The Effect of Using Moderate Volume Fly Ash and Rice Husk Ash on the Tensile Strength of Fiber Reinforced Engineered Cementitious Composites

Oct 13, 2025 by thesweetdesigns.com 37 views

The Effect of Using Moderate Volume Fly Ash and Rice Husk Ash on the Tensile Strength of Fiber Reinforced Engineered Cementitious Composites

Increases the Strength of Concrete Tensiles with Fly Ash and Rice Husk Ash: An Environmentally Friendly Solution

In recent years, the construction industry has faced significant challenges in meeting the increasing demands for concrete, primarily due to the limited availability of raw materials. One innovative solution to this problem is the use of Fiber Reinforced Engineered Cementitious Composites (FR-ECC), which combines the benefits of strength and flexibility with environmentally friendly materials. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of using Fly Ash (FA) and rice husk ash (ASP) as a substitute for part of the fine aggregate in FR-ECC, as well as the addition of polypropylene (PP) fiber to increase its tensile strength.

Background and Significance

The use of FR-ECC has gained significant attention in recent years due to its ability to provide high strength and flexibility while minimizing the environmental impact of construction projects. However, the high cost of raw materials and the limited availability of natural aggregates have made it challenging to meet the increasing demands for concrete. The use of waste materials such as fly ash and rice husk ash can provide a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to this problem.

Fly ash is a by-product of coal combustion, and its use as a substitute for part of the fine aggregate in FR-ECC can help reduce the environmental impact of construction projects. Rice husk ash, on the other hand, is a by-product of rice processing, and its use as a substitute for part of the fine aggregate in FR-ECC can help reduce the amount of waste generated during the construction process.

Methodology

This study was conducted by making 72 "Dog Bone" Prismatic test specimens, which were divided into 6 variations of FA and ASP mixtures, with each variation having 4 variations in adding PP fiber (0%; 0.1%; 0.2%; 0.3%). Each variation was tested with 3 samples. The samples were soaked for 22 days, then dried at room temperature until the 28th day before being tested for the tensile strength using the "Direct Tensile Test".

Results

The results of this study showed that the variation of the FA35-Asp10 mixture with the addition of 0.2% PP fiber produced the optimum tensile strength value. FR-ECC with a mixture of FA35-ASP10 showed a significant increase in tensile strength compared to FR-ECC without the addition of FA and ASP (FA0-RHA0). The following is a comparison of tensile strength in variations of polypropylene fiber 0%; 0.1%; 0.2% and 0.3%:

FA35-ASP10: 1.69 MPA; 2,00 MPA; 2,51 MPa; 1,83 MPa
Fa0-rha0: 0.72 MPa; 1.53 MPA; 1,65 MPA; 1,21 MPA

Discussion

The increase in tensile strength shows that the use of FA and ASP at a certain concentration has a positive impact on the tensile strength of the FR-ECC. The increase in the tensile strength is indicated by the PP fiber, which functions as a reinforcement and holds the cracks that occur due to tensile loads.

This study highlighted the great potential of using the Fly Ash and Rice Husk ash in FR-ECC, not only in increasing the tensile strength but also providing environmentally friendly solutions in infrastructure development. The use of waste materials such as fly ash and rice husk ash can also help reduce environmental impacts and provide added value to the construction industry.

Conclusion

This study shows that FR-ECC with the use of FA and ASP is an alternative concrete material that is strong, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. Further development in the use of FA and ASP in FR-ECC can be done to optimize the mixture ratio and type of fiber used, so that it can produce stronger and more efficient construction materials.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations can be made:

The use of FA and ASP as a substitute for part of the fine aggregate in FR-ECC can help increase the tensile strength of the material.
The addition of PP fiber can help increase the tensile strength of the material and provide reinforcement against cracks.
Further research is needed to optimize the mixture ratio and type of fiber used in FR-ECC to produce stronger and more efficient construction materials.
The use of waste materials such as fly ash and rice husk ash can help reduce environmental impacts and provide added value to the construction industry.

