Chemical Composition and Physical Characteristics of Rice Husk Ash Blended Cement

Applications of agricultural by-product as substitute for non-renewable material in cement production are desirable in stimulating socio-economic development. In this study, Rice Husk Ash (RHA) blended cement was produced by replacing 5%, 7%, 11.25%, 15%, 20.25% and 25% by weight of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) clinker with RHA. The cement without RHA serves as the control. The chemical compositions of RHA, OPC-clinker and the blended cements were determined using X-ray fluorescence analyzer. The physical characteristics of RHA blended cements that were considered are fineness, soundness, consistency, initial and final setting times and compressive strength at 2, 7, 28, 56 and 90 curing ages. The results showed that RHA is a suitable material for use as a pozzolan as it satisfied the minimum requirement by having the sum of SiO2, Al2O3 and Fe2O3 of more than 70%. Incorporation of RHA led to an increase in the composition of SiO2 and reduction in that of CaO. An increase in RHA content showed a decrease in compressive strength at early ages and slightly increase at a later age (90 days). The blended cement produced with lower levels of RHA replacement conforms to standard specifications specified in BS EN 197-1:2000, NIS 439:2000 and ASTM C 150-02. The minimum Strength Activated Index (SAI) of 75% at the age of 28 days of curing as specified by ASTM C 618 was satisfied by RHA replacement of up to 15%. It was concluded that blended cement with the maximum of 15% RHA content is suitable for use for structural purposes.