UTILISATION OF RICE HUSK ASH IN

SELF COMPACTING CONCRETE

PROJECT WORK

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING
IN
CIVIL ENGINEERING

Submitted by

RAJKUMAR A 410515103358
RANJITHKUMAR P 410515103360
SANDHIYA K 410515103363
 INTRODUCTION
 In Japan, in early eighties, premature deterioration of concrete structures were detected almost everywhere in
the country. The main cause of the deterioration was recognized as inadequate compaction.

 As a solution for these social and technical requirements, the concept of Self Compacting Concrete (SCC) was
proposed by Prof. Okamura at Tokyo University in 1986. Later, studies to develop SCC including a
fundamental study on the workability of the concrete were carried out by Ozawa in 1989, Okamura in 1993
and Maekawa in 1999.

 Self Compacting Concrete or Self Consolidating Concrete can save up to 50% in labour costs due to 80%
faster pouring and reduced wear and tear on the formwork. As of 2005, Self Compacting Concrete account for
10% to 15% of concrete sales in some European countries.

 There are many organizations/academic institutions/cement companies (CRRI, NCB, SERC, CBRI, L&T,
ACC, ULTRATECH, AMBUJA CEMENTS) in India.

 Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) is a type of concrete which has high fluidity with no isolation, no bleeding,
fills with moulding board and wrap with reinforcement without vibrating under the condition of low water-
cement ratio.
OBJECTIVE

The objective of this project is to study the effect of Rice Husk Ash in Self
Compacting Concrete.

NEED FOR STUDY

Rice Husk Ash is a great environment threat causing damage to the land
and the surrounding area in which it is dumped. Lots of ways are being thought for
disposing them, the best method is using it as partial replacement for cement in the
concrete mix.

SCOPE

The scope of this research is to determine the usefulness of economical and

conservative by-product (rice husk ash) in Self compacting concrete. This will lead to
reduction in cost of materials.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF METHODOLOGY
MATERIALS FOR SCC
The constituent materials, used for the production
of SCC shall generally comply with the requirements of EFNARC.

#Cement

# Rice Husk Ash

# Fine Aggregate

# Coarse Aggregate

# Water

# Super-Plasticizer
ADVANTAGE OF SELF COMPACTING CONCRETE

 Faster construction
 Reduction in manpower
 Better surface finishes
 Easier placing
 Improved durability
 Greater freedom in design
 Thinner concrete sections
 Reduced noise levels, absence of vibration
 Safer working environment
CEMENT
Cement is a good binder. Ordinary Portland cement is the most common type of cement used all over
world. It usually originates from limestone. In this study, OPC of 53 grade is used conforming to IS 12269 -
1987. In this study, Cement is replaced by RHA for various percentages from 0 to 25 in steps of 5% and the
effect of using the conservative product is discussed.

CONSTITUENTS PERCENTAGE
CaO 60-67
SiO2 17-25
Al2O3 3-8
Fe2O3 0.5-6.0
MgO 0.4-4.0
RICE HUSK ASH SO3 2-3.5
It is learnt that, in order to produce RHA, a specific set of temperature and duration of
burning has to be maintained. However, the form of silica obtained after combustion of RHA depends on the
temperature and duration of combustion of rice husk
 >The combined proportion of silicon dioxide, aluminium oxide and iron oxide in the ash should not be less
than 70% and LOI should not exceed 12% as stipulated in ASTM requirements.

PHYSICAL STATE SOLID – NON HAZARDOUS

APPERANCE VERY FINE POWDER
COLOUR GREY
SPECIFIC GRAVITY 2.3

FINE AGGREGATE - SAND

Sand is a naturally occurring granular material composed of finely divided rock and mineral particles and
having particle size less than 4.75 mm. River Sand conforming to IS 383-1970 is used in this study. Dry Sand
passing through 4.75 mm Sieve is taken
 Fine Aggregate - River Sand

COARSE AGGREGATE - GRAVEL

Gravel is composed of unconsolidated rock fragments and having particle size greater than 4.75 mm. As per
EFNARC Specifications, the maximum size of gravel to be used in SCC is 12 mm.

