1

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 GENERAL
The world at the end of the 20
th
Century that has just been left behind was very different
to the world that its people inherited at the beginning of that Century. The latter half of the last
century saw unprecedented technological changes and innovations in science and technology in
the fields of communications, medicine, transportation and information technology, and in the
wide range and use of materials. The construction industry has been no exception to these
changes when one looks at the exciting achievements in the design and construction of buildings,
bridges, offshore structures, dams, and monuments, such as the channel tunnel and the
millennium wheel. There is no doubt that these dramatic changes to the scientific, engineering
and industrial face of the world have brought about great social benefits in terms of wealth, good
living and leisure, at least to those living in the industrialized nations of the world.
But this process of the evolution of the industrial and information technology era has also,
however, been followed, particularly during the last four to five decades, by unprecedented
social changes, unpredictable upheavals in world economy, uncompromising social attitudes, and
unacceptable pollution and damage to our natural environment. In global terms, the social and
societal transformations that have occurred can be categorized in terms of technological
revolutions, population growth, worldwide urbanization, and uncontrolled pollution and creation
of waste. But perhaps overriding all these factors is globalization - not merely in terms of
economics, technologies and human and community lives - but also with respect to climatic
changes and weather conditions of the world.



2

1.2 GLOBAL URBANISATION
1.2.1 Infrastructure Crisis
The unprecedented changes that have occurred in the world and society during the latter
half of the last century have placed almost insatiable demands on the construction industry in
terms of the world's material and energy resources. Continued population growth and
evolutionary industrialization have resulted in an endless stream of global urbanization. It took
the world population until the year 1804 to reach the first one billion; yet the increase from 5 to 6
billion has taken just 12 years. It is now estimated that the world's population will increase from
6 billion now to 8 billion by 2036 and 9.3 billion by 2050. More than 95% of this increase will
take place in the developing parts of the world.
Further, for the first time in human history, about 50% of the world lives in and around
cities rather than in rural areas. It is estimated that by the end of this year, there will be at least 20
mega cities with 10 million or more inhabitants, and there will be a hundred or more big cities
with more than 1 million people, almost all again in the developing nations of the world. This
explosion into an urban way of life will continue to demand enormous resources and supply of
construction materials required to build the infrastructure - such as housing, transportation,
education, power, water supply and sanitation utilities - the basic facilities needed to support life
in these mega cities and big cities.
1.2.2 World Energy Demands
The impact of global urbanization and world industrialization is not merely on the
demand for construction materials; a more insidious implication is on world energy demands,
which again impinges finally on the construction industry. In the present context of the world,
some 25% of the world's population lives in the industrialized world, and they account for nearly
75% of the global energy consumption. A large proportion of the world's energy budget is spent
on the manufacture of materials such as cement, metals and plastics. On an approximate basis,
materials consume some 20-25% of the world's total energy budget. If it is now assumed that a
doubling of the present population will entail an increase in the global energy consumption to
only double the present level, then the demand for construction materials will place an
impossible burden on the environment.
3

1.2.3 Global Warming
The massive and wasteful consumption of a disproportionate share of the earth's material
and energy resources by the industrialized nations of the world has resulted in a massive increase
in the emission of greenhouse gases. In 1960, CO
2
emission was about 10 billion tonnes. In
1995, this was about 23 billion tones excluding those from deforestation and fires. About 4% of
the world population produces around 25% of the world's CO
2
emission! Some 60% reduction in
CO
2
emission is required to stabilize the earth's eco system and climatic changes. The Kyoto
agreement in 1997 was to reduce the CO
2
emission from the developed world by 5% by 2012!
The Portland cement industry accounts for some 5 to 7% of the total global emission of CO
2
. The
direct and unmistakable consequence of the emission of greenhouse gases is Global Warming.

1.2.4 Role of Cement Industry in Global Warming

Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) consists of 95% clinker and 5% gypsum. The clinker is
produced from crushing limestone together with other minerals and then heating them at high
temperatures (900-1,450C). During finishing, the gypsum is added to the clinker as it is ground
to a small particle size (typically 10-15 microns). The clinker is the most energy and emissions
intensive aspect of cement production, thus it is known as the clinker factor; for example, OPC
has a clinker factor of 0.95. The global warming potential (GWP) of the cement is reduced by
reducing the clinker factor this is achieved in blended cements by inter-grinding pozzolans or
slags with the clinker during finishing. Blended cements are far more popular in Europe, than in
North America, the U.K. and most of Asia. On average about 0.9 tonnes of CO
2
are emitted for
every tone of clinker produced. Energy use is currently responsible for between 0.3 and 0.4
tonnes of this CO
2
; these emissions could be reduced. The 0.53 tonnes of CO
2
emitted per ton of
clinker cannot be reduced. These are known as process emissions, this is the CO
2
released
from the calcinations of limestone. When it is heated, it breaks down into quick lime and CO
2

(CaCO
3
CaO+CO
2
). According to an independent evaluation of the industry in 2006, in the last
25 years there have been 30% reductions in CO
2
emissions, some companies. These are
attributed mainly to the adoption of more fuel-efficient kiln processes.


4

1.2.5 Concrete and Environment

The answers are simple but wide-ranging. Whatever be its limitations, concrete as a
construction material is still rightly perceived and identified as the provider of a nation's
infrastructure and indirectly, to its economic progress and stability, and indeed, the quality of
life. It is so easily and readily prepared and fabricated into all sorts of conceivable shapes and
structural systems in the realms of infrastructure, habitation, transportation, work and play. Its
great simplicity lies in that its constituents are most readily available anywhere in the world; the
great beauty of concrete, and probably the major cause of its poor performance, on the other
hand, is the fact that both the choice of the constituents, and the proportioning of its constituents
are entirely in the hands of the engineer and the technologist. The most outstanding quality of the
material is its inherent alkalinity, providing a passivating mechanism and a safe, non-corroding
environment for the steel reinforcement embedded in it. Long experience and a good
understanding of its material properties have confirmed this view, and shown us that concrete
can be a reliable and durable construction material when it is built in sheltered conditions, or not
exposed to aggressive environments or agents. Indeed, there is considerable evidence that even
when exposed to moderately aggressive environments, can be designed to give long trouble-free
service life provided care and control are exercised at every stage of its production and
fabrication, and this is followed by well-planned inspection and maintenance schemes.
1.2.6 Modified Binders - Way Forward
Extensive research has now established, beyond a shadow of doubt that the most direct,
sound and economically attractive solution to the problems of reinforced concrete durability lies
in the incorporation of finely divided siliceous materials in concrete. The fact that these
replacement materials, or supplementary cementing materials as they are often known and , such
as Pulverized Fuel Ash (PFA), Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (Slag), Silica Fume (SF),
Rice Husk Ash, Natural Pozzolana, and Volcanic Ash are all either pozzolanic or cementitious
make them ideal companions to Portland Cement (PC). Indeed, Portland cement is the best
chemical activator of these siliceous admixtures so that PFA, slag and/or SF and PC can form a
life-long partnership of homogeneous interaction which can never end in divorce or unhealthy
association and after-effects. But more importantly, the PC + FA/slag/SF/RHA partnership can
5

result in high quality concrete with intrinsic ability for high durability with immense social
benefits in terms of resources, energy and environment - the only way forward for sustainable
development. There are two fundamental reasons why this PC-siliceous materials partnership is
essential for sustainable development in the cement and concrete industry.
1.2.7 Durability Considerations and 21
st
Century Concrete Construction
It is now well-established that the incorporation of industrial byproducts such as PFA,
slag and Rice Husk Ash in concrete can significantly enhance its basic properties in both the
fresh and hardened states. Apart from enhancing the rheological properties and controlling
bleeding of fresh concrete, these materials greatly improve the durability of concrete through
control of high thermal gradients, pore refinement, depletion of cement alkalis, resistance to
chloride and sulphate penetration and continued micro structural development through long-term
hydration and pozzolanic reactions. Further, concrete can provide, through chemical binding, a
safe haven for many of the toxic elements present in industrial wastes; and there are strong
indications that these mineral admixtures can also reduce the severity of concrete deterioration
problems arising from chemical phenomena such as alkali silica reaction, delayed ettringite
formation and thaumasite formation.

