
become an Engineer in the future are contained. As an addition, it also gives them the
encouragement to perform the test done in this research to determine the strength of the concrete.
Construction Industry
It contributes in the construction industry because of the ideas contained on how to make
an alternative materials, and how to reduce the cost of construction due to the alternative materials
they will use without sacrifice of strength.
Consumers
This study can give ideas regarding construction materials as replacement to OPC of this
organic waste that are used as a partial replacement of cement.
Environmentalist
They will benefit in this study because they will have an idea on how to properly manage
the use of minerals that will be minimized in this study like the use of cement. Same as the rice
husk, instead of disposing it through open burning, alternative use will now be available.

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

Readers
They will have further understanding about the environmental impact of recycling
materials. They will also understand the cause and effect of producing materials by using
agricultural wastes.
Scope and Delimitation
The proposed study will base on the use of Rice husk ash (RHA) as a partial replacement
to Ordinary Portland Cement because Rice husk ash is use in wide range of applications. The scope
of the study is making a concrete more durable and economical by using rice husk ash as partial
replacement of Portland cement. This study will conduct tests by trial and error basis to examine
the concrete strength with rice husk ash. The study will cover some computations regarding of
testing the compressive strength of concrete. The testing process of concrete will be in Frey-Fil
Corporation. This study consider every aspects of concrete that will change after adding rice husk
ash, if what will be the effect in the precast cement, will the cement gain strength and will the use
of rice husk ash is eligible.

Related Literature and Studies

Concrete has three basic properties namely, workability, strength and durability. Because
of its structural stability and strength, it is widely used as construction material for various types
of structures. All the materials needed in producing large quantities of concrete come from the
earths crust that creates ecological strains due to its depletion every year. On the other hand,
human activities on the Earth produce solid waste in considerable quantities of over 2500MT/per
year, including industrial waste, agricultural waste and wastes from rural and urban societies.

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

There are materials that are valuable as inorganic and organic resources and can produce various
useful products. Among solid wastes, one of the prominent is rice husk. (Rao, Pradhan, & Singh,
2014)
Cement is the primary binder that serves as the most active component of concrete and
usually has the greatest unit cost. It is a material that is used to make bonding of material fragment
efficient because it has adhesive and cohesive properties, and it turns into a whole compact when
mixed with water. It is also classified as calcium silicate and calcium aluminate cement where
calcium silicate cement is further classified into Portland and Slag while calcium aluminate is
classified into High alumina and Pozzolona cement. (Dabai, Muhammad, Bagudo, & Musa, 2009)
Rice husk is produced in millions of tons per year as a waste material in agricultural and
industrial processes. It contributes almost 20% of its weight to Rice Husk Ash (RHA) after
incineration (Anwar, 2001). RHA is a highly pozzolanic material (Tashima, 2004). RHA has been
used in lime pozzolanamixes and could be a replacement for Portland cement (Smith, 1986).
Rice husk which is the outer covering part of rice kernel is recognized as a pozzolana. A
pozzolona is a siliceous/ aluminous material which in itself has little or no cementitious value, but
which will in finely divided form and in the presence of moisture, chemically reacts with calcium
hydroxide liberated during the hydration of Portland cement to produce stable, insoluble
cementitious compound which contributes to its strength and impermeability. (Dabai et al., 2009)
The rice husks usually go into landfill since the burning in open area is not allowed due to
its effect in the environment. Cement Production produces carbon dioxide emission. Using RHA
in concrete contributes to reduced cement production and it will also decrease the carbon dioxide
emission. (Reddy & Alvarez, 2006)

