Evaluation of Mechanical Characteristics of Rice-Husk-Bricks

Abstract

Construction activities and materials extraction are major contributors to environmental pollution. To address this issue, the utilization of bio-based materials presents a promising sustainable alternative for the construction industry. Bio-based materials encompass a broad category of organic matter that can be either synthesized or naturally derived. One such noteworthy bio-based material is rice husk, which exhibits pozzolanic properties. Abundantly available as an agricultural waste product, rice husk holds potential as a viable substitute in construction processes. This study is dedicated to investigating the feasibility of replacing fine aggregates, traditionally comprised of sand, in cement blocks with untreated rice husk on a volumetric basis. In contrast to being used merely as an additive, this research delves into the possibility of substantially replacing sand with a higher proportion of rice husk, ranging from 20% to 80%, in the composition of cement blocks. The findings of this study reveal that up to 40% of the sand content in cement blocks can be effectively replaced with untreated rice husk while still meeting the requisite strength standards for non-load bearing blocks. Moreover, this study demonstrates an additional advantage in terms of weight reduction. Substituting sand with rice husk leads to a remarkable 30% reduction in the overall weight of the blocks. These results underscore the potential benefits of integrating rice husk into construction materials as an environmentally friendly and weight-efficient alternative.