Bearing in mind the technical advantages of incorporating PFA, slag, SF and other
industrial pozzolanic byproducts in concrete, and the fact that concrete with these provides the
best economic and technological solution to waste handling and disposal in a way to cause the
least harm to or environment, PFA, slag, Rice Husk Ash and similar materials thus need to be
recognized not merely as partial replacements for PC, but as vital and essential constituents of
concrete. Indeed a stage has now been reached where the use of PC alone as the binder in the
concrete system would need to be justified before such a material can be accepted for
construction. Viewed in this way, the 21st century concrete will be seen as a provider for
mankind with a construction material requiring the least consumption of energy and raw material
resources, and reduced environmental pollution through reduced carbon dioxide emissions.
Enhancement of the durability of infrastructure construction and stopping of the desecration of
the environment - the essential basis for quality of life - should thus be the criteria for selection
of material constituents for the 21st Century Concrete. This report will introduce and explore the
6

usage Rice Husk Ash (RHA) as a replacement along with cement. Fly ash has been thoroughly
studied and used for several decades, yet current usage is far below its potential. The benefits of
Rice Husk Ash (also known as rice hull ash) have been documented since the 1980s, yet it
remains barely available in the INDIA.
1.2.8 Enhanced Properties of RHA Cement
Portland cement produces an excess of lime. Adding a pozzolana, such as RHA this
combines with lime in the presence of water, results in a stable and more amorphous hydrate
(calcium silicate). This is stronger, less permeable and more resistant to chemical attack. A wide
variety of environmental circumstances such as reactive aggregate, high sulphate soils, freeze-
thaw conditions, and exposure to salt water, de-icing chemicals, and acids are deleterious to
concrete. Laboratory research and field experience has shown that careful use of pozzolana is
useful in countering all of these problems. The pozzolana is not just a "filler, but a strength and
performance enhancing additive. Pulverized fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag are
the most common pozzolana materials for concrete. Many studies have been carried out to
determine the efficiency of RHA as a pozzolan. They have concentrated on the quantity of ash in
the mix and the improved characteristics resulting from its use.
1.2.9 Role of RHA in Reducing GHG Emissions
The cement industry is reducing its CO
2
emissions by improving manufacturing
processes, concentrating more production in the most efficient plants and using wastes
productively as alternative fuels in the cement kiln. Despite this, for every tonnes of cement
produced, roughly 0.75 tonnes of CO
2
(greenhouse gas) is released by the burning fuel, and an
additional 0.5 tonnes of CO
2
is released in the chemical reaction that changes raw material to
clinker (calcinations). The potential to earn CERs comes primarily from substituting Portland
cement with RHA. There are other environmental benefits of substituting Portland cement with
RHA. The need for quarrying of primary raw materials is reduced, and overall reductions in
emissions of dust, CO
2
and acid gases are attained.

7

1.3 FIBER REINFORCED CONCRETE
Concrete is by nature a brittle material that performs well in compression, but is
considerably less effective when in tension. Reinforcement is used to absorb these tensile forces
so that the cracking which is inevitable in all high-strength concretes does not weaken the
structure.
For many years, steel in the form of bars or mesh (also known as "re-bar") has been used
as reinforcement for concrete structures that are designed to experience some form of loading,
whether that loading would be carrying traffic, spanning a void or bearing another structure such
as a wall. In many structures, steel mesh has been used a crude (and often ineffective) method of
crack control.
Latest developments in concrete technology now include reinforcement in the form of
fibers, notably polymeric fibers, as well as steel or glass fibers.
Fiber-reinforcement is predominantly used for crack control and not structural
strengthening. Although the concept of reinforcing brittle materials with fibers is quite old, the
recent interest in reinforcing cement-based materials with randomly distributed fibers is quite
old; the recent interest in reinforcing cement based materials with randomly distributed fibers is
based on research starting in the 1960's.
Since then, there have been substantial research and development activities throughout
the world. It has been established that the addition of randomly distributed polypropylene fibers
to brittle cement based materials can increase their fracture toughness, ductility and impact
resistance. Since fibers can be premixed in a conventional manner, the concept of polypropylene
fiber concrete has added an extra dimension to concrete construction.
1.4 SCOPE OF STUDY
The Experimental investigation is planned as under:
(i) to obtain Mix proportions of Control concrete by IS method; and
(ii) to conduct compression test on FRC partially replaced by RHA and control concrete on
standard IS specimen size of 150 mm x 150 mm x 150 mm.
8


1.5 OBJECTIVES OF STUDY
The following are the objectives of the present study:
(i) to study different strength properties of Rice Husk Ash concrete with age in comparison
to control concrete; and
(ii) to study the relative strength development with age of Rice Hush Ash concrete with
control concrete of same grade

















9


CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
Tashima
(1)
et al (1996) published a research paper in the topic THE POSSIBILITY
OF ADDING THE RICE HUSK ASH (RHA) TO THE CONCRETE" -The world rice
harvest is estimated in 500 million tons per year, and Brazil is the 8th producer. Considering that
20% of the grain is husk, and 20% of the husk after combustion is converted into ash, a total of
20 million tons of ash can be obtained. This paper evaluates how different contents of Rice Husk
Ash (RHA) added to concrete may influence its physical and mechanical properties. Properties
like simple compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, water absorption and modulus of
elasticity were evaluated. The results were compared to control sample and the viability of
adding RHA to concrete was verified.
Rice husk is an agro-waste material which is produced in about 100 million of tons.
Approximately, 20 kg of rice husk are obtained for 100 kg of rice. Rice husks contain organic
substances and 20% of inorganic material. Rice Husk Ash (RHA) is obtained by the combustion
of rice husk. The most important property of RHA that determines pozzolanic activity is the
amorphous phase content. RHA is a highly reactive pozzolanic material suitable for use in lime-
pozzolana mixes and for Portland cement replacement. RHA contains a high amount of silicon
dioxide, and its reactivity related to lime depends on a combination of two factors, namely the
non-crystalline silica content and its specific surface. The results show that adding percentage
over 12% of RHA, the expansion is reduced in acceptable levels. In this paper, RHA obtained by
uncontrolled combustion was added to concrete. Mechanical properties (compressive strength,
splitting tensile strength, and water absorption and elasticity modulus) were verified. The
samples were tested at 7 and 28 days of age.

The use of RHA in civil construction, besides reducing the environmental polluters
factors, may bring several improvements for the concrete characteristics. Adding RHA to
concrete, a decreasing in water absorption was verified. A reducing of 38.7% was observed when
10

compared to control sample. An increment of 25% was obtained when added 5% of RHA .
Moreover, a reducing on waste Portland cement was verified, obtaining the same resistance of
control sample. According to the results of splitting tensile test, all the replacement degrees of
RHA researched, achieve similar results. Then may be realized that there is no interference of
adding RHA in the splitting tensile strength. All the samples studied have a similar result in
elasticity module. A decreasing in the module is realized when the levels of RHA are increasing.

