Obtaining optimum workability using RHA in a modified cementitious system

In order to reduce CO2 emission in concrete and minimize the environmental impact, majority of research focuses on using supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as Fly Ash (FA), blast furnace slag (GGBS) and Silica Fume (SF) or Microsilica as a replacement for ordinary Portland cement in concrete. However, in terms of sustainability, it is not economically feasible to use the above mentioned SCMs in countries where these materials are not readily available. In addition, when dealing with the carbon footprint of concrete, despite their positive influence in concrete, such SCMs cannot be said to be eco-friendly materials due to their high energy production process. In many developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), agriculture is the leading economic sector. Generally, agricultural by-products are eco-friendly in terms of low energy in production, and they often have no further use for the environment. These by-products (baggase, cassava peels and rice husks) are mainly not the materials of discussion in this current day and age and especially in the northern hemisphere, where the majority of concrete technology originates. Hence, it is inevitable to consider other more sustainable resources in concrete for SSA. Nevertheless, optimization of these resources in concrete can only function with a clear understanding of the reactivity of the materials and its interaction and mechanism to adopt similar and workable properties as a normal performance cementitious system. This paper addresses rice husk ash (RHA) as a main SCM in various cementitious systems with added limestone filler (LSF) and observes its performance in mortar. Superplasticizers such as polycarboxylate-ethers (PCEs) and lignosulphonates (LS) are incorporated in the cementitious systems to improve workability. The interaction of RHA with the superplasticizers was investigated by means of zeta potential (ZP). According to the results presented, it is shown that RHA powder has a positive compatibility with the chosen superplasticizers and its performance in mortar with LSF also shows increase in strength and workability.