An Assessment of the Durability Properties of Binary Concrete Containing Rice Husk Ash

Abstract

Waste is one of the major problems facing the present generation, that is why two of the basic actions towards sustainability specified in rio agenda 21 are minimization of total waste production and maximization of environmentally sound waste and recycling. The study evaluates the durability properties of binary concrete containing rice husk ash. The durability properties of the binary concrete was assessed using abrasion resistance and water absorption tests, then exposure to magnesium sulfate. Results show that the binary concrete has higher compressive strength, tensile strength, abrasion resistance, resistance to magnesium sulfate and low water absorption. It was concluded that the binary concrete can find application in a magnesium sulfate rich soil because of its higher resistance to magnesium sulfate. It is recommended that the Nigerian institute of building (NIOB) should incorporate the use of rice husk ash as a pozolan in to the national building code because of its ability to improve some properties of concrete.

Keywords: Waste, Rice Husk Ash, Sustainability, compressive strength and durability.