Bouzoubaa and Fournier
(2)
(1998) was published a research paper in "Concrete
Incorporating Rice-Husk Ash: Compressive Strength and Chloride-ion penetrability" The
present report deals with the evaluation of the performance in concrete of an Indian sample of
rice-husk that was burnt in an industrial furnace in Ontario, and ground at the CANMET
laboratories. This exploratory study was performed under contract with DCR Phoenix
Development Corporation Ltd. Ottawa and is divided in two parts. The first part deals with
determining the optimum grinding time of the RHA in order to produce a highly reactive product
with a minimum energy of grinding. The performance of the RHA in concrete forms part II of
the study. The results show that the rice-husk ash sample used in this study is principally
composed of SiO2 (90.7 %), contains 4.7% loss on ignition and a high K
2
O content of 2.2 %.

The RHA ground for the optimum grinding time (140 seconds in a pulveriser with a
capacity of 30 g) has a median particle size of 8 m, a water requirement of 104% and a
pozzolanic activity index of 100% in the mortar used for determining the pozzolanic activity of
the RHA. The results also show that in general, for similar W/CM (0.40), the replacement of 7.5
to 12.5% of the Portland cement by the RHA did not affect significantly the compressive
strength, but improved significantly the resistance to the chloride-ion penetrability of the
concrete with and without the entrained air. Rice husks are the shells produced during the de
husking of paddy rice. Each tonne of paddy rice can produce about 200 kg of husk, which on
combustion produces about 40 kg of ash. According to a recent report by Mehta, the current
yearly world production of paddy rice is approximately 500 million tonnes that gives
approximately 100 million tonnes of rice husks as a waste product from the milling. Prior to
1970, rice-husk ash (RHA) was usually produced by uncontrolled combustion, and the ash so
produced was generally crystalline and had poor pozzolanic properties. In 1973, Mehta published
11

the first of several papers describing the effect of pyroprocessing parameters on the pozzolanic
reactivity of RHA. Based on his research, Pitt designed a fluidized-bed furnace for controlled
burning of rice husks. By burning the rice husks under a controlled temperature and atmosphere,
a highly-reactive RHA was obtained. Studies have shown that burning rice husks at 600 C
produces an ash with an optimum for pozzolanic materials. Below this temperature the silica
formed is of pozzolanic nature, and above that temperature the silica partially changes to
cristobalite, quartz, and tridymite, which require fine grinding to exhibit pozzolanicity. Previous
studies have also shown that due to its high surface area the RHA is comparable to other
pozzolans used as mineral admixture in cement and concrete, and more precisely to silica fume
(1, 2, 5-7). It was, also, reported that the main advantage of using RHA as a mineral admixture in
concrete is the significant reduction in the permeability of the concrete (2, 7, 8).

The present report deals with the evaluation of the performance in concrete of an Indian
sample of rice husk that was burnt in an industrial furnace in Ontario, and ground at the
CANMET laboratories. This exploratory study was performed under contract with DCR
Development Corporation Ltd. Ottawa and is divided in two parts. The first part deals with
determining the optimum grinding time of the RHA in order to produce a highly reactive product
with a minimum energy of grinding. The performance of the RHA in concrete forms part II of
the study.

The rice-husk ash sample used in this study is principally composed of SiO
2
(90.7 %),
contains 4.7% loss on ignition and a relatively high K
2
O content of 2.2 %. The RHA ground for
the optimum grinding time (140 seconds in a pulveriser with a capacity of 30 g) has a median
particle size of 8 m, a water requirement of 104% and a pozzolanic activity index of 100% in
the mortar used for determining the pozzolanic activity of the RHA. For similar W/CM (0.40)
and slump, the dosage of the super plasticizer of the RHA concrete (7.5, 10, and 12.5% of RHA
as replacement for cement) was similar to slightly higher than that of the control concrete made
with the Portland cement only, but significantly lower than that of the concrete incorporating
7.5% of silica fume. This is probably due to the high fineness of the silica fume compared to that
of the RHA. For similar W/CM (0.40) and air content, the dosage of the AEA of the RHA
concrete (7.5, 10, and 12.5% of RHA as replacement for cement) was significantly higher than
12

that of the control concrete made with the Portland cement only, and that of the concrete
incorporating 7.5% of silica fume. This is probably due to the high carbon content of the RHA
compared to that of both Portland cement and silica fume. For similar W/CM (0.40), the
replacement of 7.5 to 12.5% of the Portland cement by the RHA did not affect significantly the
compressive strength of the concrete with and without the entrained air. The slower rate of
reactivity of the RHA compared to that of the silica fume is probably due to the coarser size of
RHA particles compared to that of the silica fume particles. For similar W/CM (0.40), the
replacement of 7.5 to 12.5% of the Portland cement by the RHA improved significantly the
resistance to the chloride-ion penetrability of the concrete with and without the entrained air.

Lertsatitthanakorn and Atthajariyakul
(3)
(2007) studied the thermal performance of
RHA based sand-cement blocks as insulating thermal mass. They built a small room (5.75 square
meter floor) out of standard commercial clay brick, and another out of blocks composed of RHA,
sand, and cement at a ratio of 544:320:40. They took continuous temperature measurements
inside both for the Thai summer month of March, and found that the RHA blocks allowed 46 W
less heat transfer than the clay bricks. Also included in the study was an economic analysis of
potential energy savings.
Sumin Kim
(4)
(2008) published the effect of combining rice husk itself (not ash) with
gypsum in the manufacture of drywall boards. Kim found that at rice husk levels up to 30%, the
modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity increased, but decreased at levels over 40%.
Internal bonding strength increased for RH levels up to 20%, but decreased at higher levels. At
higher rice husk content, the product absorbed less moisture, and became slightly more
combustible, but up to 30% RH still met Japanese Standards Association first class
incombustibility requirements. The author concluded that 20% rice husk by weight is the ideal
mixture for improving gypsum boards while lowering costs and helping reduce the rice husk
disposal issues.
A method has been developed by which the pozzolanic activity of a batch of ash can be
measured in 28 hours (as opposed to 7 or 28 days) by mixing a sample with Portland cement,
measuring the electrical conductivity of the solution, and comparing it to values from the
reaction of a solution with a known pozzolanic activity level. (Sinthaworn, Waste Management,
13