WATER

Water is an important ingredient of concrete as it aids the chemical reaction. Since it helps to obtain the
strength, the quantity and quality of water is required is important. Mixing water should not contain undesirable
organic substances or inorganic constituents in excessive proportions. In this project clean potable water is used for
mixing and curing of concrete.
 SUPER PLASTICIZER
Super plasticizers, also known as high range water reducers, are chemical admixtures used where well-
dispersed particle suspension is required. These polymers are used as dispersants to avoid particle aggregation
and to improve the flow characteristics of suspensions such as in concrete applications. In the present work
conplast SP430 is used as super-plasticizer

Properties of Conplast SP430 AQUEOUS SOLUTION OF

COMPOSITION SULPHONATED NAPHTHALENE
FORMALDEHYDE
CONDENSATES.
PHYSICAL STATE LIQUID
COLOUR BROWN
ODOUR SLIGHT/FAINT
pH 7 to 8
BOILING POINT >100°C
AUTOFLAMMABILITY NOT APPLICABLE
EXPLOSIVE PROPERTIES NOT APPLICABLE

VAPOUR PRESSURE 2.3(WATER)

(kPa at 20°C)
RELATIVE DENSITY 1.2
(at 20°C)
MATERIALS PROPERTIES:-
SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF CEMENT
The specific gravity of cement is needed in design calculations of concrete mixes, and
it is also used to calculate its specific surface. The specific gravity is defined as the ratio
between the weight of a given volume of cement and weight of an equal volume of water.

Weight of cement taken = 100 gm. Le-Chatelier’s Tub

Weight of cement used (W) = 60 gm.
Initial volume of kerosene (V1) = 0.5 ml.
Final volume of kerosene (V2) = 23.5 ml.
Volume of cement particle (V) = 23.5 – 0.5 = 23 ml.
Specific gravity of cement = Weight of cement used / (specific gravity of
kerosene* Volume of cement particle)

Scement = W / (Skerosene * V)

Scement = 60 / (0.83*23)

Scement= 3.148.
SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF SAND – PYCNOMETER METHOD :-

Pycnometer method is a simple and quick method to determine the specific gravity of sand.

→Clean and dry the Pycnometer, Wash it thoroughly with distilled water and allow it drain and find the empty
weight of Pycnometer (W1).
→ Take some known quantity of oven dried sand and transfer it carefully into the Pycnometer and measure the
weight (W2).
→ Now remove all the soil particles and wash the Pycnometer and rinse it with distilled water.
→ Finally, fill the Pycnometer with distilled water completely and then weigh it (W4).

Weight of Pycnometer (W1) = 485 gm.

Weight of Pycnometer + Sand (W2) = 985 gm.
Weight of Pycnometer + Sand + Water (W3) = 1767 gm.
Weight of Pycnometer + Water (W4) = 1451 gm.

Specific gravity of Sand = (W2 – W1) / [(W4 – W1) - (W3 - W2)]

= (985- 485) / [(1451-485)- (1767-985)]

SSAND = 2.7.
SIEVE ANALYSIS

Sieve analysis is one of the mechanical analyses to determine the particle size distribution. As per IS 460 –
1962, the sieves are designated by the size of aperture in mm. Sieve analysis is carried out as follows:

 Place the IS sieve in order (i.e. starting from 4.75mm to 75µ at bottom).
 The weighed dried sample of 1000g is placed on 4.75mm sieve. Then the sieving
should continue for at least 10min in a sieve shaker.
ISSIEVE
. WEIGHT OF PERCENTAGE CUMULATIVE PERCENTFI
SIZE MATERIAL RETAINED PERCENT NER
RETAINED RETAINED
4.75 mm 25 2.5 2.5 97.5
2.36 mm 40 4 6.5 93.5
1.18 mm 186 18.6 25.1 74.9
600µ 266 26.6 51.7 48.3
300µ 362 36.2 87.9 12.1
150µ 101 10.1 98 2
75µ 15 1.5 99.5 0.5
PAN 5 0.5 100 0
As per IS 383-1970, Fine aggregate is conforming to ZONE – II.
TESTS ON FRESH CONCRETE
At the stage before solidification, self-compacting concrete is required to have three properties: Filling ability;
Passing ability; Segregation resistance. Many different test methods have been developed in attempts to
characterize the properties of SCC.

