The Effect of Low Volume Fly Ash and Rice Husk Ash on the Compressive Strength of Fiber Reinforced Engineered Cementitious Composites

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 6 views

The Effect of Low Volume Fly Ash and Rice Husk Ash on the Compressive Strength of Fiber Reinforced Engineered Cementitious Composites

Introduction

Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) is a revolutionary composite material that has gained significant attention in the construction industry due to its high ductility and durability. To further enhance its properties, fibers are often added to create Fiber Reinforced Engineered Cementitious Composites (FR-ECC). However, the use of fibers can have a negative impact on the composite's ductility if not regulated properly. In this study, we aim to investigate the effect of low volume fly ash and rice husk ash on the compressive strength of FR-ECC, while minimizing its environmental impact.

Background

Fly ash and rice husk ash are two alternative materials that have been proven to be useful in cementitious composites due to their high SiO2 content. This content helps to improve the hydration process of cement and produce more calcium hydrates (CSH), which can enhance the compressive strength of the composite. The use of these materials can also reduce the need for cement in construction, making it a more environmentally friendly option.

Methodology

In this study, we used a variation of percent of fly ash, namely 0%, 5%, and 15% of the weight of cement, as well as the use of rice husk ash which remains at 15% of cement weight. Additionally, variations in percent fiber were set at 0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3%. The test was carried out after the concrete mixture reached the age of 28 days. The results obtained show that the highest average compressive strength is achieved by FR-ECC variations with 15% fly ash and 15% rice husk ash.

Results

The results obtained from this study show that the highest average compressive strength is achieved by FR-ECC variations with 15% fly ash and 15% rice husk ash. In this variation, sequential compressive strength is as follows:

Without fiber: 55.80 MPa
With 0.1% fiber: 60.30 MPa
With 0.2% fiber: 65.82 MPa
With 0.3% fiber: 51.38 MPa

Conversely, the control variation (FR-ECC FA 0%-ASP 0%) shows the lowest average compressive strength, with much lower values than other variations, which is:

0% fiber: 28.32 MPa
0.1% fiber: 45.44 MPa
0.2% fiber: 50.96 MPa
0.3% fiber: 37.37 MPa

The increase in the average compressive strength in the FR-ECC FA variation of 15% and ASP 15% can be seen clearly, namely:

97.03% for 0% fiber
32.70% for 0.1% fiber
29.16% for 0.2% fiber
37.50% for 0.3% fiber

Discussion

From this analysis, it can be concluded that the use of fly ash and rice husk ash as an additional material in the ECC has a positive effect to increase compressive strength. This study not only shows the potential of the two alternative materials but also opens opportunities for broader implementation in the field of more environmentally friendly construction. By using available materials and has a smaller impact on the environment, it is hoped that infrastructure development can become more sustainable without sacrificing the strength and resilience of the structure itself.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study has demonstrated the potential of using low volume fly ash and rice husk ash in FR-ECC to increase compressive strength. The results obtained show that the use of these materials can enhance the compressive strength of FR-ECC, while minimizing its environmental impact. This study opens opportunities for broader implementation in the field of more environmentally friendly construction, and it is hoped that infrastructure development can become more sustainable without sacrificing the strength and resilience of the structure itself.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Further research should be conducted to investigate the effect of different types and amounts of fly ash and rice husk ash on the compressive strength of FR-ECC.
The use of fly ash and rice husk ash should be explored as a sustainable alternative to traditional cement in construction.
The development of more environmentally friendly construction materials and techniques should be encouraged and supported.

Limitations

This study has several limitations that should be acknowledged:

The study only investigated the effect of low volume fly ash and rice husk ash on the compressive strength of FR-ECC, and did not explore other properties such as tensile strength and durability.
The study only used a limited number of variations of fly ash and rice husk ash, and did not investigate the effect of different types and amounts of these materials.
The study only used a limited number of fiber percentages, and did not investigate the effect of different fiber types and amounts.

Future Research Directions

Based on the findings of this study, the following future research directions are suggested:

Investigate the effect of different types and amounts of fly ash and rice husk ash on the compressive strength of FR-ECC.
Explore the use of fly ash and rice husk ash as a sustainable alternative to traditional cement in construction.
Develop more environmentally friendly construction materials and techniques.

