Exploiting the Potentials of Rice Husk Ash as Supplement in Cement for Construction in Nigeria

This paper present the results of investigation on the use of rice husk ash as a partial substitute for cement in construction. One hundred and eighty specimens of concrete cubes were cast. 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% partial replacement of cement with rice husk ash were carried at 1:2:4 mixes by weight with 0.60, 0.65, 0.70 water/cement ratio. The results indicated that compressive strengths of cubes at 0.6, water/cement were higher than 0.65 and 0.70. Also 5% partial replacement cement with rice husk ash at $28^th$ day average compressive strength value of $25.4\;N/mm^2$ compared well with 0% partial replacement of cement with rice husk ash of $26.28\;N/mm^2$. This shows that at 5% partial replacement of cement with rice husk ash can be used for structural concrete and at 15% replacement or more it can be used for non - structural construction works or light weight concrete construction. The cost analysis shows substantial amount of savings for the country.