Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC) is a special concrete with excellent mechanical and durability properties and it is differentiated with other forms of concrete in terms of production, mix proportion etc. Depending upon various parameters like composition and the curing temperature, its compressive strength ranges from 130 MPa to 750 MPa, bending strength varies as 29 to 51 MPa and Young's modulus results upto 50GPa to 75GPa.Though RPC possesses many outstanding properties, it has limited applications in the construction field. The usage of higher quantity of cement and Silica Fume causes the rise of production of RPC. In addition to that, the silica fume availability is also restricted. For a country like India, usage of SF is limited due to its high price. Also, mineral admixtures can be used as a suitable alternative. Hence in this research work, Rice Husk Ash (RHA) is used as a possible alternatives for replacing silica fume in RPC. RHA holds maximum amount of silica (approx. 96%) in amorphous form. In this research, an experimental research on mechanical and durability properties of RPC by partially replacing SF with RHA. The detailed literature survey on constituent materials, mix proportions and curing conditions of RPC were done. Also, the optimum temperature and duration for the thermal treatment of RHA were identified. The compressive strength of the specimens of partial replacement of Silica Fume using RHA were tested and the results were compared with control specimens compressive strength.
Utilization of Rice Husk Ash in Reactive Powder Concrete