2009) Rice husk can be co-combusted with coal to help clean up coal-fired power plant
emissions. 10% to 30% biomass appears to yield the lowest overall pollutant per unit of energy
ratio, though the co-firing may more ultra-fine particles, and increase problems of slagging,
fouling and formation of clinker in conventional systems. (Chao- 2008) RHA can be added to
soil to aid in compactibility. According to Basha and Muntohar (Electronic Journal of
Geotechnical Engineering, 2003), the plasticity of soil is reduced when Rice Husk Ash and/or
cement is added, as is the maximum dry density, and the optimum moisture content is increased.
They state that considering plasticity, compaction, and economy, the ideal soil additive mix is
within 6-8% cement and 10-15% RHA.
Saeed Ahmed, Imran A Bukhari, Javed Iqbal Siddiqui, Shahzad Ali Qureshi,
(5)
University
of Engineering & Technology Taxila, Pakistan
Their paper deals with the effects of addition of various proportions of polypropylene
fiber on the properties of concrete. An experimental program was carried out to explore its
effects on compressive, tensile, flexural, shear strength and plastic shrinkage cracking. A notable
increase in flexural, tensile and shear strength was found. However, no change in compression
strength was noted. Furthermore, shrinkage cracking is reduced by 83 to 85% by addition of
fibers in the range of 0.35 to 0.50%. They got their results are noted below;
The addition of polypropylene fibers at low values i.e. 0.18% to 0.40% actually increases
the 28 days compressive strength by about 5% but when the volumes get higher like 0.55% to
0.60% then the compressive strength decreases from original by 3 to 5%. The results in Table 2
seem to indicate that there may be an effective volume threshold for adversely effecting the
compressive strength of concrete that is exceeded at 0.40%.
All things considered, it appears that at low dosage rates (0.1% to 0.35%) the addition of
polypropylene fibers does not significantly detract from, and even improve the compressive
strength. Higher dosage rates however decrease the strength of concrete matrix due to higher
volumes of fibers interfering with the cohesiveness of the concrete matrix.
The tensile strength of concrete is only about 10 % of its compressive strength. It is clear
that addition of fibers to a concrete mixture is beneficial to the tensile properties of concrete. The
14

fibers act as crack arresters in the concrete matrix prohibiting the propagation of cracks in plastic
state and propagation of cracks in hardened state.
Tensile/ Flexure strength of concrete increases linearly only with addition of fibers upto
about 0.40% after which the tensile strength decreases with addition of more fibers. The key to
success in achieving strength seem to lie on two points i.e. fibers must be uniformly distributed
in mix and fiber proportion must be carefully selected. The tensile strength increases about
65%~70% % upto 0.40% after which it decreases. Tensile strength is increased due to bridging
mechanism of polypropylene fibers and after certain ration it reduced the bond strength between
concrete ingredients so results in quick failure as compared to less volumes of fibers.
The behavior of concrete in flexure seems to be identical with polypropylene fiber
reinforced concrete as that in tensile strength, but the difference that dosage amount for which
best result is achieved is 0.25%. There is about 80% increase in flexure strength by adding
0.20% fibers in concrete after which strength starts reducing with further increment in fiber
ratios. The increase in 7 days strength is much more greater than 28 days because of arresting
the initial cracking of concrete by polypropylene fibers which is its useful properly.
They concluded as,
1. The addition of polypropylene fibers at low values actually increases the 28 days compressive
strength but when the volumes get higher, then compressive strength decreases from original by
3 to 5%.
2. The tensile strength increases about 65%~70% % upto 0.40% after which it decreases.
3. There is about 80% increase in flexure strength by adding 0.20% fibers in concrete after which
strength starts reducing with further increment in fiber ratios
4. The shear capacity of concrete increases when fibers are added. There is a remarkable increase
in load carrying capacity upto first crack appears.
5. The shrinkage cracking is reduced by 83 to 85% by addition of fibers upto 0.35% and 0.50 %.
15

The literature survey presented above clearly reveals that there is a possibility of
partially replacing cement by rice husk ash. From that study in this direction helpful in looking
for cement as well as solving the problem of rice husk ash disposal.


















16

CHAPTER 3
MATERIAL COLLECTION
3.1 RICE HUSK ASH
Rice husks are shells produced during the de husking of paddy rice.1000 Kg of paddy
rice can produce about 200 Kg of husk, which on combustion produces about 40 Kg of ash7.
Rice husk constitute about 1/5th of the 300 million metric tons of rice produced annually in the
world. According to the report by Mehta8, the current yearly production paddy rice is
approximately 500 million tones that gives about 100 million tons of rice husk as a waste product
from the milling. Rice husk is also not used for feeding animals since it is less nutritional
properties and its irregular abrasive surface is not naturally degraded and can cause serious
accumulation problems.
Controlled burning of rice husk between 500 and 600o C for short duration of about 2hrs
yields ash with low un-burnt carbon and anamorphous silica. When rice husk is burnt in an
uncontrolled manner, the ash, which is essentially silica, is converted to crystalline forms and is
less reactive Both the crystalline and amorphous rice husk ash is used to manufacture a lime-
rice husk ash mix or a Portland rice husk ash cement or the rice husk ash can be used as a
Portland cement replacement in concrete. Research in India and the United States has found that
if the hulls or straw are burned at a controlled low temperature, the ash collected can be ground
to produce a pozzolan very similar to (and in some ways superior to) silica fume and heat
produced during burning can beneficially used in power production, by doing so not only crop
waste can effectively disposed, but also can generate electricity for the area, and provide high
quality cement.
The characteristics of the typical rice husk produce in India has organic amorphous silica
(made of rice husk ash) with silica content of above 85%, in very small particle size of less than
25 microns, which is used for making green concrete, high performance concrete, refectories,
insulators, flame retardants etc.
The rice husk collected from local mills in Kanchipuram, was burnt in a furnace to
produce RHA. After burning it was cooled inside the furnace for about 24 hours. The burnt ashes
17

were taken out for grinding. Then the ashes were grinded to a very fine powder using a grinding
machine. Fig. 3.1 shows the products obtained after the operations. The final product of RHA
was graded in accordance with BS-812 [1967].



Fig. 3.1. Dumping of Rice Husks in Mill


18

Fig.3.2 Product after each process

3.2 FIBRE
The fibers we used is 100% virgin synthetic polypropylene fibers. Boasee Fibers is the
name given by the manufacturer. We bought it from MJ SUPPLIERS in Madurai.


Fig. 3.3 Boasee Fibers

19

CHAPTER 4
MATERIAL
4.1 PORTLAND CEMENT
The choice of the cement content depends on the strength requirements, exposure class
for durability and the minimum amount of fines required in the mix.
Cement used in the experimental work is Portland Pozzolona Cement Conforming to IS: 1489
(Part1)-1991 and the strength targeted was greater than 30MPa.
4.1.1 Initial and Final Setting Time of Cement:
Table: 4.1
Sl.No Initial Setting Time
(Minutes)
Final Setting Time
(Hours)
Standard Values
1 30 8 hours 16 minutes Minimum 30
minutes,
maximum 10
hours
2 32 8 hours 44 minutes

RESULT:
Initial setting time of cement is=30 minutes
Final setting time of cement is = 10 hours





20

4.1.2 Consistency Test on Cement:
Table: 4.2
SI.No Weight Of
Cement Taken
(G)
Quantity Of Water
Added
Penetration Index
Reading (Mm)
% G
01 400 25 100 27
02 400 26 104 21.5
03 400 27
108
14
04 400 28 112 8

RESULT:
The percentage of water required for obtaining cement paste of standard consistency is =
28%
4.1.3 Specific Gravity of Cement:
Weight of empty density bottle

= 29.2g
Weight of density bottle + cement (

= 47g
Weight of density bottle + cement + water (

= 94.26g
Weight of density bottle + water (

= 82.3g
Weight of cement in the density bottle (

; A = 17.8g
Weight of equal volume of water (

) (

); B = 53.1-47.26g
Specific gravity = B/A = 3.05
RESULT:
Specific gravity of cement is = 3.05

21


Table 4.3 Properties of cement
Sl.No Properties Values
1 Specific gravity 3.05
2 Normal consistency 28%
3 Initial setting 30 minutes
4 Final setting 10 hours

