ASSESSMENT OF ARTIFICIAL POZZOLANS AS CEMENT SUBSTITUTES IN ECO-EFFICIENT CONCRETE USING DIFFERENT WATER CEMENT RATIO

ABSTRACT This research study focuses on the use of rice husk ash (RHA) as a partial replacement to cement in concrete with special reference relating to its impact on the mechanical performance and longevity. The concrete mixtures were prepared systematically with different proportions of RHA replacement (0, 5 and 10) and water cement ratios of 0.5 and 0.55 and tested in compressive strength, density and durability with different curing ages 7, 14 and 28 days. The data show that RHA is a good alternative material as a supplementary cementitious substance, therefore, increasing concrete efficiency; the best replacement target range seems to be between 5 10, which is promising at providing improvements. RHA incorporation had been linked with the development and amplification of compressive strength, enhanced durability and the resistance to chemical attacks. The results indicate that RHA should be considered as a potential replacement of traditional cement because it enhances a more sustainable and environmentally efficient cement composition. The research adds on the useful information on the advantages and disadvantages of RHA utilisation that it has the potential to be used in a variety of construction situations. More studies should be carried out to optimize mix designs, evaluate the performance over the long time, and develop workable guidelines on the implementation of RHA in concrete.