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

The Pozzolanic characteristic of the burnt rice husk depends on the right silica content,
silica crystallization phase, and size and surface area of ash particles. It must also contain small
amount of carbon. Rice husks ash used as a pozzolanic material in both cement and concrete
provide several advantages. It improves and increases the durability. It has also environmental
benefits related to the disposal of wastes materials and reduces carbon dioxide emissions.
(Kulkarbi, GovindMirgal, Bodhale, &Tande, 2014)
Al Khalaf and A.Yousif, 1984 have studied what is the temperature range required to burn
the rice husk to make it ash and to make it pozzolanic product. They investigated that the rice husk
ash (RHA) can be a replacement of Portland cement. According to them, addition of rice husk ash
(RHA) up to 40% has no significant change in the strength of concrete. (Rajput, Yadav, &
Chandak, 2013)
Using less-expensive and available rice husk as a mineral admixture in concrete brings
benefits to the economy, the technical properties of concrete and to the environment as well. RHA
is a considered porous material. The most important characteristic of this material is the pore
structure. The change of this characteristic results in a different specific surface area (Bui, 2001).
Rice husks can be burnt that can change the physical and chemical composition of that
admixtures. The Rice husks is exposed in the environment or sometimes burned in open piles on
the fields. This may results as serious environmental pollution, especially after being disintegrated
under wet conditions. (Mehta1994).
In the study of Anwar et al, 2000, many of the countries are encountering problems
regarding the shortage of cement. One of such materials that can be used as replacement to cement
is the rice husk which under controlled burning, and if sufficiently ground, the ash that is produced

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

can be used as a cement replacement material in concrete. Rice Husks are also used as insulating
blocks that reduced the heat made by the cement and resist the accumulation of heat. (Dabai et al.,
2009)
Burning of rice husk is carried out by using furnace in controlled condition to establish the
right temperature and burning time. The temperature used was 550C for 2 hours. (Khassaf,
Jasim& Mahdi, 2014)
Table 1. Properties of OPC and RHA
(Khassaf, Jasim & Mahdi, 2014)
Oxide composition

Oxide composition

OPC

RHA

(% by mass)

(% by mass)
SiO2

20.99

SiO2

88.32

Al203

6.19

Al203

0.46

Fe203

3.86

Fe203

0.67

CaO

65.96

CaO

0.67

MgO

0.22

MgO

0.44

Na203

0.17

Na203

0.12

K2O

0.60

K2O

2.91

LOI

1.73

LOI

5.81

Specific Gravity

2.94

Specific Gravity

2.11

Method Used
The method used was experimental. The researcher used an experimental method because
the study required a careful preparation of materials specially the Rice Husks (RH) and Rice
Husks Ash (RHA). By testing samples the researchers determined the difference in compressive

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

strength of the concrete with 20% and 30% RHA replacement of Ordinary Portland Cement
(OPC) and Standard concrete.
The materials and admixtures to be used are classified as Class A, 1:2:3 where the 1 unit
is cement that has 20% and 30% rice husk ash replacing cement, 2 units of sand and 3 units of
gravel. Standard concrete with no replacement will be used as the control in testing the strength
of the concrete samples with replacement. This study will determine if the concrete gain strength
or there is differences between the strength of standard concrete and the concrete mixed with rice
husk ash.
Materials
Cement
The cement used in this experiment is a type A Portland cement that are available in the
market.
Aggregates
The researcher will use 3/4 aggregates. Selection of the aggregates to use is necessary.
The aggregates should be clean and free from silt or clay or any chemical that may affect the
strength of concrete.
The fine aggregates that will use should be natural sand with fineness modulus of 2.25 by
using sieve analysis.
Rice Husks (RH) and Rice Husks Ash (RHA)

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

The burning of rice husks was done by using two drums, small and large drums. The
process used was similar to charcoal making. The process was approximately 48 hours in 600-800
Celsius. In burning the 12kg Rice Husk, burned husks became 4kg.
APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENTS
Weighing Scale

Shovel

Cylindrical Mold

Pail

Tamping Rod

Slump Test Apparatus

Thermometer

Universal Testing Machine

Preparation of Samples
Batch A: Class A concrete with 20% RHA as partial replacement of OPC 1:2:4
20%RHA 80%OPC, 2 Sand, 4 Gravel
7 days

3 samples

21 days

3 samples

28 days

3 samples

Total

9 samples

Batch B: Class A concrete with 30% RHA as partial replacement of OPC 1:2:4
30%RHA 70%OPC, 2 Sand, 4 Gravel