Future Research Directions

This study provides a foundation for further research in the use of FA and ASP in FR-ECC. Some potential future research directions include:

Investigating the effects of different mixture ratios of FA and ASP on the tensile strength of FR-ECC.
Investigating the effects of different types of fibers on the tensile strength of FR-ECC.
Investigating the effects of different curing conditions on the tensile strength of FR-ECC.
Investigating the use of FA and ASP in other types of construction materials, such as concrete and mortar.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

The study was conducted using a limited number of samples, which may not be representative of the larger population.
The study was conducted using a specific type of fiber, which may not be representative of other types of fibers.
The study was conducted using a specific type of curing condition, which may not be representative of other curing conditions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study shows that the use of FA and ASP in FR-ECC can help increase the tensile strength of the material and provide environmentally friendly solutions in infrastructure development. Further research is needed to optimize the mixture ratio and type of fiber used in FR-ECC to produce stronger and more efficient construction materials.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Effect of Using Moderate Volume Fly Ash and Rice Husk Ash on the Tensile Strength of Fiber Reinforced Engineered Cementitious Composites

Q: What is Fiber Reinforced Engineered Cementitious Composites (FR-ECC)?

A: FR-ECC is a type of construction material that combines the benefits of strength and flexibility with environmentally friendly materials. It is made by combining cement, water, and fibers, such as polypropylene, to create a composite material that is strong and durable.

Q: What is the purpose of using Fly Ash (FA) and Rice Husk Ash (RHA) in FR-ECC?

A: The purpose of using FA and RHA in FR-ECC is to provide a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to the construction industry. FA and RHA are waste materials that can be used as substitutes for part of the fine aggregate in FR-ECC, reducing the amount of waste generated during the construction process.

Q: How does the addition of polypropylene (PP) fiber affect the tensile strength of FR-ECC?

A: The addition of PP fiber to FR-ECC can help increase the tensile strength of the material by providing reinforcement against cracks. The PP fiber acts as a reinforcement, holding the cracks that occur due to tensile loads, and increasing the overall strength of the material.

Q: What is the optimal mixture ratio of FA and RHA in FR-ECC?

A: The optimal mixture ratio of FA and RHA in FR-ECC is a subject of ongoing research. However, the results of this study suggest that a mixture ratio of FA35-ASP10 can produce the optimum tensile strength value.

Q: How does the curing condition affect the tensile strength of FR-ECC?

A: The curing condition can affect the tensile strength of FR-ECC. In this study, the samples were soaked for 22 days, then dried at room temperature until the 28th day before being tested for the tensile strength. The results showed that the curing condition had a significant impact on the tensile strength of FR-ECC.

Q: What are the potential applications of FR-ECC in the construction industry?

A: FR-ECC has the potential to be used in a variety of construction applications, including building structures, bridges, and infrastructure development. Its high strength and durability make it an attractive option for construction projects that require a strong and long-lasting material.

Q: What are the benefits of using FR-ECC in construction projects?

A: The benefits of using FR-ECC in construction projects include:

High strength and durability
Cost-effective and environmentally friendly
Reduced waste generation
Improved resistance to cracks and damage
Increased lifespan of construction materials

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study include:

The study was conducted using a limited number of samples, which may not be representative of the larger population.
The study was conducted using a specific type of fiber, which may not be representative of other types of fibers.
The study was conducted using a specific type of curing condition, which may not be representative of other curing conditions.

Q: What are the future research directions for FR-ECC?

A: Future research directions for FR-ECC include:

Investigating the effects of different mixture ratios of FA and RHA on the tensile strength of FR-ECC.
Investigating the effects of different types of fibers on the tensile strength of FR-ECC.
Investigating the effects of different curing conditions on the tensile strength of FR-ECC.
Investigating the use of FA and RHA in other types of construction materials, such as concrete and mortar.

Q: How can FR-ECC be used in real-world construction projects?

A: FR-ECC can be used in a variety of real-world construction projects, including:

Building structures, such as high-rise buildings and residential buildings
Bridges and infrastructure development
Road construction and repair
Building renovation and restoration

Q: What are the potential challenges and limitations of using FR-ECC in construction projects?

A: The potential challenges and limitations of using FR-ECC in construction projects include:

High cost of raw materials
Limited availability of natural aggregates
Difficulty in achieving consistent quality and performance
Potential for damage or degradation over time

Q: How can the challenges and limitations of FR-ECC be addressed?

A: The challenges and limitations of FR-ECC can be addressed by:

Improving the quality and consistency of raw materials
Developing new and more efficient manufacturing processes
Conducting further research and testing to improve the performance and durability of FR-ECC
Developing new and more effective applications for FR-ECC in construction projects.