Mechanical Performance and Durability of Concrete Containing Rice Husk Ash and Waste Rubber Powder: An Experimental Study with Emphasis on Electrical Resistivity
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66224/JCER.8.3.60Keywords:
Waste rubber powder, Rice husk ash, Electrical resistivity, Permeability, Concrete compressive strengthAbstract
The present study investigates the effects of rice husk ash (RHA) and waste rubber powder (WRP) on the mechanical and durability-related performance of concrete, with particular emphasis on electrical resistivity. Eleven concrete mixtures were prepared with a total cementitious material content of 500 kg/m³, including a control mixture and mixtures incorporating 12% RHA as a cement replacement. Waste rubber powder was used as a partial replacement for sand at 10%, 15%, and 20% by mass, while an air-entraining admixture was used at dosages of 0.1% and 0.2%. Compressive strength and unit weight were measured at 7, 28, and 42 days, while electrical resistivity, water penetration depth under pressure, and water absorption were evaluated at 42 days. The results showed that replacing 12% of the cement with RHA reduced the 42-day compressive strength from 46.5 to 41.6 MPa, while increasing electrical resistivity from 98.3 to 119.5 Ω·m and reducing water penetration depth from 40 to 24.7 mm. The maximum 42-day compressive strength among the rubber-containing mixtures was 29.3 MPa at a 10% rubber replacement level. The effect of rubber replacement on electrical resistivity was non-linear. The mixture containing 12% RHA, 15% waste rubber powder, and 0.1% air-entraining admixture exhibited the highest electrical resistivity among all mixtures, reaching 181.7 Ω·m. The results indicate that the combined use of RHA and waste rubber powder can modify the transport-related properties of concrete, although these benefits may be accompanied by reductions in mechanical strength. These findings highlight the potential of using RHA and waste rubber powder in developing more sustainable concrete while maintaining an appropriate balance between mechanical and transport-related performance.
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