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

7 days

3 samples

21 days

3 samples

28 days

3 samples

Total

9 samples

Batch C: Class A concrete with pure OPC 1:2:4

100%OPC, 2 Sand, 4 Gravel
7 days

3 samples

21 days

3 samples

28 days

3 samples

Total

9 samples

Batch D: 2x 2x 2 cube mortar nano silica

3 days

2 samples

7 days

2 samples

Total

4 samples

Batch E: 2x 2x 2 cube mortar micro silica

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

3 days

2 samples

7 days

2 samples

Total

4 samples

Experiment Procedures
RHA Concrete Mixing
The experiment used mechanical mixing for the concrete. All ingredients, Sand, Gravel,
Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and RHA were mixed according to mixing proportion. Then the
right amount of water was added to meet the specified compressive strength of concrete of 20.7
MPa according to NSCP standard.
Slump Test
Slump test is done to test the workability of the concrete mixture. The slump test is based
on the standard of ASTM range in four-six inches to pass the test.
Apparatus

Slump cone,

Scale for measurement,

Tamping rod (steel)

Molding and Demolding of RHA concrete

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

Procedure of Concrete Slump test:

1. The mold for the slump test is a frustum of a cone, 300 mm (12 in) of height. The base is
200 mm (8in) in diameter and it has a smaller opening at the top of 100 mm (4 in).
2. The base is placed on a smooth surface and the container is filled with concrete in three
layers, whose workability is to be tested.
3. Each layer is tamped 25 times with a standard 16 mm (5/8 in) diameter steel rod, rounded at
the end.
4. The mold must be firmly held against its base during the entire operation so that it could not
move due to the pouring of concrete and this can be done by means of handles or foot - rests
brazed to the mold.
5. Immediately after filling is completed and the concrete is levelled, the cone is slowly and
carefully lifted vertically, an unsupported concrete will now slump.
6. The decrease in the height of the center of the slumped concrete is called slump.
7. The slump is measured by placing the cone just besides the slump concrete and the temping
rod is placed over the cone so that it should also come over the area of slumped concrete.
8. The decrease in height of concrete to that of mold is noted with scale. (Usually measured to
the nearest 5 mm (1/4 in).

Samplers place the concrete mixture into a cylindrical mold having 6 inches diameter and
12 inches tall. The concrete should be tamped 25 times to prevent honey combs. Four days after
the concrete molded carefully, remove the specimen from the mold for curing.
Curing of RHA and RH concrete

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

The hardening of concrete depends upon the chemical reaction between the cement and
water. The specimen will be submerge in water for the process of curing 1 day before the
compression test.
Compression Test
The researcher used Universal testing machine to get the compressive strength of the concrete
after 7, 21, 28 days under compressive loading and to study the fracture of the concrete under
compressive loading. The test was conducted in Frey-Fil Corporation in Calumpit, Bulacan.
Preparation of Test Specimens
All mixtures were prepared in a compulsory mixer with a mixing time of approximately 8
minutes. Coarse and fine sand and powder materials (cement, RHA) were mixed in dry conditions
for a period of approximately 3 minutes. Next, the water was added (20% RHA and 30% RHA
used), where concrete mixture was mixed for 3 min. Slump test were conducted to evaluate the
workability of mixtures according to ASTM C143. Cylinders of 6 inches diameter by 12 inches
height were casted for determination of compressive strength. All specimens were compacted and
tamped. The molds were covered and moistened for 24 hours. After 1 day, the specimens were demolded and stored in water until testing at 3, 7, 21 and 28 days.
FEELING KO DAPAT MAY IDAGDAG PA RITO PARA SA PROCEDURE NG
MORTAR!!!!!!!

Theoretical Framework

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

ORDINARY PORTLAND CEMENT

RICE HUSK ASH

(OPC)

Oxide composition (%

(RHA)

OPC

Oxide composition

by mass)

RHA

(% by mass)

SiO2

20.99

Al203

6.19

Fe203

3.86

CaO

65.96

MgO

0.22

Na203

0.17

K2O

0.60

LOI

1.73

Specific Gravity

2.94

O
T

SiO2

88.32

Al203

0.46

Fe203

0.67

CaO

0.67

MgO

0.44

Na203

0.12

K2O

2.91

LOI

5.81

Specific Gravity

2.11

20% RHA
REPLACEMENT
ORDINARY CONCRETE

30% RHA
REPLACEMENT

SLUMP TEST &

COMPRESSION TEST

SLUMP TEST &

COMPRESSION TEST
`

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

Results and Discussion

This chapter deals with the analysis and interpretation of the gathered data from the
experiments.