References

[List of references cited in the study]

Appendix

[List of tables and figures used in the study]

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of low volume fly ash and rice husk ash on the compressive strength of Fiber Reinforced Engineered Cementitious Composites (FR-ECC). The results obtained show that the highest average compressive strength is achieved by FR-ECC variations with 15% fly ash and 15% rice husk ash. The use of these materials can enhance the compressive strength of FR-ECC, while minimizing its environmental impact. This study opens opportunities for broader implementation in the field of more environmentally friendly construction, and it is hoped that infrastructure development can become more sustainable without sacrificing the strength and resilience of the structure itself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Effect of Low Volume Fly Ash and Rice Husk Ash on the Compressive Strength of Fiber Reinforced Engineered Cementitious Composites

Q: What is Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC)?

A: Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) is a type of composite material that is made from a mixture of cement, sand, water, and additives. It is known for its high ductility and durability, making it a popular choice for construction projects.

Q: What is Fiber Reinforced Engineered Cementitious Composite (FR-ECC)?

A: Fiber Reinforced Engineered Cementitious Composite (FR-ECC) is a type of ECC that is reinforced with fibers. The fibers are added to the ECC mixture to improve its strength and durability.

Q: What is the purpose of using fly ash and rice husk ash in FR-ECC?

A: Fly ash and rice husk ash are used in FR-ECC to improve its compressive strength and durability. They are also used as a sustainable alternative to traditional cement.

Q: What are the benefits of using fly ash and rice husk ash in FR-ECC?

A: The benefits of using fly ash and rice husk ash in FR-ECC include:

Improved compressive strength
Improved durability
Reduced environmental impact
Reduced cost

Q: What are the limitations of using fly ash and rice husk ash in FR-ECC?

A: The limitations of using fly ash and rice husk ash in FR-ECC include:

Limited availability of fly ash and rice husk ash
Limited understanding of their effects on FR-ECC properties
Potential for inconsistent quality

Q: How can fly ash and rice husk ash be used in FR-ECC?

A: Fly ash and rice husk ash can be used in FR-ECC in various ways, including:

Replacing a portion of the cement with fly ash or rice husk ash
Adding fly ash or rice husk ash to the ECC mixture as an additive
Using fly ash or rice husk ash as a coating or surface treatment for FR-ECC

Q: What are the potential applications of FR-ECC with fly ash and rice husk ash?

A: The potential applications of FR-ECC with fly ash and rice husk ash include:

Building construction
Infrastructure development
Civil engineering projects
Environmental remediation

Q: What are the future research directions for FR-ECC with fly ash and rice husk ash?

A: The future research directions for FR-ECC with fly ash and rice husk ash include:

Investigating the effects of different types and amounts of fly ash and rice husk ash on FR-ECC properties
Developing new methods for using fly ash and rice husk ash in FR-ECC
Exploring the potential applications of FR-ECC with fly ash and rice husk ash in various industries

Q: What are the potential challenges and risks associated with using FR-ECC with fly ash and rice husk ash?

A: The potential challenges and risks associated with using FR-ECC with fly ash and rice husk ash include:

Inconsistent quality of fly ash and rice husk ash
Limited understanding of their effects on FR-ECC properties
Potential for environmental and health impacts

Q: How can the benefits of FR-ECC with fly ash and rice husk ash be maximized?

A: The benefits of FR-ECC with fly ash and rice husk ash can be maximized by:

Conducting thorough research and testing to understand their effects on FR-ECC properties
Developing new methods for using fly ash and rice husk ash in FR-ECC
Exploring the potential applications of FR-ECC with fly ash and rice husk ash in various industries

Q: What are the potential economic benefits of using FR-ECC with fly ash and rice husk ash?

A: The potential economic benefits of using FR-ECC with fly ash and rice husk ash include:

Reduced cost of materials
Improved durability and reduced maintenance costs
Increased demand for FR-ECC with fly ash and rice husk ash

Q: What are the potential environmental benefits of using FR-ECC with fly ash and rice husk ash?

A: The potential environmental benefits of using FR-ECC with fly ash and rice husk ash include:

Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
Reduced waste generation
Improved sustainability and reduced environmental impact

Q: What are the potential social benefits of using FR-ECC with fly ash and rice husk ash?

A: The potential social benefits of using FR-ECC with fly ash and rice husk ash include:

Improved quality of life for communities
Increased access to affordable and sustainable infrastructure
Improved economic opportunities and job creation.