Performance Evaluation of Modified Concrete Incorporating Fly Ash, Silica Fume, Rice Husk Ash, and Calcium Nitrate

Year : 2025 | Volume : 12 | Issue : 02 | Page : 35 39
    By

    Rahul Prajapati,

  • Harsh Rathore,

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable and high-performance concrete has led to the incorporation of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and chemical admixtures to enhance mechanical and durability properties. This study investigates the effect of 15% fly ash, 10% silica fume, 10% rice husk ash, and 3% calcium nitrate as a partial replacement for cement in M25 and M30 grade concrete. Experimental results demonstrate that the modified concrete exhibited an increase in compressive strength compared to conventional concrete, with improvements of 7.03% (M25) and 2.60% (M30) at 28 days, progressively increasing at later ages. Similarly, split tensile strength also showed a marginal improvement, with M25 gaining up to 6.68% and M30 up to 1.98% at 120 days. The enhancement in strength characteristics is attributed to the pozzolanic reaction, refined microstructure, and improved interfacial bonding of the cementitious matrix. Additionally, reduced water absorption indicates improved durability, making the modified mix a viable alternative for sustainable construction. However, the increase in tensile strength was relatively modest, suggesting the need for further optimization. The study highlights the potential of industrial byproducts and chemical admixtures in improving concrete performance while promoting eco-friendly construction practices. Further research is recommended on durability aspects, large-scale field applications, and cost-effectiveness to validate the findings and establish practical guidelines for implementation.

Keywords: Fly ash, silica fume, rice husk ash, calcium nitrate, supplementary cementitious materials, pozzolanic reaction, compressive strength, tensile strength, durability, sustainable concrete

[This article belongs to Journal of Structural Engineering and Management ]

How to cite this article:
Rahul Prajapati, Harsh Rathore. Performance Evaluation of Modified Concrete Incorporating Fly Ash, Silica Fume, Rice Husk Ash, and Calcium Nitrate. Journal of Structural Engineering and Management. 2025; 12(02):35-39.
How to cite this URL:
Rahul Prajapati, Harsh Rathore. Performance Evaluation of Modified Concrete Incorporating Fly Ash, Silica Fume, Rice Husk Ash, and Calcium Nitrate. Journal of Structural Engineering and Management. 2025; 12(02):35-39. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/josem/article=2025/view=232929


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 12
Issue 02
Received 21/03/2025
Accepted 24/04/2025
Published 30/04/2025
Publication Time 40 Days
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