METHODS PROPERTY RANGE OF VALUES

Slump Flow by Filling ability METHODS UNIT MIN. MAX.
Abrams cone Slump Flow by Abrams mm 650 800
T50cm Slump Flow Filling ability cone
J-ring Passing ability T50cm Slump Flow sec 2 5
V-funnel Filling ability J-ring mm 0 10
V-funnel at T5min Segregation V-funnel sec 6 12
resistance V-funnel at T5min sec 0 3
L-box Passing ability L-box 0.8 1
U-box Passing ability U-box mm 0 30
Fill-box Passing ability Fill-box % 90 100
GTM screen stability Segregation GTM screen stability test % 0 15
test resistance
SLUMP FLOW TEST:-

The slump flow is used to assess the horizontal free flow of SCC in the absence of
obstructions. It was first developed in Japan for use in assessment of underwater concrete. The
diameter of the concrete circle is a measure for the filling ability of the concrete. It is the most
commonly used test, and gives a good assessment of filling ability. The test procedure is as follows
:
 Moisten the base plate and inside of slump cone.
 Place base plate on level stable ground and the slump cone centrally on the base plate and hold
down firmly.
 Fill the cone with the concrete. Do not tamp, simply strike off the concrete at the top of the
cone with the trowel.
 Remove any surplus concrete from around the base of the cone.
 Raise the cone vertically and allow the concrete to flow out freely.
 Measure the final diameter of the concrete in two perpendicular directions.
L-BOX TEST

This test, based on a Japanese design for underwater concrete, has been described by Peterson. The
test assesses the flow of the concrete, and also the extent to which it is subject to blocking by
reinforcement. The apparatus consists of a rectangular-section box in the shape of an ‘L’, with a vertical
and horizontal section, separated by a moveable gate, in front of which vertical lengths of reinforcement
bar are fitted. The test procedure is as follows :
 Set the apparatus level on firm ground, ensure that the sliding gate can open freely and then close it.
 Moisten the inside surfaces of the apparatus, remove any surplus water
 Fill the vertical section of the apparatus with the concrete sample.
 Leave it to stand for 1 minute.
 Lift the sliding gate and allow the concrete to flow out into the horizontal section.
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST

Compression test is carried out in concrete cube of size 150 mm using 1:1.417:1.16 mix with water
cement ratio 0.35. The test procedure is as follows :

 Specimens with Ordinary Portland Cement concrete and OPC replaced by rice husk ash at 5%, 10%,
15%, 20% and 25% replacement levels were casted.
 After 24 h, the specimens were removed from the mould and subjected to water curing.
 After a 7 and 28 days of curing, the specimens were tested for compressive strength using compression
testing machine of 2000 kN capacity.
SPLIT TENSILE STRENGTH TEST

Split tensile test is carried out in cylinder specimens of size 150 mm diameter and 300 mm height using
1:1.417:1.16 mix with water cement ratio 0.35. The test procedure is as follows :

 Specimens with Ordinary Portland Cement concrete and OPC replaced by rice husk ash at 5%, 10%,
15%, 20% and 25% replacement levels were casted.
 After 24 h, the specimens were removed from the mould and subjected to water curing.
 After a 7 and 28 days of curing, the specimens were tested for compressive strength using Universal
testing machine of 2000 kN.
 RESULTS
SLUMP FLOW TEST

The slump value obtained for addition of each percentage of rice husk ash is given in table
% REPLACEMENT OF SLUMP VALUE
 For 0% replacement of RHA, the slump CEMENT BY RICE HUSK ASH (mm)
value obtained is 730mm and by increasing 0 730

the percentage of RHA the slump value 5 700

10 680
decreases due to absorption of water by
15 650
RHA. 20 630

 As per EFNARC, acceptance criteria for 25 600

800
Slump value should be between 650 and

Slump Value (mm)

750 730
700
800mm. 700 680
650
650 630
600
 IT is evident that the replacement level of 600
550
RHA from 0% to 15% can be considered as
500
Self Compacting Concrete. 450
0 5 10 15 20 25
Rice Husk Ash Replacement(%)
 L-BOX TEST
The blocking ratio obtained from L-Box test for addition of each percentage of rice husk ash

% REPLACEMENT OF CEMENT BY RICE BLOCKING RATIO

HUSK ASH
0% 1
 For 0% replacement of RHA, the blocking ratio 5% 0.97
obtained is1 and by increasing the percentage of 10% 0.92
15% 0.86
RHA the blocking ratio decreases.
20% 0.8
25% 0.75

 As per EFNARC, acceptance criteria for blocking

1 0.97
ratio should be between 0.8 and 1. 1 0.92 0.86 0.8

Blocking Ratio
0.8 0.75
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
0 5 10 15 20 25
Rice Husk Ash Replacement (%)
 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST
The total number of specimens casted
RICE HUSK COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
SPECIMENS CUBE ASH ( N/mm² )
7 28 REPLACEME 7 DAYS 28 DAYS
DA DA T
YS YS (%)
#It is clear that the
0% 3 3 0% 34.22 48.15
compressive strength for 7
days and 28 days 5% 3 3 5% 30.37 45.33
decreases gradually as 10% 3 3 10% 25.04 42.89
increase in rice husk ash 15% 3 3 15% 21.18 37.63
replacement 20% 3 3 20% 16.44 33.33
25% 3 3 *25% 12.52 30.67