4.2 RICE HUSK ASH
Partially burnt rice husk ash was finely powdered and passing through 90 sieve was
taken for the study. Its specific gravity was 2.1. The disadvantage of using RHA in concrete is
that it consumes more water than FRC with any other pozzolana.
4.2.1 Consistency Test on Rice Husk Ash:
Table: 4.4
SI.No Weight of RHA
taken (g)
Quantity of water added Penetration index
reading (mm) % G
01 400 25 100 24
02 400 26 104 22.5
03 400 27
108 15
04 400 28 112 10

RESULT:
The percentage of water required for obtaining cement paste of standard consistency is = 28%

22


Fig. 4.1 Drying of RHA before grinding


Fig. 4.2.Grinding of RHA
23


Fig.4.3. Grinded RHA
4.2.2 Specific Gravity of RHA:
Weight of empty density bottle

= 29.2g
Weight of density bottle + RHA (

= 42g
Weight of density bottle + RHA + water (

= 89.17g
Weight of density bottle + water (

= 82.3g
Weight of RHA in the density bottle (

; A = 12.8g
Weight of equal volume of water (

) (

); B = 53.1-47.17g
B = 5.93g
Specific gravity = A/B = 2.16
RESULT:
Specific gravity of RHA is = 2.16

24


Physical Properties and Chemical Composition of this RHA as given by the Supplier are
given in Table 4.5
Table : 4.5(a) Physical properties of Rice Husk Ash
Sl.No Description Value
1 Physical state Solid-non hazardous
2 Appearance Very fine powder
3 Particle size 25 microns-mean
4 Color Grey
5 Odour Odourless
6 Specific Gravity 2.16

Table: 4.5(b) Chemical properties of Rice Husk Ash
Sl.No. Description Value
1 SiO
2
93.80%
2 Al
2
O
3
0.74%
3 Fe
2
O
3
0.30%
4 TiO
2
0.10%
5 CaO 0.89%
6 MgO 0.32%
7 Na
2
O 0.28%
8 K
2
O 0.12%
9 Loi 3.37%








25

4.3 FINE AGGREGATES
4.3.1 General
Fine aggregate manages to fill the voids between the powder and the coarse aggregate. It
also helps in decreasing the bleeding by forming a thin slurry film on top of the mix and hence it
acts as a natural viscosity modifier. The sand used was river sand with specific gravity 2.2.

4.3.2 Specific Gravity Of Sand (Fine Aggregate)
Weight of empty pycnometer (

) = 655g
Weight of pycnometer + dry sand (

) = 1020g
Weight of pycnometer + sand + water (

) = 1710g
Weight of pycnometer + water (

) =1510g
Weight of sand in the pycnometer (

); A = 365g
Weight of equal volume of water (

) (

); B = 855-690g
B = 165g
Specific gravity = (A/B) = 2.2
RESULT:
Specific gravity of sand is = 2.2

4.4 COARSE AGGREGATE
4.4.1 General
Coarse aggregate used was well graded aggregates of 20mm down size. Aggregates
obtained from a local source had a specific gravity of 2.45 for 20mm down.



26

4.4.2 Specific Gravity Of Coarse Aggregate:
Weight of empty pycnometer

= 655g
Weight of pycnometer + coarse aggregate (

= 1055g
Weight of pycnometer + coarse aggregate + water (

= 1810g
Weight of pycnometer + water (

= 1573g
Weight of coarse aggregate in the pycnometer (

;A = 400g
Weight of equal volume of water (

) (

); B = 918-755g
B = 163g
Specific gravity = A/B =2.45

RESULT:
Specific gravity of coarse aggregate is = 2.45
Specific gravity of natural river sand : 2.2
Specific gravity of coarse aggregate : 2.45

4.4.3 Attrition Test On Aggregate:
Weight of sample taken (

) = 2000g
Weight of sample retained on the sieve (

G) = 60g
RESULT:
Percentage of wear on the given stone sample = 3%
4.4.4 Aggregate Impact Test:
Wt. of mould

= 1800g
27

Wt. of mould + aggregate

= 2350g
Wt. of aggregate in the cup (

g = 550g
Wt. of aggregate passing the sieve

= 25g

RESULT:
Impact value of aggregate is = 4.6%
4.4.5 Water Absorption
The permeability and absorption affect the bond between the aggregate and cement paste.
The aggregate which is saturated in water but it contains no surface free moisture is termed as
saturated surface dry aggregate. If the aggregate is apprehensively dried in an oven at 150
o
c to
a constant weight before being immersed in water for 24 hours, the absorption is referred to an
oven dry basis. On the other hand, the percentage of water absorbed by an air dried aggregate,
when it is immersed in water for 24 hours is termed as absorption of aggregate (air dry basis)
the knowledge of the absorption of an aggregate is important for concrete mix design.



Table 4.6 Percentage of absorption of aggregates
Sl.No Property Natural river sand Coarse aggregate

1 % of Absorption 1.0 0.50

4.5 GRADING OF AGGREGATE
The particle size distribution of an aggregate as determined by sieve analysis is termed
as grading of aggregate. If all the particles of an aggregate are of uniform size, the compacted
mass will contain more voids; whereas aggregate comprising particles of various sizes will give a
mass contains lesser voids.
28

The particle size distribution of a mass of aggregate should be such that the smaller
particles fill the voids between the larger particles. The proper grading of an aggregate produces
a dense concrete and needs less quantity of fine aggregate, cement paste. Therefore it is essential
that the coarse aggregate and fine aggregate be well graded to quality of concrete.
The grading of an aggregate is expressed in terms of percentage by weight retained or
passing percentage through a series of sieves (Table 3.2) taken in order of 4.75 mm, 2.00mm,
1.00 mm, 0.600 mm, 0.425 mm, 0.300 mm and 0.150 mm, pans for fine aggregate.
Table :4.7 Sieve Analysis
Sieve Size Coarse 20mm down
% passing
Sand % passing
20mm 86.28 100
16mm 54.67 100
12mm 45.24 100
10mm 10.36 100
4.75mm 0.23 99
2.36mm 0 95.4
1.18mm 0 78.4
600 0 50.4
300 0 17.4
150 0 4.9
.
4.6 PARTICLE SHAPE AND TEXTURE
The physical characteristics such as shape, texture and roughness of aggregate
significantly influence the workability of fresh concrete, bond between the aggregate and mortar
phase. In general there are four categories namely rounded, irregular, angular and flaky.(Table
4.8)




29

Table 4.8 Visual characteristics of material
Sl.No. Material Visualization Shape
1 Natural river sand Smooth surface Angular and round edges
2 Coarse aggregate Rough surface Angular and Sharpe edges

4.7 PROPERTIES OF AGGREGATES
The aggregate used in manufacturing of concrete should be free from debris, fungi and
chemical attack. It place a vital role in concrete, so it should be durable, angular and sharp edges
then only it gives a rich mix concrete and good workability. Then well graded aggregates are
controlled the maximum voids and minimizing the cement content and it leads to good concrete
with high strength, economy, low shrinkage and greater durability.

4.8 FIBER
According to terminology adopted by the American Concrete Institute (ACI)
Committee 544, Fiber Reinforced Concrete, there are four categories of FRC based on fiber
material type. These are Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete, Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete,
Sinthetic Fiber Reinforced Concrete, including carbon fibers; and Natural Fiber Reinforced
Concrete.

4.8.1 Polypropylene Fiber
Polypropylene is a synthetic hydrocarbon polymer, the fiber of which is made using
extrusion processes by hot drawing the material through a die. Its use enables reliable and
effective utilization of intrinsic tensile and flexural strength of the material along with significant
reduction of plastic shrinkage cracking and minimizing of thermal cracking.





