Utilizing Fly Ash And Rice Husk Ash In Geopolymer Concrete: A Comparative Performance Study

Abstract

Environmental concerns stemming from cement production have emerged as a significant issue today. In pursuit of a sustainable future, there is a growing importance on reducing the use of this construction material due to its environmental impact. Geopolymer represents a promising alternative to traditional cement. Geopolymer concrete (GPC) is a hardened cementitious paste composed of alkaline solution, fly ash, fine and coarse aggregates. This research focusedto assessthe impact of utilizing rice husk ash (RHA) as a partial replacement of FA in GPC. The addition of RHA, serving as a source of silica, significantly influenced the strength of GPC.[1] The research discovered that the suitability of GPC diminishes as the amount of RHA increases, although it still stays within acceptable bounds. The inclusion of RHA in GPC resulted in higher compressive strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength. Also, the inclusion of RHA was found to be increased the acid resistance of GPC. Higher silica content correlates with increased strength and enhanced durability.