PREPARATION OF
MATERIALS
CEMENT

RICE HUSK

SAND

GRAVEL

ASH

BURNING OF
RICE HUSK

SIEVE

MIXING, SLUMP TEST

AND MOLDING
CURING
(3, 7, 21, 28 DAYS)

COMPRESSION TEST

GATHERING DATA

ANALYSIS
Figure 1: Experiment Flow Diagram

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

Particle Size Analysis

Table 2. The results of particle size analysis performed on the ash samples.
Particle Size Analysis of 202 grams of Rice Husks Ashs

SIEVE SIZE

CUMULATIVE PASSING

US

mm

Wt. passing

No. 16

1.180

10 g.

No.50

0.300

129 g.

No. 100

0.150

34 g.

No. 200

0.075

18 g.

PAN

9 g.

The rice husk was burned at a temperature of 600-800 0C. The ash was grey in color. The
chemical and physical properties of RHA and OPC are shown in Table 2.

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

CONCRETE MIXTURE (CYLINDER)

20% Rice Husks
Water, 11.484 Ash, 3.96
Cement, 15.84

Sand, 45.8975

Gravel, 87.01

Figure 2: Mixture Component of 20% RHA Concrete (Cylinder)

The chart above shows the ratios of the materials needed to create cylindrical samples of
concrete containing 20% Rice husks ash as partial replacement to cement. The data below are the
computations on how we got the design mix.
Volume of Cylinder = 0.0056 m3
Class A (1:2:4)

0.00556 x 10 = 0.055m3
Conversion to kilograms:

Cement: 0.055 x 9 = 0.495 bags

0.495 bags x 40kg/bags = 19.8kg

20% RHA: 19.8 x 0.2 = 3.96kg

19.8 3.96 = 15.84kg of cement

Sand: 0.055 x 0.5 = 0.0275 m3

0.0275 m3 x 1669 kg/m3= 45.8975kg

Gravel: 0.055 x 1 = 0.055 m3

0.055 m3x 1582 kg/m3= 87.01kg

W/C ratio = 0.58

0.58 x 19.8 kg =11.484kg

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

CONCRETE MIXTURE (CYLINDER)

30% Rice Husks
Water, 11.484 Ash, 5.94
Cement, 13.86

Sand, 45.8975

Gravel, 87.01

Figure 3: Mixture Component of 30% RHA Concrete (Cylinder)

The chart above shows the ratios of the materials needed to create cylindrical samples of
concrete containing 30% Rice husks ash as partial replacement to cement. The data below are the
computations on how we got the design mix.
Volume of Cylinder = 0.0056 m3
0.00556 x 10 = 0.055m3
Class A (1:2:4)

Conversion to kilograms:

Cement: 0.055 x 9 = 0.495 bags

0.495 bags x 40 kg/bags = 19.8kg

30% RHA: 19.8 x 0.3 = 5.94 kg

19.8 5.94 = 13.86 kg of cement

Sand: 0.055 x 0.5 = 0.0275 m3

0.0275 m3 x 1669 kg/m3 = 45.8975 kg

Gravel: 0.055 x 1 = 0.055 m3

0.055 m3 x 1582 kg/m3 = 87.01 kg

W/C ratio = 0.58

0.58 x 19.8 kg = 11.484 kg

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

CONCRETE MIXTURE (MORTAR)

Water, 161.33

Cement, 266.67
20% Rice Husk
Ash, 66.67

Ottawa Sand,
916.67

Figure 4: Mixture Component of 20% RHA Concrete (Mortar)

The chart above shows the ratios of the materials needed to create mortar samples of
concrete containing 20% Rice husks ash as partial replacement to cement. The data below are the
computations on how we got the design mix.
Class A (1:2:4)
Cement: 83.33 per cube

83.33 x 4 = 333.32 g
333.32 66.67 = 266.67g

30% RHA:

333.32 x 0.2 = 66.67 g

Ottawa Sand: 229.17 g per cube

229.17 x 4 = 916.67 g
W/C ratio = 0.48

0.48 x 333.32 = 161.33 g

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

CONCRETE MIXTURE (MORTAR)