30

4.8.2 Fiber Geometry:
Individual fibers are produced in an almost limitless variety of geometric forms
including, Prismatic: rounded or polygon cross-section with smooth surface or deformed
throughout or only at the ends.
Irregular cross-section: cross-section varies along the length of the fiber.
Collated: multifilament (alternatively termed branching or fibrillated) or monofilament networks
(or bundles) that are usually designed to separate during FRC production (mixing).


4.8.3 Equivalent Diameter:
For fibers that are not circular and prismatic in cross-section, it is useful to determine
what would be the diameter of an individual fiber if its actual cross-section were formed as a
prismatic circular cross- section. The equivalent diameter of a fiber is the diameter of the circle
having the same area as that of the average cross-sectional area of an actual fiber.
Relatively small equivalent diameter fibers have correspondingly low flexural stiffness
and thus have a certain ability to conform to the shape of the space they occupy in the paste
phase of the concrete mixture in between aggregate particles. Relatively large equivalent
diameter fibers have greater flexural stiffness and will have a correspondingly greater effect on
consolidation of aggregates during the process of mixing and placement.

4.8.4 Fiber Aspect Ratio:
The fiber aspect ratio is a measure of the slenderness of individual fibers. It is computed
as fiber length divided by the equivalent fiber diameter for an individual fiber.
Fibers for FRC can have an aspect ratio varying from approximately 40 to 1000 but
typically less than 300. This parameter is also a measure of fiber stiffness and will affect mixing
and placing.


31

4.8.5 Fiber Denier:
Principally when discussing about Synthetic fiber reinforced concrete, the term fiber
denier is often used. This is terminology that evolved from the textiles industry. The denier of a
fiber is defined as the weight, in grams, of 9000 metres of fiber.

4.9 BOASEE FIBER
The applications of Boasee fiber is referred from an article of magazine called
BUILDERS LINE on October 2012.
Polypropylene fiber called boasee manufactured by MJ SUPPLIERS was used for the
study. Standard dosage of 125-200gm per 50kg bag cement is recommended by the
manufacturer. The specifications given by the manufacturer is given below;
4.9.1. Drawbacks of Plain Concrete:
1. Internal micro cracks which propagate over a period of time.
2. Brittle in nature.
3. Low tensile and flexural strength.
4. Low Impact and abrasion / wear resistance.
5. Poor energy absorbing capacity.
6. Does not adequately safeguards steel reinforcement from water and salinity ingress
causing corrosion.



Fig.4.4 Plain concrete Vs BOASEE FIBER reinforced concrete
Plain Concrete posses brittleness which propagates lot of cracks
BOASEE FIBER reinforced concrete gives flexibility and resistance to cracking.
32

The development of BOASEE FIBER for secondary reinforcement has now provided a
reliable solution to all the above problem.

Fig. 4.5 FRC Fig.4.6 Highly Permeable Concrete Fig.4.7Low Permeable concrete


Fig.4.8 BOASEE FIBER reinforced concrete Fig.4.9 FRC in Pavements

4.9.2 Advantage of Using Boasee Fiber in Construction
1. Reduces the cracks.
2. Reduces the Water permeability into the concrete and cement mortar.
3. Increases the tensile, flexural strength by around 15 to 20% and the compressive
strength by 10-15 %.
4. Increases the shatter resistance and thaw resistance of the concrete.
5. Increases the impact resistance by 100%
6. Increases fatigue resistance of the concrete.
7. Reduces the shear cracks in the beam column junction.
8. BOASEE FIBERS has long staple fibers which gives good interlocking, bonding and
better reinforcement to the concrete.
9. Gives more Homogeneity and cohesiveness in the concrete.
33

10. Increases the abrasion resistance of the floor and reduces the pitting of the floor.
There by increasing the life of floors.
11. Replaces or reduces non-structural steel in cc floor road, pavements, ie. Slab on
grade, helps increase of joint spacing.

4.9.3 Applications of Boasee Fibre

in the Construction Industry:
(A) Concrete
Slab on grade: cc pavement & overlays industrial floors, roads, taxiways, hangars etc.
Structural Concrete: Foundation, m/c foundation, slabs, column beam and lintel, bridge decks
& girders etc.
Water retaining structures: RCC retaining walls, water tanks, swimming pools, hydel projects,
check dams, canal lining, ETP, Jetties, ports, spillways etc. Water proofing in roof tops, sunken
toilets etc.


Fig.4.10 Railway Platforms

(b) Mortar
shotcrete: Tunnel lining, slope stabilization, rehabilitation etc
Plaster: Internal & External, stucco etc.
Gunniting: Repairs & Retrofiting.

34


Fig.4.11 Rehabilitation works

(c) Precast materials:
Hollow and solid blocks. pavers, tiles, railway sleepers, hume pipes and other CC pipes.


Fig.4.12 Precast materials

Table: 4.9 SPECIFICATIONS:
S.
No.
Property BOASEE FIBER
TM
Advantage of BOASEE FIBER
TM

1. Material 100% virgin synthetic
polypropylene fibers
Conforms to:
1. Type III fibers under ASTM C
1116
2. IS 456, 2000 - Amendment No. 3,
August 2007
3. IRC 44, 2008
4. IRC SP 46, 2008
2. Fibre length 3,12,15,18,20,24,26,40,110 mm Multiple length provides choice of
aspect ratio
35

3. Dispersion Excellent Excellent dispersion in mixtures and
superior dispersion in Manual mixing.
4. SP. Gravity 0.91 Offers homogeneous concrete and
mortar mix.
5. Color Brilliant White It can't be distinguished
6. Melt Point 160 C Secures the structures
7. Alkali
Resistance
Very Good Conforms to the test procedure laid by
ICBO AC 32
8. UV stability Excellent Higher UV Resistance ensures
longevity.
TABLE: 4.10 RANGE OF PRODUCTS: I) MONOFILLAMENT II) MULTIFILLAMENT
(FIBRILLATED)
Cut
length
Pouch
Size
Application Recommended Dosage rate
Range of
MICRO
FIBERS
3mm 125
grams
500
grams
Plaster of paris /
texture paints
10 grams per 20 kgs of pop

20 grams per litre of water
Proofing emulsion
6mm
125
grams
Internal & External
Plastering / precast
125 grams / 50 kgs of Cement
12mm,
15-18mm,
20mm,
24mm
125
grams
900
grams
Concrete, shotcrete,
gunniting, precast,
screed
125 grams / 50 kgs of Cement.
900 grams/Cubic Meter
Range of
MICRO
FIBER
24mm -
40mm
125
grams
900
grams
Concrete, shotcrete,
gunniting, precast,
screed
125 grams / 50 kgs of Cement.
900 grams/Cubic Meter
40mm - 125 Concrete, shotcrete, 125 grams / 50 kgs of Cement.
36

110mm grams
900
grams
gunniting, precast,
screed
900 grams/Cubic Meter
BLENDED
FIBER
24mm -
40mm
125
grams
900
grams
Concrete, shotcrete,
gunniting, precast,
screed
125 grams / 50 kgs of Cement.
900 grams/Cubic Meter




4.9.4 Easy To Mix - Anywhere, Anytime
(a) CONCRETE: MACHINE MIXING: Sprinkle the BOASEE FIBER in to the concrete mixer
directly and rotate as usual.

