EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION ON PARTIAL

REPLACEMENT OF CEMENT AND CORASE AGGREGATE

BY RICE HUSK ASH AND STEEL SLAG IN CONCRETE

A PROJECT REPORT

Submitted by

SAIVIGNESH N (PA1912001020012)

in partial fulfillment for the award of the degree

of

MASTER OF TECHNOLOGY
IN

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

SRM INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

RAMAPURAM

JUNE & 2022

SRM INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
RAMAPURAM

BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE
Certified that this project report “EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION ON

PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF CEMENT AND COARSE

AGGREGATE BY RICE HUSK ASH AND STEEL SLAG IN

CONCRETE” is the bonafide work of SAIVIGNESH.N (PA1912001020012)”

who carried out the project work under my supervision.

Signature of Guide Signature of Dept. Co-ordinator

Mr. M. RAMESHWARAN Mr. S. VIJAYAN

Assistant Professor (Sr.G) Assistant Professor (Sr.G)
Department of Civil Engineering Department of Civil Engineering
SRM IST, Ramapuram SRM IST, Ramapuram

INTERNAL EXAMINER EXTERNAL EXAMINER

Date: Date:
 ABSTRACT

This study represents the experimental characteristics and behaviour of Concrete with

various proportion of partial replacement of aggregates by steel slag and cement by Rice

husk Ash and its comparison with controlled specimen. Replacing of steel slag up to 75%

does not have huge effect on strength and replacement of RHA has shown an increase

in strength up to 30%. The coarse aggregates are replaced by steel slag for various

percentage and cement with partial replacement of RHA for various percentage is to be used

in combination and the strength is to be checked. Tests were conducted on the hardened

concrete such as Compressive strength test, tensile strength tests for controlled specimen

and for concrete with various replacements are to be done. A comparative study on strength

and cost effectiveness is to be done and the effectiveness on replacement is analysed. It is

expected from the experiment that the strength of sample for various replacements will not

have any adverse effect on strength and there might be slight improvement in strength. This

replacement would prove to have some environment benefits and would be choice of an

affordable or a less cost technique in concreting for the future. The aim of this project is to

promptly use the solid waste materials in the effective way in construction building and

roads without any hazardous effect on strength.

iii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

It is always a pleasure to remind the fine people in the engineering

program for their sincere guidance I received to uphold my practical as well
as theoretical skills in Engineering.
We take the opportunity to express my deep sense of gratitude and
sincere thanks to our SRM TOP MANAGEMENT for a good planning of
academic schedule and support throughout this project.
We take the privilege to extend our hearty thanks to the Program
Coordinator Dr. A. Mathivanan, Ph.D., Professor, Department of
Mechanical Engineering, for his suggestions, support and encouragement
towards the completion of the project with perfection.
We express our heartfelt thanks to our Department Coordinator
Mr. S. Vijayan, M.E., Asst. Professor (Sr.G), Department of Civil
Engineering for his sustained encouragement, constructive criticisms and
constant guidance throughout this project work.
We take the opportunity to extend our hearty thanks to our Project
Coordinator, Mr. S. Vijayan, M.E., Asst. Professor (Sr.G), Department of
Civil Engineering for his constant encouragement and backing me throughout
many important circumstances.
We are highly indebted and grateful to our guide Mr. M. Rameshwaran,
M.E., Asst. Professor (Sr.G), Department of Civil Engineering for his constant
support and guidance offered to us during the course of this project work.
We would also like to thank non-teaching staffs and our friends for their
timely help big and small alike, which culminated as good as in the end.

iv
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER NO TITLE PAGE NO

ABSTRACT iii
LIST OF TABLES vii
LIST OF FIGURES viii
LIST OF SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS ix
1 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 GENERAL 1
1.2 PURPOSE 2
1.3 SCOPE OF WORK 2
1.4 RICE HUSK ASH 2
1.5 STEEL SLAG 5
2 LITERATURE REVIEW 7
2.1 GENERAL 7
2.2 PAST STUDIES ON RHA AND
STEEL SLAG 7
3 METHODOLOGY 19
3.1 GENERAL 19
3.2 METHODOLOGY ADOPTED 19
4 EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION 20
4.1 GENERAL 20
4.2 DETAILS OF SPECIMENS 20
4.3 PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS 20
4.3.1 Cement 20
4.3.2 Physical Properties of Cement 21
4.3.3 Chemical Properties of OPC 21
4.3.4 Fine Aggregate 22
4.3.5 Physical Properties of Fine aggregate 22
4.3.6 Coarse aggregate 23
4.3.7 Rice Husk Ash (RHA) 24