Water, 161.33

Cement, 233.33
30% Rice Husk
Ash, 99.99

Ottawa Sand,
916.67

Figure 5: Mixture Component of 30% RHA Concrete (Mortar)

The chart above shows the ratios of the materials needed to create mortar samples of
concrete containing 30% Rice husks ash as partial replacement to cement. The data below are the
computations on how we got the design mix.
Class A (1:2:4)
Cement: 83.33 per cube

83.33 x 4 = 333.32 g
333.32 99.99 = 233.33 g

30% RHA:

333.32 x 0.3 = 99.99 g

Ottawa Sand: 229.17 g per cube

229.17 x 4 = 916.67 g
W/C ratio = 0.48

0.48 x 333.32 = 161.33 g

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

Workability
Slump data of the fresh concrete are presented in Table 4. It can be seen that the control
mixture and mixture containing RHA has passed through slump test.

Table 3. Results of Slump Test of Concrete Samples

SAMPLE

RESULTS

OPC

6 inches

20% RHA

6.25 inches

30% RHA

5.75 inches

Compressive Strength Test

The compressive strength of the samples was determined in accordance with the standard
procedure for concrete blocks. The weight of the block samples were always taken before the
compressive strength test was conducted. The sample blocks were crashed at 3, 7, 21 and 28 days
after casting at different replacement levels using a compressive testing machine in the concrete
laboratory of Frey-Fil Corporation in Calumpit, Bulacan.

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

Compressive Strength

1800
1600
1400
1200

1000
800
600
400
200
0

PURE OPC

20% RHA

30% RHA

1560.375

1338.44

893.5

TEST-1

1638.5

1342.5

914

TEST-2

1482.25

1334.38

873

AVERAGE

Figure 6. Compressive Strength Test of three day old cylindrical concrete samples.

After 3 Days of curing the compressive strength of the concrete without RHA is 14% higher
than the Concrete with 20% RHA and 43% higher than the RHA with 30% RHA replacing cement.
It states that even the cement was replaced by 20% the strength of the concrete after 3 days are not
far from the strength of pure OPC.
The maximum value of Compressive strength obtained in three days old sample was
1,638.5 Psi for the OPC.

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

2000

Compressive Strength

1800
1600
1400
1200
1000

800
600
400
200

PURE OPC

20% RHA

30% RHA

1735.167

1609.75

1409.75

TEST-1

1841.5

1642.35

1450

TEST-2

1711

1589.5

1381.5

TEST-3

1653

1597.4

1397.75

AVERAGE

Figure 7. Compressive Strength Test of Seven day old cylindrical concrete samples.

This figure shows that the pure OPC has an average of 1735.167 and the 20% RHA
replacing OPC has an average compressive strength of 1609.75 which is 7.23% lower than the
pure OPC and the compressive strength of the concrete with 30%RHA replacing OPC is 1409.75
which is 18.75% lower than the concrete without RHA. This shows that the strength of concrete
that has RHA can cure slowly than the concrete without RHA.
The maximum value of Compressive strength obtained in seven days old sample was
1,841.5 Psi for the OPC.

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

Compressive Stregth

3500
3000

2500
2000
1500
1000
500

PURE OPC

20% RHA

30% RHA

2793.333

2542.333

2310.333

TEST-1

2929

2552

2233

TEST-2

2682

2494

2392.5

TEST-3

2769

2581

2305.5

AVERAGE

Figure 8. Compressive Strength Test of 21 day old cylindrical concrete samples

In this chart the average compressive strength of concrete without RHA is 2793.333, the
samples 1, 2 and 3 has a compressive strength of 2929, 2682, 2796 psi. However, the compressive
strength of the sample 1, 2, and 3 of the concrete with 20% RHA are 2552psi, 2494psi and 2581psi
with the average of 2541 psi which is 9% lower than the compressive strength of concrete without
RHA in it. The compressive strength of the concrete that has 30% RHA replacing Ordinary
Portland Cement and cured in 21 days are 2233 for sample 1, 2392.5 for sample 2 and 2305.5 for
sample 3 that has an average of 2310.333 which is 17.29% lower than the sample without RHA.
The maximum value of Compressive strength obtained in seven days old sample was
2,929 Psi for the OPC

