CHAPTER 3

SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT

3.1 Introduction

In the present project several methods employed for making RHA concrete, RHA
bricks and paving block are as follows-

1. Rice Husk Ash Concrete:

Concrete as is well known is a heterogeneous mix of cement, water and aggregates.

The admixtures may be added in concrete in order to enhance some of the properties desired
specially. In its simplest form, concrete is a mixture of paste and aggregates. Various
materials are added such as fly ash, rice husk, admixture to obtain concrete of desired
property. The character of the concrete is determined by quality of the paste. The key to
achieving a strong, durable concrete rests in the careful proportioning, mixing and
compacting of the ingredients. The detailed experimental investigation done to study the
effect of partial replacement of cement by RHA.

2. Rice Husk Ash Bricks

RHA can also be used in producing bricks. It reduces the usage of bricks made from
top soil, and saves trees too, since mud bricks are solidified by burning with wood.
Ungrounded RHA was used as a substitute of various percentage of clay in making bricks.
Inclusion of RHA in bricks affects its engineering properties. Water absorption, crushing
strength of bricks was investigated to find out the effects of RHA on these properties. Further
investigation showed the potential use of uncontrolled burning rice husk ash (RHA) to
produce lightweight fired-clay brick.

3. Paving Block:

Paving blocks were prepared same as the concrete, only there is difference in mix design
of paving blocks. The mix design was worked out for higher grade concrete i.e. M35
grade of concrete. The color pigments were procured from MIDC Amravati. The effect of
partial replacement of cement by rice husk ash was observed.
 The total experimental approach involved in this work has been divided into three
different parts. The details of work are narrated below.

Part I :-

1. Procurement of natural coarse and fine aggregates for the experimentation.

2. Procurement of cement required for the experimentation.
3. Procurement of Rice Husk Ash for the experimentation.
4. Carrying all preliminary work such as testing of cement, natural coarse and fine
aggregates and Rice Husk Ash.

Part II :-

Designing concrete mix by using IS method of mix design using important parameters
of the cement, RHA and aggregates.

Part III :-

1. Casting of cement blocks by replacing the Cement by RHA.

2. Casting of concrete blocks by replacing the cement by RHA in different proportions.
3. Casting of concrete cylinders by replacing the cement by RHA in different
proportions.
4. Casting of clay bricks by replacing the cement by RHA in different proportions
5. Casting of pavement blocks by replacing the cement by RHA in different proportions.
6. Testing of specimen.
7. Comparison of results.

24
The total project is divided in two parts phase-I and phase-II, the planning of project is done
by using CPM network in MS Project is Shown below:

Table 3.1.1 Phase I Activities

Task Name Duration Start Finish Predecessors

A) Literature Review 14 days Wed 10/07/13 Mon 29/07/13
B) Selection of topic 1 day Tue 30/07/13 Tue 30/07/13 1
C) Frame Plan 3 days Wed 31/07/13 Fri 02/08/13 2
D) Collection of material 3 days Mon 05/08/13 Wed 07/08/13 3
E) Testing of material 5 days Thu 08/08/13 Wed 14/08/13 4
F) Compressive Strength of
10 days Thu 15/08/13 Wed 28/08/13 5
cement +RHA
G) Testing of Cubes 28 days Thu 29/08/13 Mon 07/10/13 6
H) Preparation of report 10 days Tue 08/10/13 Mon 21/10/13 7
I) Submission 2 days Tue 22/10/13 Wed 23/10/13 8

