PSI - Issue 70

S. Rajeshkumar et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 70 (2025) 287–294

293

permeability which decreased sulphate ion access to concrete materials. The method of expansive products such as ettringite formation was significantly reduced through this process (Endale et al.,2023).

Fig.7. Strength Degradation

Fig.8. Mass Reduction

5. Conclusion From the experimental data and analysis, the subsequent conclusions were derived; 1. The workability of concrete slightly diminished with the increased concentration of RHA and GSA, attributable to their elevated surface area and water absorption properties. 2. The mechanical characteristics enhanced with the incorporation of RHA and GSA to an optimal substitution level. The mix R15G10 (15% RHA and 10% GSA) recorded the highest compressive strength of 43.23 MPa at 56 days, along with notable enhancements in split tensile and flexural strength. 3. The R15G10 blend exhibited notable enhancements in durability qualities, including water absorption, sorptivity, and sulphate resistance. 4. This mixture demonstrated the lowest sorptivity and strength/mass degradation values owing to sulphate exposure, signifying superior resistance to chemical attacks. 5. The enhanced performance was ascribed to the pozzolanic interaction of RHA and GSA, which optimized the pore structure, diminished permeability, and facilitated further C – S – H gel formation, culminating in a more compact microstructure. 6. Among all mixtures, R15G10 had a balanced performance, demonstrating exceptional results in both strength and durability. Consequently, this mixture is endorsed as an environmentally sustainable and efficient substitute for concrete production. Reference Asad A. Khedheyer Al-Alwan, Mustafa Al-Bazoon, Faten I. Mussa, Hayder A. Alalwan, Mohanad Hatem Shadhar, Malik M Mohammed,Mohammed Fakhri Mohammed, 2024. The impact of using rice husk ash as a replacement material in concrete: An experimental study. Journal of King Saud University - Engineering Sciences 36(4), 249 – 255. Alex, A. G., Kemal, Z., Gebrehiwet, T., & Getahun, S. 2022. Effect of α: phase nano Al2O3 and rice husk ash in cement mortar. Advances in Civil Engineering , 2022 (1), 4335736 Bui, D.D., Hu, J., Stroeven, P., 2005. Particle size effect on the strength of rice husk ash blended gap-graded Portland cement concrete. Cement and Concrete Composites 27(3), 357 – 366. Chandrasekhar, S., Satyanarayana, K.G., Pramada, P.N., Raghavan, P., Gupta, T.N., 2003. Processing, properties and applications of reactive silica from rice husk — An overview. Journal of Materials Science 38(15), 3159 – 3168. Endale, S.A., Taffese, W.Z., Vo, D.-H., Yehualaw, M.D., 2023. Rice husk ash in concrete. Sustainability 15(1), 137. Ganesan, K., Rajagopal, K., Thangavel, K., 2008. Rice husk ash blended cement: Assessment of optimal level of replacement for strength and permeability properties of concrete. Construction and Building Materials 22(8), 1675 – 1683. Habeeb, G.A., Fayyadh, M.M., 2009. Rice husk ash concrete: The effect of RHA average particle size on mechanical properties and drying shrinkage. Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences 3(3), 1616 – 1622. Habert, G., d’Espinose de Lacaillerie, J.B., Roussel, N., 2020. An environmental evaluation of geopolymer based concrete prod uction:Reviewing current practices and challenges. Journal of Cleaner Production 276, 124105. Jethy, B., Paul, S., Naik, B., 2022. Effect of utilization of rice husk ash on hardened properties of recycled concrete aggregate. Materials Today: