Development of sustainable concrete using rice husk ash and refractory brick waste: a systematic approach

This current experimental research work is undertaken to assess the possibility of implementing sustainability by developing concrete mixes by utilising rice husk ash (RHA) and refractory brick waste (RBW) as a supplement to cement and coarse aggregates respectively. To fulfil the objective mentioned earlier, a systematic study comprising of evaluation of impact of RHA and RBW on concrete behaviour has been performed by carrying out different tests of strength and durability. These tests are conducted on specimens of specified mixes designed by varying the RBW as 0, 25%, and 50% and RHA levels as 0%, 10%, 15% and 20% and effects RBW and RHA are computed by comparing their behaviour with corresponding control mixes. The critical analysis of the outcome of experimental results depicts that enhancement of RBW(%) has no substantial impact on various properties of mixes. However, the incorporation of RHA (%) affects concrete behaviour by degrading concrete quality. These outcomes suggest the usage of RBW up to 10% in place of the coarse natural aggregates of concrete and 10% RHA as substitution of cement to make an eco-friendly product for field applications.