v
 4.3.8 Physical Properties of RHA 25
4.3.9 Chemical Properties of RHA 25
4.3.10 Steel Slag 26
4.3.11 Physical Properties of Steel Slag 26
4.3.12 Chemical Properties of Steel Slag 26
4.3.13 Mechanical Properties of Steel Slag 28
4.4 TEST METHOD FOR ASSESSMENT
OF PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE 28
4.4.1 Fresh Concrete Properties 28
4.4.1.1 Slump cone test 28
4.4.1.2 Compaction factor test 29
4.4.2 Hardened Concrete Properties 30
4.4.2.1 Compressive Strength 30
4.4.2.2 Splitting Tensile Strength 31
4.4.2.3 Flexural test 33
4.5 Summary 35
5 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS 36
5.1 GENERAL 36
5.2 TESTING ON FRESH CONCRETE 36
5.2.1 Workability test by Slump 36
5.2.2 Compaction Factor test 38
5.3 TESTING ON HARDENED CONCRETE 39
5.3.1 Compressive Strength Test 39
5.3.2 Split Tensile Strength Test 40
5.3.3 Flexural Strength Test of Prisms 42
5.3.4 Water Absorption Test 45
5.3.5 Acid Attack Test 46
6 CONCLUSION 49
REFERENCES 51
ANNEXURE – I 52
ANNEXURE – 2 57

vi
 LIST OF TABLES

TABLE.NO TITLE PAGE NO.

4.1 Details of Specimens 20

4.2 Physical properties of Cement 21
4.3 Chemical properties of Cement 21
4.4 Physical properties of Fine Aggregate 23
4.5 Fineness Modulus of Coarse Aggregate 23
4.6 Physical Properties of Coarse Aggregate 24
4.7 Physical properties of Rice husk ash 25
4.8 Chemical properties of Rice husk ash 25
4.9 Test Results for Fineness Modulus of Steel Slag 26
4.10 Physical properties of Steel slag 27
4.11 Chemical properties of Steel slag 28
4.12 Mechanical properties of Steel slag 28
5.1 Slump values 28
5.2 Test for Workability by Compaction Factor 38
5.3 Replacement of Coarse Aggregate with Steel Slag in
Compressive Strength (10 - 20mm) 39
5.4 Replacement of Coarse Aggregate with Steel Slag in
Split Tensile Strength (10 - 20mm) 41
5.5 Flexural Strength of Prisms 43
5.6 Acid attack test weight loss 46
5.7 Acid attack test strength loss 47

vii
 LIST OF FIGURES

FIG.NO TITLE PAGE NO

1.1 Rice Husk Ash 04
1.2 Steel Slag 06
3.1 Methodology Adopted 19
4.1 Sieve Analysis 22
4.2 Fineness Modulus of Coarse aggregate 24
4.3 Fineness Modulus of Steel Slag 27
4.4 Slump Cone Test 29
4.5 Compaction Factor Test 30
4.6 Compressive strength test 31
4.7 Split tensile strength test 32
4.8 Flexural strength test 34
5.1 Workability test by slump in concrete 36
5.2 Variation of Slump with Steel Slag
Content 37
5.3 Variation of Compaction factor with
Steel Slag content 39
5.4 Variation of Compressive Strength of
cubes 40
5.5 Variation of Tensile Strength of
Cylinder 42
5.6 Prisms Casted for determining Flexural
Strength 43
5.7 Flexural Strength test on prisms 43
5.8 Comparison of flexural strength of
prisms 44
5.9 Water absorption test 46
5.10 Acid attack test strength loss 47
5.11 Acid attack test 48