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

Compressive Strength

3500
3000

2500
2000
1500
1000
500

PURE OPC

20% RHA

30% RHA

AVERAGE

3103

3006.333

2658.333

TEST-1

3161

3059.5

2668

TEST-2

3117.5

2943.5

2581

TEST-3

3030.5

3016

2726

Figure 9. Compressive Strength Test of 28 day old cylindrical concrete samples

At 28 days, most of RHA concrete attained lower value of compressive strength as

compared to the OPC control concrete. OPC control concrete attained the highest value of
compressive strength in 28 days which is 3,103 Psi, while RHA concrete at 20% replacement
achieved the second highest value which is 3,006.333 Psi.

The RHA concrete with 20%

replacement taken at 28 days showed higher strength above 3000 Psi. However, RHA concrete
with 30% replacement showed lower strength below 3000Psi. Therefore, these blocks are below
standard.

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

COMPRESSION TESTING RESULTS

SUMMARY
3 Days

7 Days

21 Days

28 Days

3500
3000
2500
2000
1500

1000
500
0

Plain Mix

20 % Rice Husks Ash

30 % Rice Husks Ash

3 Days

1560.375

1338.44

893.5

7 Days

1735.167

1609.75

1409.75

21 Days

2793.333

2542.333

2310.333

28 Days

3103

3006.333

2658.333

Figure 10. Summary of the results after 3, 7, 21 and 28 days of curing period.

This figure shows the summary of the results of the compression test in pure OPC, 20%
RHA and 30% RHA concrete. In all curing days, the pure OPC attained the highest compressive
strength but 20% replacement of OPC is not as high as the pure OPC but it is higher than the NSCP
standard which is 3000 psi for Class A concrete mixture, therefore it is above the standard.. The
concrete that has 30% RHA replacement for OPC did not pass the standard of 3000 psi. 20%
replacement is more reliable and durable than the 30% replacement.

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

Compressive Strength

1600
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400

200
0

AVERAGE

TEST-1

TEST-2

1443.5

1407

1480

20%RHA

1184

1175

1193

30%RHA

1076.5

1073

1080

PURE OPC

Figure 11. Compressive Strength Test of three day old mortar samples.

Compressive Strength

2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0

AVERAGE

TEST-1

TEST-2

PURE OPC

2119

2117

2121

20%RHA

1659

1653

1665

30%RHA

1092.5

1088

1097

Figure 12. Compressive Strength Test of seven day old mortar samples.

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

Compressive Strength

3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0

AVERAGE

TEST-1

TEST-2

2530

2538

2523

20%RHA

2214.5

2212

2217

30%RHA

1250

1247

1253

PURE OPC

Figure 13. Compressive Strength Test of 28 day old mortar samples.

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

Cost Analysis

Table 4. Pure Concrete Mixture Class A

QUANTITY

PRICE

QxP

19.8

Php 5.5

Php 108.9

SAND

45.8975Kg

Php 1/kg

Php 45.8975

GRAVEL

87.01Kg

Php 1/kg

Php 87.01

Ordinary Portland
Cement (OPC)

Php 241.807

TOTAL

Table 5. 30% RHA Concrete Mixture Class A

QUANTITY
Ordinary Portland

13.86kg

Cement (OPC)
Rice Husk Ash

PRICE

Php 5.5/kg

Php 76.23

Php 0

Php 0.00

5.94kg

(RHA)
SAND

45.8975Kg

Php 1/kg

Php 45.8975

GRAVEL

87.01Kg

Php 1/kg

Php 87.01

TOTAL

Php 209.1375

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

Cost Difference for 30% and Pure OPC

241.807 - 209.1375=32.6695 PESOS
COST ANALYSIS PER BAG OF CEMENT
1 Bag of OPC = 220 pesos
220 x .3 = 66 pesos per bag
Table 6. 20% RHA Concrete Mixture Class A
QUANTITY

PRICE

15.84Kg

Php 5.5/kg

Php 87.12

(RHA)