Figure 3.1.1 Phase I CPM Network

Table 3.1.2 Phase II Activities

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Task Name Duration Start Finish Predecessors
A) Collection of material 2 days Mon 02/12/13 Tue 03/12/13
B) Testing of materials 4 days Wed 04/12/13 Mon 09/12/13 1
C) Mix Design 3 days Tue 10/12/13 Thu 12/12/13 2
D) Casting of blocks 10 days Fri 13/12/13 Thu 26/12/13 3
E) Casting of cylinder 7 days Fri 27/12/13 Mon 06/01/14 4
F) Paving block mix design 3 days Tue 07/01/14 Thu 09/01/14 5
G) Casting of paving blocks 10 days Fri 10/01/14 Thu 23/01/14 6
H) Testing of blocks 28 days Fri 27/12/13 Tue 04/02/14 4
I) Testing of cylinder 28 days Tue 07/01/14 Thu 13/02/14 5
J) Testing of paving blocks 28 days Fri 24/01/14 Tue 04/03/14 7
K) Preparation of bricks 16 days Fri 24/01/14 Fri 14/02/14 7
L) Testing of bricks 7 days Mon 17/02/14 Tue 25/02/14 11
M) Preparation of report 10 days Wed 05/03/14 Tue 18/03/14 10
N) Submitting report 3 days Wed 19/03/14 Fri 21/03/14 13

Figure 3.1.2 Phase II CPM Network

In this way the project planning was done in the Microsoft project software. Due to which the
project work is completed within time and therefore the activities were known at the start of
project. Also, it is useful to distribute the work amongst the project group members.

3.2 Details of Experimentations- Phase-wise

26
 3.2.1 Part I – Preliminary Test of Ingredients of Concrete

a) Cement

Cement used in this experimental work is Ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Various
properties were evaluated such as fineness of cement, standard consistency, setting time
and compressive strength as shown in table [Link]. according to IS 12269-1987[1]
provisions.

Table [Link] Properties of Cement

Sr. No Particulars

1 Fineness of grinding (Residue on I.S. sieve No. 9) 1%

2 Normal consistency (%) water required 31%

3 Setting time
Initial setting time (minutes) 120
Final setting time (minutes) 420

4 Compressive strength (average of three)

28 days 43.25N/mm2

5 Soundness test (expansion after boiling) 1mm

b) Fine aggregate:
Various properties of sand such as specific gravity, fineness modulus, bulk
density were determined as per IS 12089-1987[2].
 Sand
Locally available natural sand was used as fine aggregate. Sand was brought
from MIDC, Amravati. Test was carried out for deciding fineness modulus. The sieve
analysis of sand is given below in table [Link]. Fineness modulus of sand is 3.25 & it
confirms to Grading zone II as per grading limit for fine aggregate (IS 383-1970). The
bulk density of sand was found to be 1938 kg/m 3. Specific gravity of sand is found to
be 2.75. For sieve analysis 1kg of sand was taken.

Table [Link] Sieve Analysis of Sand

27
 Sr No. I.S. sieve size Wt. retained Cumulative Cumulative Cumulative
(kg) Wt retained % retained % passing
(kg)
1 4.75mm 0.016 0.016 1.6 98.40
2 2.36mm 0.114 0.13 13.00 87.00
3 1.18mm 0.287 0.417 41.70 58.30
4 600µ 0.353 0.770 77.00 23.00
5 300 µ 0.205 0.975 97.50 2.50
6 150 µ 0.018 0.993 99.30 0.70
7 Pan 0.007
1kg(total) 330.00
Fineness modulus (F.M) = 330.00/100 = 3.30.

 Rice Husk Ash

RHA was used as a partial replacement of cement. Various tests such as specific
gravity, water absorption and sieve analysis were conducted on RHA to know its quality
and grading and results are shown in Tables.[Link] & [Link].