Fig. 4.13 Machine mixing




BATCH MIXING: RMC
Batch mixing in Ready Mix Concrete.

Fig. 4.14 Batch mixing in Ready Mix Concrete. Fig.4.15 Hand mixing
37

(B)PLASTER:








4.10 WATER

Water is an important ingredient of concrete as it actively participates in the chemical
reactions with cement. The strength of cement concrete comes mainly from the binding action of
the hydration of cement get the requirement of water should be reduced to the required chemical
reaction of un-hydrated cement as the excess water would end up in only formation undesirable
voids (or) capillaries in the hardened cement paste in the hardened cement paste in concrete.
It is important to have the compatibility between the given cement and the chemical
material admixtures along with the water we used for mixing.
It is generally stated in the concrete codes and also in the literature that the water fit for
drinking is fit for making concrete. This may not be true always.
The suitable for drinking, but they are not good for cement concrete, as the sugar wood
adversely affect the hydration process.
The limits of the content of water have to be determined from the following
considerations:
High content of cement is susceptible to a rapid loss of workability an account of higher
amount of heat hydration generated. Therefore, attention is required to see that the initial
hydration rate of cement should not be significantly affected; and
MANUAL MIXING: Add the BOASEE FIBER directly in to dry mix and
mix it thoroughly and make sure the BOASEE FIBRE

spreads all the area of
the dry mix.

Bureau of Indian standards has now allowed the usage of fibers as per amendment
no. 3,August 2007 of IS 456:2000-Code of practice
Conforms to : IRC 44,2008-IRC SP 46,2008


38

The salt in water would not interface with the development of strength of later ages.

Fig.4.16 curing of specimens













39

CHAPTER 5
MIX DESIGN
5.1 EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAMME
This chapter deals with the Mix design procedure adopted for Control concrete and the
studies carried out on properties of various materials used throughout the Experimental work.
Also the details of method of Casting and Testing of Specimens are explained.

Table 5.1 Comparison of fine aggregate to standard values.
Cumulative percentage of passing
Sl.
No.
IS Sieve
Designation
Grading limits
Zone II
Grading limit of
fine
1 4.75 mm 90 100 99
2 2.36 mm 75 100 95.4
3 1.18 mm 60 90 78.4
4 0.600 35 59 50.4
5 0.300 8 30 17.4
6 0.150 0 10 4.9







40

5.2 MIX DESIGN

5.2.1 Introduction
Mix design can be defined as the process of selecting suitable ingredients of concrete
and determining with the object of producing concrete of certain strength and durability as
economically as possible.
Mix design forM25 grade concrete according to IS method.
5.2.2. Design Stipulations
1. Characteristic compressive strength required in the field at 28-days : 25 N/mm
2

2. Maximum size of aggregate: 20 mm (Angular)
3. Degree of workability: 0.9(compaction factor)
4. Degree of quality control: Good
5. Type of exposure: Mild
5.2.3. Test Data of Materials
1. Specific gravity of cement: 3.05

2. Specific gravities of
Coarse aggregate : 2.45
Fine aggregate : 2.2

3. Water absorption
Coarse aggregate : 0.5%
Fine aggregate : 1.0%

4. Free surface moisture
Coarse aggregate : NIL

41

Fine aggregate : 2.0%

5. Target mean strength for M25 grade concrete
f
ck
* = f
ck
+ t.s
f
ck
* = 25 + (1.65*5.3) = 33.745 N/mm2
Where,
t = probability factor for various tolerances (5%) = 1.65
s = Standard deviation for different degrees of control (Good) = 5.3
7. The water cement ratio required for the target mean strength of 33.745 N/mm
2
is 0.43
8. Selection of water and sand content conforming to grading zone II
Water = 186 kg
Sand = 35%
9. Determination of cement content
Cement =water / (w/c ratio)
=186 / 0.43
=432.56 kg/m
3

10. Determination of coarse and fine aggregate contents for the specified maximum
aggregate size of 20 mm, the amount of entrapped air in the wet concrete is 2%, taking this into
account and applying equations, (IS: 10262-1981)
Fine aggregate,
V = [W + (C/S
c
) + (1/P) (f
a
/S
fa
)] (1/1000)
0.98 = [186 + (432. 56/3.05) + (1/0.35) (fa /2.2)] (1/1000)
f
a
= 502.18 kg/m
3
.

Coarse aggregate,
V = [W + (C/S
c
) + (1/(1-P))(C
a
/S
ca
)] (1/1000)
0.98 = [186 + (432.56/3.05) + (1/0.65)(C
a
/2.45)] (1/1000)
Ca = 1038.6 kg/m
3




42

TABLE 5.2
Water Cement Fine aggregate Coarse aggregate
186 kg/m3 432.56 kg/m
3
502.18 kg/m
3
1038.6 kg/m3
0.43 1 1.16 2.4

Cement = 432.56 kg/m
3

Fine aggregate = 502.18 kg/m
3

Coarse aggregate = 1038.6 kg/m
3

Water = 186 kg/m
3
Rice Husk Ash = 10%, 20%, 30% replacing of cement
Boasee fiber = 40% by cement content














43

CHAPTER 6
TESTS AND RESULTS
6.1 SLUMP CONE TEST ON RHA REPLACED CONCRETE
The slump test decreased upon the inclusion of RHA as partial replacement of cement.
Thus, it can be inferred that to attain the required workability, mixes containing RHA will
required higher water content than the corresponding conventional mixes
Table 6.1 Slump values for various % of RHA
Sl. No. % of RHA W/C ratio Slump height (mm)
1 0 0.43 300
2 10% 0.43 295
3 20% 0.43 293
4 30% 0.43 287
6.2 PREPARATION OF TEST SPECIMEN
The ingredients for various mixes were weighed and mixes prepared by manually.
Precautions were taken to ensure uniform mixing of ingredients. The specimen were cast in steel
mould and compacted manually. The specimens of 150x150x150 mm size of cube, 150mm
diameter x300 mm high cylinder specimens, 150x150x1000 mm size of prisms were cast for
different tests. The specimens are allowed for curing after re-moulded in 24 hours for 3, 7 and 28
days.




44


Fig. 6.1 Mixing of Concrete


Fig. 6.2 casted specimens Fig. 6.3 casting of specimens
45

6.3 COMPRESSION TEST ON CEMENT CONCRETE CUBES COMPRESSIVE
STRENGTH
C =P/A
Where,
P= load in Newton
A= area of cross section of cube in mm
2


Table 6.2 presents compressive strength of normal concrete. Compressive strengths of
partial replacement by Rice Husk Ash after 3 days, 7days and 28 days curing are presented in
Tables 6.3 - 6.5 respectively

.











