MARATTO

article · Discover Applied Sciences

Innovative approaches to sustainable construction: a detailed study of rice husk ash as an eco-friendly substitute in cement production

202424 citationsOpen accessKampala International University

In plain language

Global rice cultivation generates vast quantities of rice husk, much of which is discarded into natural environments, lagoons, or landfills, creating significant ecological concerns. Because rice husk ash contains high levels of silica, it exhibits pozzolanic properties that make it an effective partial substitute for cement in concrete production. An evaluation of historical research and bibliometric data demonstrates that integrating rice husk ash improves the physical and chemical performance of concrete. Specifically, it enhances compressive, tensile, and flexural strength, alongside improving workability, durability, and water absorption characteristics. Beyond boosting load-bearing capacity and structural endurance, incorporating this agricultural byproduct reduces carbon emissions associated with conventional cement manufacturing. Utilising rice husk ash offers a practical strategy to lower construction expenses while promoting sustainable building practices through the productive reuse of agricultural waste.

Key takeaways

  • Rice husk ash possesses high silica content, providing pozzolanic properties suitable for cement replacement.
  • Substituting cement with this agricultural waste helps reduce landfill disposal and lowers carbon emissions.
  • Incorporating rice husk ash enhances the compressive, tensile, and flexural strength, as well as the durability and workability of concrete.
  • Reusing rice husks in building materials offers potential savings in overall construction expenses.

Why it matters

Conventional cement manufacturing generates high carbon emissions and consumes significant natural resources. Repurposing rice husk, a widely discarded agricultural byproduct, into an alternative construction material helps divert millions of tonnes of waste from landfills. It simultaneously strengthens concrete structures, lowers construction costs, and lessens the environmental footprint of building projects worldwide.

Commercialisation angle

This material can be applied in structural concrete by cement manufacturers, precast component makers, and infrastructure contractors. Because the abstract summarises historical research and existing applications in infrastructure projects, the technology appears to be applied and tested rather than purely conceptual. Wider commercial use relies on organising consistent supply chains for collecting, incinerating, and processing agricultural husk waste into construction-grade ash.

AI-generated from the published abstract. Always read the original work before citing.

Abstract

An immense amount of rice is cultivated globally, leading to the generation of large amounts of rice husk. Unfortunately, this husk is often disposed of in natural settings and lagoons. The alternative use of this material encourages replacing traditional building materials. Rice husk production in India is 31.40 million tonnes, which fills landfills and causes environmental problems. Concrete with this substance helps solve environmental and economic problems. This material's high silica content makes it pozzolanic. Extensive studies have been carried out in recent decades to evaluate the viability of incorporating it into different building construction methods. The sustainable development of the environment and economy of nations has benefited greatly from such research and innovations. Key findings indicate that this material has a positive impact on the strength and durability of concrete, while also contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions. It implications that this material has the potential to reduce construction expenses and encourage environmentally conscious building methods through the reuse of agricultural waste This study summarises historical research on rice husk-based concrete in infrastructure projects. Its physical and chemical features increase compressive, tensile, workability, durability, flexural strength, and water absorption. VOS viewer was used for bibliometric analysis of country and keyword data. The purpose of increasing the compressive strength when using rice husk ash as a replacement in cement is to enhance the durability and load-bearing capacity of concrete.

Research topics

  • Recycling and utilization of industrial and municipal waste in materials production
  • Concrete and Cement Materials Research

Sustainable Development Goals

Read the original research

This page summarises published work. The authoritative version sits with the publisher.

DOI: 10.1007/s42452-024-06314-1

Is something wrong with this record? Report it or request removal.

Discussion

Discuss this research

Have you built on this work, tried to replicate it, or seen it applied in practice? Share what you know. Verified researchers and MARATTO™ domain experts can open a discussion, and any member can reply. Contributions are reviewed before they appear.

No discussion yet. Open the first thread.