3.96Kg

Php 0

Php 0.00

SAND

45.8975Kg

Php 1/kg

Php 45.8975

GRAVEL

87.01Kg

Php 1/kg

Php 87.01

Ordinary Portland
Cement (OPC)
Rice Husk Ash

TOTAL

Cost Difference for 20% and Pure OPC

241.807 - 222.027=19.78 PESOS
COST ANALYSIS PER BAG OF CEMENT
1 Bag of OPC = 220 pesos
220 x .20 = 44 pesos per bag

Php 222.027

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

Summary of Findings
By using RHA as partial replacement of Portland cement the gathered data and findings
are summarized as follows:
In using 20% of RHA as partial replacement of OPC, the average compressive strength of
3 days old concrete is 1338.44 psi which is 14% lower than the Concrete mixture without RHA,
but 67% higher than concrete mixture with 30% RHA partial replacement of Portland cement of
893.5 psi. The maximum value of Compressive strength obtained in three days old sample was
1,638.5 psi of mixture without RHA. After 7 days of curing, the compressive strength of pure OPC
has an average of 1735.167 psi which is 7.23% higher than the compressive strength of 20% RHA
mixture that has a strength of 1609.75 psi. The compressive strength of 30% RHA mixture
is1409.75 psi which is 18.75% lower than the pure OPC. This results states that, after 7 days, the
ratio of their strength is lower than the 3 days, which means that the curing of concrete with RHA
is slower than the mixture with pure OPC. The average compressive strength of concrete without
RHA is 2793.333 psi the samples 1, 2 and 3 have a compressive strengths of 2929, 2682, 2796 psi.
However, the compressive strength of the sample 1, 2, and 3 of the concrete with 20% RHA are
2552 psi, 2494 psi and 2581 psi with the average of 2541 psi or 9% lower than the compressive
strength of concrete without RHA in it. The compressive strength of the concrete that has 30%
RHA replacing Ordinary Portland Cement and cured in 21 days are 2233 psi for sample 1, 2392.5
psi for sample 2 and 2305.5 psi for sample 3 that has an average of 2310.333 psi. This is 17.29%
lower than the sample without RHA.
At 28 days, most of RHA concrete attained lower value of compressive strength as
compared to the OPC control concrete. OPC control concrete attained the highest value of
compressive strength in 28 days which is 3,103 Psi, while RHA concrete at 20% replacement

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

achieved the second highest value which is 3,006.333 Psi.

The RHA concrete with 20%

replacement taken at 28 days showed higher strength above 3000Psi. However, RHA concrete
with 30% replacement showed lower strength below 3000Psi. Therefore, these blocks are below
standard and not acceptable.
ANOTHER SUMMARY OF THE MORTAR RESULTS!!!!!

Conclusion
1. Concrete having 20% RHA partial replacement of cement passed the required standard
strength based on NSCP. The average strength of 20% RHA mixture is 3006.33 psi
which is higher than 3000 psi, the standard compressive strength of concrete. Even
though the pure OPC has the highest strength after 28 days of curing which is 3103 psi,
the strength of average compressive, it is only 3% higher than the mixture having 20%
RHA. The results are almost same. However the mixture that has 30% RHA has the
lowest compressive strength of 2658.33 psi which only means that the higher the RHA
replacement in the OPC, the weaker the concrete becomes.
2. The curing of concrete with RHA is slower than the concrete without RHA because the
difference in strebgth between concrete without RHA and with RHA is decreasing after
3,7, 21 and 28 days.
3. The water cement ratio of concrete with RHA is much higher than the OPC, it means that
the RHA absorbs large amount of water. The water cement ratio of RHA concrete is .58
to pass the slump test.
ADDITIONAL FOR THE MORTAR RESULTS!!!!!

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSKS ASH ON CONCRETE

Recommendation
1. Preparation of Rice husk ash is the most complicated step. Find more procedures to make
it easy to turn rice husk into rice husk ash.
2. Getting the best rice husk ash in burned rice husk is time consuming. Use another
method to produce the right quality of RHA to be used in concrete.
3. Use another mixture like 5%, 10%, or 15% RHA as partial replacement to cement.
4. Consider another study of RHA use in mortar and make cube samples for testing. It may
be more economical.
5. Partial replacement of OPC in making concrete hallows blocks.
6. Using RHA as partial replacement of Portland cement in construction should be studied
further, like the effect of rain water and heat from sunlight in the strength of concrete.