Table [Link] Physical Properties of RHA

Sr. No. Property Results

1 Particle size 150 µ down

2 Bulk density 0.5 gm/cc

3 Specific gravity 1.58

Table [Link] Sieve Analysis of Rice Husk Ash (RHA)

28
 Percentage
Weight Cumulative Percentage
Sieve size Cumulative
Retained Weight Retained Passing
Weight Retained
2.36 mm 0 0 0 100
1.18 mm 1 1 0.5 99.5
600 µm 5 6 3 97
425 µm 23 29 14.5 85.5
300 µm 36 65 32.5 67.5
150 µm 83 148 74 26.0
75 µm 38 186 93.0 7.0
Pan 14 200 100 0
Total 217.50
Fineness Modulus= 217.50/100=2.17

c) Coarse aggregate:

Coarse aggregates of maximum size 20mm was used in this study. Coarse aggregates
were brought from MIDC, Amravati. Various properties of CA such as fineness modulus,
bulk density determined as per IS 383-1970[3] are shown in table [Link]. Sieve analysis of
CA is shown in table [Link]. For sieve analysis 5 kg of coarse aggregate of 20mm and 10mm
was taken.

Table [Link] Physical Properties of Coarse Aggregates

Sr. No. Property Results

1 Particle shape, size Angular, 20mm down
2 Bulk density 1.585
3 Specific gravity 2.75

Table [Link] Sieve Analysis of Coarse Aggregates

29
 Sr. Sieve size Weight Cumulative Cumulative % % Passing
No. retained (kg) wt. retained wt. retained
1 40 mm Nil Nil Nil Nil
2 20 mm 0.05 0.05 1.00 99.00
3 10 mm 1.57 1.62 32.40 67.60
4 4.75 mm 1.38 3 60.00 40.00
5 2.36 mm 1.18 4.18 83.60 16.40
6 1.18 mm 0.47 4.65 93.00 7.00
7 600 micron 0.09 4.74 94.80 5.20
8 300 micron 0.075 4.815 96.30 3.60
9 150 micron 0.1 4.915 98.30 1.70
10 Pan 0.085 5.0 0
Total 5.000 559.40
Fineness modulus = 5.59

3.2.2 Part II – Mix Design of Concrete

Mix design can be regarded as the process of selection of proportion of the different
constituents of concrete to produce a product of the required quality. Mix design becomes an
important part of the compliance with specifications and should be worked out in conjunction
with an appropriate degree of quality control outline of mix. Concrete mix is designed for
M20 grade considering properties of materials like cement, fine aggregates and coarse
aggregates. The controlled concrete specimens were casted and tested for compressive
strength.

[Link] Properties of Concrete

The most important properties of concrete are its compressive strength and
durability in the hardened state and its workability and cohesiveness in the plastic state.
1. Compressive strength
The rate of gain of compressive strength of concrete of given proportions varies
with the type of cement and with the curing temperature. These conditions are normally
determined for a particular mix design.

2. Durability

30
 Durability is improved by reducing the pores in the concrete; this is achieved by
having a low water cement ratio and the concrete fully compacted.

3. Workability
The workability is affected by the water cement ratio and cement content, the
shape, texture, maximum size and the particle distribution of the aggregate.

4. Cohesiveness
Cohesiveness is required to prevent the mix falling apart and to reduce the
possibility of segregation of the coarse and fine particles during handling. By increasing the
fineness of the particles this property can be improved. The largest contribution comes from
the cement itself. Also, cohesiveness depends on the shape and texture of the aggregate
particles; higher for those which are smooth and round, than those which are rough and
angular.

[Link] Mix Design of concrete

1. Design stipulation:
i Characteristic Compressive strength = 20 N/mm2
ii Maximum size of aggregate = 20 mm
iii Degree of workability = 0.8
iv Degree of quality = Good
v Type of Exposure = Mild

2. Test data for materials

(i) Cement used = OPC
(ii) Specific gravity of Cement = 3.15
(iii) Specific gravity
Fine Aggregate = 2.27
Coarse Aggregate = 2.75
(iv) Water absorption
Fine Aggregate = 1 %
Coarse Aggregate = 0.5 %
(v) Free Surface Moisture
Fine Aggregate = 2 %

31
 Coarse Aggregate = Nil %

Fine Aggregate confirming the = Zone II

(vi)
table 4, IS 383- Zone

3. Target mean strength

Standard deviation "s" = 4

Tolerance factor "t" = 1.65
Target mean strength "fck" = fck + s x t
= 26.60 N/mm2
4. Selection of Water Cement ratio

Water Cement ratio = 0.50

5. Selection of water sand
content
Approximate water
content = 186.00 liters

Sand content as
percentage of total
= 35.00
aggregate by absolute
volume

Table [Link].1 Adjustment Required due to change in condition

Sr. No. Change in condition Adjustments required in

32
 Water Content in Percentage sand in
percentage total aggregate
For Increase/Decrease in w/c
(i) -2
Ratio 0
(ii) For sand confirming of table
0 0
4, IS 383, Zone
(iii) For Increase/Decrease in
0 0
compaction Factor
Total 0 -2
Therefore,
Required Sand content = 33.00 %

Required Water content = 186.00 l/m3

1. Determination of Cement content

Water Cement Ratio = 0.50
Water Content = 186.00 liter
Cement Content = 372.00 kg

2. Determination of Fine & Coarse aggregate

Air entrapped in concrete = 2 %
Actual quantity of concrete
"V" = 0.98 Cum

Fine aggregate
V = W + C/Sc + 1/p * fa/Sfa
Fine aggregate "fa" = 506.32 kg

Coarse aggregate
V = W + C/Sc + 1/(1-p) * Ca/Sca
Coarse aggregate "Ca" = 1245.35 kg

Then the mix proportion is,

Coarse
Cement Fine Aggregate Water
Aggregate

372.0 506.32 1245.35 186.00

33
 1.0 1.36 3.35 0.50

3. Actual quantities required for the mix per bag of cement

The mix is 1:1.36:3.35
(i) Cement = 50.00 kg
(ii) Fine Aggregate = 68.05 kg
(iii) Coarse Aggregate = 167.39 kg
20 mm = 100.43 kg
10 mm = 66.95 kg
(iv) Water = 24.48 liter
(v) Actual quantity of FA = 1.02*68.05 = 69.41 kg
required after allowing mass
of free moisture
Therefore, the actual quantities of materials required for the mix
are;

Water = 24.48 ltr

Cement = 50.00 kg
Fine aggregate = 69.41 kg
Coarse Aggregate
20 mm = 100.43 kg
10 mm = 66.95 kg

Table [Link].2 Materials required for concrete

Concrete quantity = 1 Cum
Sr. No Material name Quantity Unit
1 Cement 372.00 kg
2 Fine Aggregate 516.33 kg
3 Coarse Aggregate 20mm 744.00 kg
4 Coarse Aggregate 10mm 498.10 kg
5 Water 182.28 liter
6 Water Cement ratio 0.50
[Link] Mix Design of Paving Block (BS 6717:1993)
[Link].1 Factors Affecting Mix Design Procedures
(a) Cement content

34
 The concrete mix proportions of paving block chosen should be such that the
concrete is of low workability, the existing water in the mix is barely sufficient to hydrate
fully the cement. Further addition of cement has the effect of lowering the workability,
because of the lack of water. Figure [Link].1 shows the effect of high cement content on
strength. Cement content with the relatively high strength requirement, the aggregate
cement ratio will be in the range of 3:1 to 6: 1. As per BS 6717-1993(Part-I), the cement
content of the compacted concrete shall be not less than 380 kg/m3

Figure: [Link].1 Effect of Cement Content on Strength

(b) Pigments
1. Concentrations of color pigment:
As per BS 1014-1975, there is an optimum concentration of color pigments for
maximum intensity. Figure [Link].2 shows the optimum pigment levels based on cement
weight.

Figure [Link].2: Optimum Pigment Levels, Based on Cement Weight

2. Water demand
As per BS 1014-1975, Different color pigment requires different water contents due
its particle shape. If the water cement ratio is constant then it is possible to measure the

35
workability by measuring the spread of the concrete. Figure [Link].3 shows water demand of
different colors.

Figure [Link].3: Water Demand of Different Colours

(c) Aggregates
Those properties of the aggregate which have the most important influence on
the quality of concrete are the cleanliness, the shape and surface texture, and the grading. It is
essential that the fine aggregate does not contain more than 25% acid soluble material on that
fraction retained or passing the 600 micron sieve.

(d) Effect of density on strength and absorption

The density of fully-compacted concrete is dependent on the density of the
aggregate used. Figure3.[Link] shows the effect of lowering the density and this was
obtained by adjustment to the machine.

36
 Figure [Link].4: Effect of Lowering the Density

(e) Curing regime and conditions

As stated previously, there is insufficient water in the mix to hydrate the cement
fully and it is found that if this type of concrete is cured using moisture and slightly elevated
temperatures, the early as well as the 28 day strength is higher compared with natural curing.
Steam curing can be used, and at one day the strengths are increased, but the 28 day strength
can be 20% lower than naturally cured blocks. Figure [Link].5 shows the effect different
storage conditions on strength.

Figure [Link].5: Effect of Storage Conditions on Strength

(g) Compressive strength

Because of variability of concrete strength, the mix must be designed to have a
considerably higher mean strength than the strength specified. The overall variation factors
can be considered to be made up from:

37
1. Variation in the quality of material used.
2. Variation in the mix proportions in the batching process.
3. Variation due to sampling and testing.

(h) Characteristic strength

There is always a possibility, however remote, ·that a result will be obtained less
than the specified strength.

Characteristic strength= Average strength - (k x SD)

Where, k = a constant for defective products.

SD = Standard Deviation
For concrete paving blocks, k =1.64 which represent 5% defectives
SD – (a) Pressure type machine, small number per cycle= 3.5 N/mm2
(b)Vibration, large number blocks per cycle 7.0 N/mm2

(i) Water content

The water content lies between 5 and 7% moisture of the total mix weight.
(j) Grading

Figure [Link].6: Aggregate Grading Curve

The aggregate should be chosen and combined if necessary to fit as closely as

possible to the curve of Figure [Link].6. The curve is designed to give a close textured

38
surface but, by increasing the coarse content of the mix, a more open textured appearance is
produced.

[Link].2 Mix Design Procedure

The mix is designed for higher strength because the strength gained may be less as
curing is avoided.
a) Design stipulation
 Characteristic strength 35 N/mm2
 Maximum size of aggregate 10 mm
 Degree of quality control Good
 Type of exposure Moderate

b) Material properties
 Specific gravity of cement 3.15
 Specific gravity of Fine Aggregate 2.27
 Specific gravity of coarse aggregate 2.75
1) Target mean strength
Target mean strength of the mix= characteristic strength + (k X SD)
F’ck = fck + 1.65 s
k = 1.64
F’ck= (1.64 x 7.0) + 35
F’ck = 46.48 N/mm2

2) Selection of water cement ratio

The water cement ratio is taken as 7% of total weight of mix. But
considering the absorption of the aggregates the water content is increased by 2% as
per the Figure [Link].4 corresponding to target strength.

3) Aggregate to cement ratio

From the figure [Link].1, the aggregate cement ratio is decided on the basis of
the target strength as 4.5:1.

4) Fine aggregate to coarse aggregate ratio

39
 From the table of surface index, fine to coarse aggregate ratio is decided.

Table [Link].1: Combining of Crushed Aggregate and Fine Aggregate

Range of sieve Surface Grading (% between sieve) Surface area index
sizes area Required Available Required Available
index(SAI A1 A2 A1 A2
A B C D E F G H
40-20 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
20-10 2 1 0 0 2 0 0
10-4.75 4 7 29.3 0 28 117.2 0
4.75-2.36 8 24 43.3 7.6 192 346.4 60.8
2.36-1.68 16 20 19.2 21.1 320 307.2 337.6
1.18-600µ 32 20 2.9 19.9 640 92.8 636.8
600µ-300µ 64 15 1.5 32.4 960 96 2073.6
Below 300µ 128 13 3.8 19 1664 486.4 2432
Total 100 100 100 3806 1446 5540.8
1) Surface area index (SAI) = FGH/100 38.06 14.46 55.408

SAI1(100-%A2) + SAI2 * %A2 = SAIc * 100

Where,
SAI1= Surface area index for crushed aggregate
SAI2 = Surface area index for Fine Aggregate
SAIc= Surface area index for combined aggregate
%A1= % of crushed aggregate in total combined aggregate

%A2= % BFS in total combined aggregate

Calculation:-
From the table [Link].1, the value of SAIc is calculated as
SAI1= 14.46

SAI2= 55.408

SAIc= 38.06
Therefore,

40
 SAI1(100-%A2) + SAI2 * %A2 = SAIc * 100

14.46 (100-%A2) + 55.408 * %A2 = 38.06 * 100

Hence, % A2 = 53.00

And therefore, % A1 = 47.00

5) Pigment consideration
As the color of pigment used was red, it was taken 7% by weight of cement according
to figure 1.2. The water content was also increased by 2% for using red color according to
Figure [Link].3 .Pigment is used for upper layer which is separately mixed.

Mix calculations
1) Weight of concrete mix = 10 kg
2) Weight of cement = ( total weight)/ (combined proportion)
= (10)/ (4.5+1)
= 1.82 kg
3) Volume of water = 9.0% of total weight
=900 ml
4) The water cement ratio = ( 900 / 1820 )
= 0.50
5) Weight of aggregates = weight of mix – weight of cement
= (10 – 1.82) kg = 8.18 kg
6) Weight of crushed aggregate = ( total weight of aggregate)* %A1
= (8.18*0.42)
= 3.84kg

7) Weight of fine aggregate = total weight of aggregate – weight of coarse aggregate

= (8.18-3.84) kg
= 4.33kg

41
Table [Link].2 Summary for 10 kg of Wet Concrete Mix.
Sr. No. Material Quantity
1. Cement 1.82 kg
2. Coarse aggregate 3.84 kg
3. Fine aggregate 4.33 kg
4. Water-cement ratio 0.50

3.2.3 Part III-

[Link] Preparation of Concrete:
1. Measurement of constituents of concrete:

Constituent part of concrete such as cement, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate were weighed
on weigh balance in the concrete laboratory. The other constituent, required for the
investigation such as rice husk ash also weighed as per requirement. RHA photograph I
shown in photograph [Link]

Photograph [Link] Rice Husk Ash

2. Mixing of materials:

The mixing of weighed material was done by hand mixing.

Hand mixing:

Hand mixing of the ingredients is done on G.I Sheet which is available in the laboratory.
Firstly, little bit of water is sprinkled over the G.I Sheet. Then the measured quantity of
coarse aggregate size (20mm and 10mm) was firstly spread over the G.I sheet. Then the
measured quantity of fine aggregates was poured on the coarse aggregates. This mixture of

42
coarse aggregate and fine aggregate was thoroughly mixed with the help of shovel. Then the
measured quantity of cement was poured (according to the replacement of cement by RHA)
on this dry mixture of coarse and fine aggregates and mixture was mixed by shovel till the
homogeneity of mix is observed and uniformity in color is achieved. Then the water added to
the dry mix. The mix was mixed by shovel for 2-3 minutes till homogeneity is attained.

3. Placing of Concrete:
3.1 Concrete Blocks

Before placing concrete in the mould, the moulds were oiled from inside. Then concrete was
placed in the concrete moulds. The fresh concrete was filled into the moulds in the layers and
tamped using tamping rod and each layer for 25 times.

3.2 Paving Blocks

At first, color pigment layer is poured in the mould of design proportion and thereafter the
concrete layer is poured. The trowel was used for filling in the concrete into the moulds. The
compaction by trowel is also done. The care was taken that concrete was spread uniformly
throughout the mould.