Fig.6.4 Compressive Strength Test


46

Table 6.2 Compressive strength of normal fiber reinforced concrete

Sl.
No.
No. of curing
days
Number of specimen
Ultimate compressive
strength(N/mm
2
)
1 3 2 17.125
2 7 2 22.61
3 28 2 34.25

Table 6.3 Compressive strength of partial replacement with Rice Husk
Ash of cubes at 3 days





Sl.
No.
Partial replacement in
%
Number of
specimen
Ultimate compressive
strength(N/mm
2
)
1 10 2 17.1
2 20 2 15.1
3 30 2 11.15
47

Table 6.4 Compressive strength of partial replacement with Rice Husk Ash of cubes at 7
days

Table 6.5 Compressive strength of partial replacement with Rice Husk
Ash of cubes at 28 days






Sl.
No.
Partial replacement in
%
Number of specimen Ultimate compressive
strength (N/mm
2
)
1 10 2 22.2
2 20 2 20.4
3 30 2 14.7
Sl.
No.
Partial replacement in
%
Number of specimen
Ultimate compressive
strength(N/mm
2
)
1 10 2 34.20
2 20 2 33.25
3 30 2 22.3
48


Fig.6.5 Compressive strength on 3 days

Fig.6.6 Compressive strength on 7 days

Fig.6.7 Compressive strength on 28 days
17.1
15.1
11.15
17.125
0
5
10
15
20
10% 20% 30% Normal FRC
Compressive strength on 3 days
Compressive strength on 3
days
22.2
20.4
14.7
22.61
0
5
10
15
20
25
10% 20% 30% Normal FRC
Compressive strength on 7 days
C0mpressive strength on 7
days
34.2
33.25
22.3
34.25
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
10% 20% 30% Normal FRC
Compressive strength on 28 days
Compressive strength on 28
days
49

6.4 SPLIT TENSILE TEST ON CEMENT CONCRETE CYLINDER

SPLITTING TENSILE STRENGTH,

S = 2P/xlxd)

Where,
P= load in Newton
l= length of cylinder in mm i.e 200 mm
d= diameter of cylinder in mm i.e 100 mm

Table 6.6 presents tensile strength of normal concrete. Tensile strengths of partial
replacement by Rice Husk Ash after 28 days curing are presented in Table 6.7


Table 6.6 Tensile strength of normal fiber reinforced concrete

Sl.
No.
No. of curing
days
Number of specimen Ultimate tensile strength(N/mm
2
)
1 28 2 3.2







50

Table 6.7 Tensile strength of partial replacement with Rice Husk
Ash of cylinders at 28 days










Sl.
No.
Partial replacement in
%
Number of specimen
Ultimate flexural
strength(N/mm
2
)
1 10 2 3.0
2 20 2 2.6
3 30 2 1.8
51


Fig. 6.8 Split Tensile Test

Fig. 6.9 Tensile Strenth on 28 days

3
2.6
1.8
3.2
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
10% 20% 30% Normal FRC
Tensile strength on 28 days
Tensile strength on 28 days
52


COST ANALYSIS


CONTROL CONCRETE


Sl.No Qty Material Cost Unit
Amount in
Rupees

1 7200 Cement 6600 MT 47520

2 18 BOASEE FIBRE 520 Kg 9360

3 4.5 Sand 1300 m 5850

4 9 Coarse Agg 3200 m 28800

5 3.5 Mason II Class 400 each 1400

6 21.2 Mazdoor I class 300 each 6360

7 35.3 Mazdoor II class 250 each 8825

8 LS Mixing Charges 30 m 300


108415


1m 10841.5









Sl.No Qty Material Cost Unit
Amount in
Rupees

1 6480 Cement 6600 MT 42768

2 720 RHA 2 Kg 1440

3 16.2 BOASEE FIBRE 520 Kg 8424

4 4.5 Sand 1300 m 5850

7 21.2 Mazdoor I class 300 Each 6360

8 35.3 Mazdoor II class 250 Each 8825

9 LS Mixing Charges 30 m 300
53

















95095


1m 9509.5






30% REPLACEMENT OF RHA IN CEMENT

Sl.No Qty Material Cost Unit
Amount in
Rupees

1 5040 Cement 6600 MT 33264

2 2160 RHA 2 Kg 4320

3
12.600 BOASEE FIBRE 520 Kg 6552

4 4.5 Sand 1300 m 5850

5 7.2 Coarse Agg 3200 m 23040

6 3.5 Mason II Class 400 Each 1400

7 21.2 Mazdoor I class 300 Each 6360

8 35.3 Mazdoor II class 250 Each 8825

9 LS Mixing Charges 30 m 300


89911


1m 8991.10
54

CONCLUSION
In this present study with the stipulated time and laboratory set up an afford has been
taken to enlighten the use of so called pozzolanic material like rice husk in fiber reinforced
concrete in accordance to their proficiency. It was concluded that,
1. With replacement of cement with RHA the consistency increases. Use of RHA
which burned properly in controlled temperature improves the strength of mortar.
But use of RHA not giving satisfactory strength result. Using RHA more than
20% in Portland cement the strength reducing slowly.
2. In case of Portland cement with the use of Boasee fiber, the 28 days compressive
strength splitting tensile at 40% fiber content the result obtained is maximum. The
28 days flexural strength at 40% fiber does not give a good result. From the
literature surveys, it is estimated that the flexural strength will increase only when
the fiber content is less than 30%.
3. Further if fiber percentage increases then it was seen a great loss in the strength.
4. From the utilization of RHA as a pozzolanic material, the emission of Green
House Gases(GHG) can be reduced and can have a pleasant Environment
5. Hence we conclude as the implementation of Rice Husk Ash-blended with cement
in Fiber Reinforced Concrete is the Eco-Friendly, and Economically good.







55

FUTURE SCOPE
The research work on pozzolanic materials and fiber along with pozzolanas is still
limited. But it promises a great scope for future studies. Following aspects are
considered for future study and investigation;
Percentage and actual fineness of RHA require as partial cement replacement for
good strength development.
Use of RHA as cement replacement with properly burned in controlled
temperature and grinded which may lead proper strength development.
Replacing cement with different percentage of RHA to judge the optimum
percentage of RHA to be used to get better strength result.
Research on BOASEE fiber and RHA with greater fineness as a partial cement
replacing material, by which we can minimize the cost and at the same time
achieve the durability and strength for the production of High Performance
Concrete.
It requires a proper mixing proportions for the development of high strength, high
performance concrete which may not be possible manually. So it needs some
global optimization techniques to develop the desire result with greater accuracy
and time saving.








56

REFERENCES



1. IS 456: 2000, Indian Standard Code of Practice for Plain and Reinforced
Concrete,Bureau of Indian Standard, New Delhi

2. IS 10262: 1982, Recommended Guidelines for Concrete Mix design, Bureau of Indian
Standard, New Delhi

3. IS 383: 1970, Specification for Coarse aggregate and Fine aggregate from Natural
Sources for Concrete, Bureau of Indian Standard, New Delhi

4. Tashima et al (1996) published a research paper in the topic THE POSSIBILITY OF
ADDING THE RICE HUSK ASH (RHA) TO THE CONCRETE" .

5. Bouzoubaa and Fournier (1998) was published a research paper in "Concrete
Incorporating Rice-Husk Ash: Compressive Strength and Chloride-ion
penetrability"

6. Lertsatitthanakorn and Atthajariyakul (2007) studied the thermal performance of
RHA based sand-cement blocks as insulating thermal mass. They built a small room
(5.75 square meter floor) out of standard commercial clay brick, and another out of
blocks composed of RHA, sand, and cement at a ratio of 544:320:40.

7. Sumin Kim

(2008) published the effect of combining rice husk itself (not ash) with
gypsum in the manufacture of drywall boards.

8. Saeed Ahmed, Imran A Bukhari, Javed Iqbal Siddiqui, Shahzad Ali Qureshi,
University of Engineering & Technology Taxila, Pakistan Experimental Study on Strength
of Concrete by Using Artificial Fibers with Rice Husk Ash. Int. Journal of Engg. Research
and Applications (IJERA), 1(3), pp.571-581.

The utilization of RHA as pozzolanic material is referred from the NEEDS-NGO, Kanchipuram