Carbon-task Saving of Slag Cement Concrete with Rice Husk Ash

Abstract

The cement is widely used as a construction material since last 2-3 hundred years in the modern world. It has negative environmental and health impacts as it is energy inefficient and an environmental pollutant during its life cycle. The present global demand is being replaced by waste or the rebuilding of new waste materials. Agricultural waste Rice Husk Ash (RHA) can partially replace cement, retaining the mechanical strength. Rice husk production in India is 31.40 million tonnes (record) in 2024-25, which is disposed of as landfills, or burnt to ashes after threshing and open drying which causes environmental problems. Elevated structures and long-range spans need cement with high compressive strength. The RHA has proved to be a substitute for slag cement due to high silica content turns it pozzolanic and helps to solve durability, weathering, environmental and economic issues. and other improved properties like erosion, water absorption and durability properties. With innovative combustion technique, the pozzolanic activity of RHA and the strength growth in occur mortar and was tested in Laboratory with locally available slag PPC. The physical, mechanical tests are conducted by making 150mmx150mmx150mm cubes and testing the potential durability and environmental corrosivity by adding RHA at different proportions with locally available cement manufacturing M-30 concrete. There is a lowering of compressive strength with higher content of blending with RHA, but less water absorption and high durability. Replacement of cement by RHA can save the carbon burden on the environment, satisfying Sustainable Development Goal SDG-13.3.