4. Compaction of Concrete:

Vibrating table available in the laboratory was used to compact the test specimen. The
vibration was continued till the slurry of the concrete was squeezed out of the concrete and
came at the top of the mould. But care was taken to avoid the spill over the cement slurry.
Also, over vibration were avoided to prevent the segregation of concrete. The compaction
process is as shown in photograph [Link].

Photograph [Link] Compaction by Vibration

43
5. Curing of the test specimen:

Curing is the process of controlling the rate and of moisture loss from concrete during cement
hydration. It may be either after it has been placed in position (or during the manufacture of
concrete products), thereby providing time for the hydration of the cement to occur. Since the
hydration of cement does take time, and even weeks rather than hours – curing must be
undertaken for a reasonable period of time if the concrete is to achieve its potential strength
and durability. Curing may also encompass the control of temperature since this affects the
rate at which cement hydrates

However sufficient strength is achieved without curing hence paver block manufacturers in
the local industry do not prefer curing. In order to maintain similarity of procedure with
industry curing is avoided in whole procedure.

6. Experimental Setup:

Compression testing machine was used for checking the strength of concrete blocks, bricks,
paving blocks and tensile strength of concrete.

7. Area measurement as per IS.-15658:2006 [5]

There are two methods given in IS code for measurement of area of paving block, out of
which method 2 is selected. The procedure for measurement of area as follows

The specimen shall be placed, wearing face facing up, on the cardboard and its perimeter
traced with the pencil. The shape shall be cut out accurately with the scissors and weighed to
the nearest 0.000 1 N, and the result recorded as mass m sp. A rectangle measuring 200 mm x
100 mm, accurately cut out from the same cardboard, shall also be weighed to the
nearest0.0001 N, and the result recorded as mass m std. The plan area for the block shall be
calculated from the formula

20000 M sp
A=
M std
Where,
Msp is the mass of the cardboard shape matching the block (in gm) =
Mst is the mass of the 200 mm × 100 mm cardboard rectangle (in gm)

44
[Link] Preparation of Bricks
1. Measurement of constituents of brick:

The bricks were prepared at the site. The constituent parts of brick were weighed in concrete
laboratory. The other constituent, required for the investigation such as rice husk ash also
replace the clay by weight as per requirement.

2. Mixing of materials:

The mixing of material was done by hand mixing.

Hand mixing:

Hand mixing of the ingredients is done on the platform which was used by the workers for
preparing bricks. Then the required quantity of clay and other ingredients such as RHA are
dry mixed. Then the water added to the dry mix. The mix was mixed by hand till
homogeneity is attained.

3. Placing of wet mix in mould:

Before placing concrete in the mould, the moulds were wetted in water. Then the wood ash is
added in mould so that brick can easily remove from mould. The mould was ready now, then
required quantity of mix was placed in the mould and leveled by compacting by hand and
shaking of the mould. As the leveled surface obtained, now mould is overturned and the wet
brick is taken out of mould.

Photograph [Link] Bricks Before Burning

45
 Photograph [Link] Wet Brick

4. Drying and Burning of Brick:

After preparation of brick, it was dried for 7 days in sunlight. Then the brick was placed in
kiln for burning. The burning of bricks in kiln of 650oc for 8 days was done. After completion
of burning, the brick is now ready for use.

5. Experimental Setup:
The water absorption for 7 days was determined. Compression testing machine was used
for checking the strength of bricks. Results were then compared with conventional
specimens.

In the concrete thus designed, cement was partially replaced by Rice Husk Ash (RHA).
Specimens casted for this proportion were tested for compressive strength, splitting tensile
strength and weight of specimen was noted. Results were then compared with conventional
specimens.

Paving blocks tested for compressive strength and weight of specimens was noted

In another investigation, in the bricks, clay was partially replaced by Rice Husk Ash (RHA).
Bricks casted for the different proportion were tested for compressive strength, water
absorption and weight of specimen was noted. Results were then compared with conventional
specimens.

46