100
28 DAYS 7 DAYS
48.15
Compressive Strength

80 45.33
42.89
60 37.63
33.33
(N/mm2)

40 30.67
34.22 30.37
25.04 21.18
20 16.44 12.52
0
0 5Rice Husk Ash
10 Replacement
15 (%) 20 25
 SPLIT TENSILE STRENGTH TEST
The total number of cylinder specimens casted is given in Table 4.5 and the tests were carried out on triplicate
specimens and the average compressive strength values were recorded
RICE SPLIT TENSILE STRENGTH
RICE HUSK ASH CYLINDER HUSK OF SCC
REPLACEMENT 7 28 ASH ( N/mm² )
 From the figure 4.4, it is
(%) DAYS DAYS REPLACE 7 DAYS 28 DAYS
clear that the split tensile
MET
strength for 7 days and 28 0 3 3
(%)
5 3 3
days increases gradually as 0 2.97 4.39
10 3 3
5 3.35 4.58
increase in rice husk ash 15 3 3
10 3.68 5.18
replacement. 20 3 3
15 3.73 5.33
 The split tensile strength 25 3 3
20 3.82 5.84

value for self compacting 25 3.86 5.89

15
28 DAYS 7 DAYS
Strength (N/mm2)

concrete using M45 grade

Split Tensile

10
5.18 5.33 5.84 5.89
concrete at 28 days curing is 4.39 4.58
5
found to be around 4 2.97 3.35 3.68 3.73 3.82 3.86
0
N/mm2. 0 5Rice Husk Ash
10 Replacement
15 (%) 20 25
MIX DESIGN OF SELF COMPACTING CONCRETE

1. DESIGN STIPULATIONS
 Characteristic comp. strength required in field at 28-days: 45 MPa.
 Maximum size of aggregate: 10 mm.
 Degree of workability: 0.8(compaction factor).
 Degree of quality control: Good.
 Type of exposure: Severe.

2. PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS
 Specific gravity of cement: 3.15.
 Specific gravity of coarse aggregate: 2.6.
 Specific gravity of Fine aggregate: 2.7.

3. STEPS INVOLVED IN NORMAL MIX DESIGN

1. Target mean strength for M45 grade concrete (fck*)
fck* = fck+ 1.65*s
fck* = 45 + (1.65*7)
= 56.55 N/mm2.
 Where s = Standard deviation for different degrees of control (Good)
s = 7 from table 1 in IS 10262 – 1982.
fck is characteristic compressive strength at 28 days.
1. Water – Cement ratio required for target mean strength is 0.35.
2. Selection of Sand and Water content for 10mm maximum size aggregate
a) Water content per cubic meter of concrete is 200 kg/m3.
b) Sand as percent of total aggregate by absolute volume is 28%.
c) Compaction factor is 0.8.

CHANGE IN CONDITION WATER PERCENT SAND IN

STIPULATED CONTENT TOTAL AGGREGATE

Increase in value of +3% 0

compacting factor
by 0.1
TOTAL +3% 0

The corrected water content per cubic meter is

W.C = 200 + (0.03*200) = 206 kg/m3.
The corrected sand content is
S.C = 28% - 0% = 28%.
4.Determination of Water and Cement Content
W/C = 0.35.
Water = 206 kg/m3.
Cement = 206/0.35 = 588.57 kg/m3.

5.Determination of Coarse aggregate

The coarse aggregate portion of the mix has been calculated by the absolute method as recommended
in IS Code V = [W + (C/S ) + (C / ((1-p)*S ))] * (1/1000)
o a ca

Where V = Absolute volume of fresh concrete, which is equal to gross

volume minus the volume of entrapped air (m3).
W = Mass of water per m3 of concrete (kg).
C = Mass of cement per m3 of concrete (kg).
So = Specific gravity of cement.
p = Ratio of fine aggregate to total aggregate by absolute volume.
Ca = Total masses of fine aggregate per m3 of concrete (kg).
Sca = Specific gravity of saturated surface dry coarse aggregate.
(1-(3/100)) = [206 + (588.57/3.15) + (Ca/ ((1-0.28)*2.6))] * (1/1000)
Ca = 1080.43 kg/m3.
Coarse aggregate content is 1080.43 kg/m3.
6.Determination of Fine aggregate
The Fine aggregate portion of the mix has been calculated by the
Absolute method as recommended in IS Code.

V = [W + (C/So) + (fa/ (p*Sfa)] * (1/1000)

Where fa = Total masses of fine aggregate per m3 of concrete (kg).

Sfa = Specific gravity of saturated surface dry coarse aggregate.

(1-(3/100)) = [206 + (588.57/3.15) + (fa/ (0.28*2.7)] * (1/1000)
fa = 436.327 kg/m3.

Fine aggregate content is 436.327 kg/m3.

Total aggregate = 436.327 + 1080.43 = 1516.757 kg/m3.

The normal mix design is modified as per EFNARC specifications.

Taking 55% of total aggregate as Fine aggregate.

Fine aggregate modified = 0.55*1516.757 = 834.215 kg/m3.

Coarse aggregate modified = 1516.77-834.215 = 682.541 kg/m3.

MIX PROPORTIONS
Cement = 588.57 kg/m3.
Fine aggregate = 834.215 kg/m3.
Coarse aggregate = 682.54 kg/m3.

The quantity of materials required to caste a cube is as follows.

Volume of Cube = 0.153 = 3.375*10-3 m3.
Density of concrete = 2400 kg/m3.
Weight of batch = 2400*3.375*10-3 = 8.1 kg.
Add 10% extra = 8.1*1.1 = 8.91 kg.
Sum of total weight = 1+1.417+1.16+0.35+0.01 = 3.937.

Weight of cement = ((8.91*1)/3.937) = 2.263 kg.

Weight of fine aggregate = ((8.91*1.417)/3.937) = 3.207 kg.
Weight of coarse aggregate = ((8.91*1.16)/3.937) = 2.625 kg.
Water = 0.35*2.263 = 0.792 lit.
Super Plasticizers = 0.01*2.263 = 0.023 lit.
 Quantity of Materials For a Cube
PERCENTAGE R.H.A CEMENT F.A C.A W.C S.P
OF ASH
(kg) (kg) (kg) (kg) (lit) (lit)
0 0 2.263 3.207 2.625 0.792 0.023
5 0.113 2.15 3.207 2.625 0.792 0.023
10 0.226 2.037 3.207 2.625 0.792 0.023
15 0.339 1.924 3.207 2.625 0.792 0.023
20 0.453 1.810 3.207 2.625 0.792 0.023
25 0.566 1.697 3.207 2.625 0.792 0.023

The quantities of materials required to caste a cylinder is as follows.

Volume of Cylinder = ((π*0.152*0.3)/4) = 5.301*10-3 m3.
Density of concrete = 2400 kg/m3.
Weight of batch = 2400*5.301*10-3
= 12.72 kg.
Add 10% extra = 12.72*1.1 = 13.99 kg.
Sum of total weight = 1+1.417+1.16+0.35+0.01
= 3.937.
Weight of cement = ((13.99*1)/3.937) = 3.553 kg.
Weight of fine aggregate = ((13.99*1.417)/3.937) = 5.035 kg.
Weight of coarse aggregate = ((13.99*1.16)/3.937) = 4.122 kg.
Water = 0.35*3.553 = 1.24 lit.
Super Plasticizers = 0.01*3.553 = 0.035 lit

PERCENTAGE R.H.A CEMENT F.A C.A W.C S.P

OF ASH
(kg) (kg) (kg) (kg) (lit) (lit)

0 0 3.553 5.035 4.122 1.24 0.035

5 0.178 3.375 5.035 4.122 1.24 0.035

10 0.355 3.198 5.035 4.122 1.24 0.035

15 0.533 3.02 5.035 4.122 1.24 0.035

20 0.711 2.842 5.035 4.122 1.24 0.035

25 0.888 2.665 5.035 4.122 1.24 0.035

Quantity of Materials For a Cylinder

CONCLUSIONS
1. The compressive strength decreases with the increase in the percentage of rice husk ash.
2. The desired compressive strength is achieved at 5% replacement of cement by rice husk ash.
3. The split tensile strength increases with the increase in the percentage of rice husk ash and can
be very well used upto 25% in areas where tensile strength is the main requirement.
4. Replacement of cement by rice husk ash upto 25% gives best results with no bleeding,
segregation and thus provides good cohesiveness.
5. By trial and error method we have concluded that increase in percentage of super plasticizer
results in increase in setting time and optimum dosage obtained is 1%.
6. The Slump value and the Blocking ratio for 5% to 15% replacement of cement by rice husk
ash satisfies the EFNARC acceptance criteria.