viii
LIST OF SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS

S - Standard deviation
D - Diameter of cylinder
L - Length of cylinder
P - Maximum load on the cylinder
fck - Characteristic compressive strength
Gm - Gram
Kg - Kilo gram
kN - Kilo Newton
N/mm 2 - Newton per millimeter square
m - Meter
m3 - Meter cube
mm - Millimeter
MPa - Mega Pascal
% - Percentage
Kg/m3 - Kilogram per meter cube
Fig - Figure
Sc - Specific gravity of cement
Sfa - Specific gravity of fine aggregate
Sca - Specific gravity of coarse aggregate
W1 - Weight of partially compacted concrete
W2 - Weight of fully compacted concrete
W/C - Water Cement Ratio
CTM - Compressive Testing Machine
RHA - Rice Hush Ash
CA - Coarse Aggregate
FA - Fine Aggregate
SS - Steel Slag

ix
 CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
1.1 GENERAL
Concrete is used extensively in the design and construction of infrastructural
projects. Coarse and fine particles make up a third of the volume of concrete. Every
day, the paucity of building materials grows. To meet future demand for building
materials, suitable alternatives for concrete preparation must be discovered. As a result,
the importance of available natural aggregates and waste materials from industry and
agriculture is growing. Steel slag in steel factory and blast furnaces and also a waste
material disposed from the industry. Steel slag aggregates are used in cement concrete
as a substitute for natural materials is a novel notion.
Rice production worldwide is estimated to be around 600 million tonnes. By
burning the rice husk, a large amount of RHA can be produced. It has a cellular structure
that is very micro porous, which aids to pozzolanic reactions in a mixture Containing
Portland cement.
The purposed work aims at exploring the feasibility of utilizing the steel slag and
RHA as a substitute to natural aggregates as well as cement in the cement concrete.
Because of the existence of un hydrated free-lime and magnesium-oxide, which hydrate
in a moist environment, the Steel Slag Aggregates (SSA) have the ability to expand.
Steel slag is presently employed in the bituminous asphalt pavement, making of
Portland cement, road construction as foundation course, and some agriculture
application, according to the National Slag Association.
It is proposed RHA and steel slag aggregates were used to investigate the
characteristics of concrete (SSA). The fresh and hard properties of concrete are tested
with this combination. Several other tests are also included various strength of concrete
present in RHA and SSA combination

1
1.2 PURPOSE
The Steel slag is industrial waste and RHA is also an agro based waste, will
produce a green concrete. When such compounds are employed in concrete, they affect
the mechanical and physical qualities as well as the durability of the concrete. This
industrial by-product has previously been successfully integrated in the aggregates for
hydraulical bind mixes for road basements by researchers. Combinations of these
materials strength are explored.
1.3 SCOPE OF WORK
The primary goal of the project given to investigate the properties of fresh
concrete and hard concrete at various mix proportions. Compressive tests, split tensile
strength tests, and other tests are used to determine concrete's strength. Steel slag was
used to replace natural aggregates in 25 percent incremental until all the natural
aggregates were replaced. As a result, using steel slag instead of natural aggregates in
concrete would have considerable environmental and economic benefits.
1.4 RICE HUSK ASH(RHA)
Rice husk is product from agriculture. Approximately 70% of the paddy weight
is received as rice, with the remaining 22% being rice husk. The Rice Husk is used as
fuel in several industries. The husk contains 75% of the volatile mater and Amorphous
silica, 85-92 percent. India is a rice-growing country, producing 20 million tonnes of
RHA per year. Where rice cultivation is common, this is the best alternative. Concrete's
lower cost might result in more secure and long-lasting infrastructure. RHA is an
excellent insulator.

RHA is also used to insulate moltened metal in tannish and slab casted ladles.
The temperature nature of the molten metal is roughly 1400 degrees Celsius or more.
The temperature of this metal drops to roughly 1250 degrees when it passes from ladle
to tannish. Choking and breakage in the slab caster occur as a result of the temperature
drop. RHA can also be used to stabilise soil.
The average yearly production of Rice in India is in the range of 100 million MT
[13]. As Rice Husk is produced from 1 MT of rice grain.; so approx quantity of Rice

2
Husk available is 20 million MT per year. Some of the top 10 rice-producing states in
India. Rice husk is the protective coating that surrounds a rice grain. It has a convex
form and is yellowish in colour. It is somewhat larger than a grain of rice, allowing for
lengths of up to 7 mm. 4 mm by 6 mm are typical dimensions. It is low in weight, with
a ground bulk density ranging from 340 to 400 kilogrammes per cubic metre.

In India Rice Husk is generally used as given below:

i) Generally Rice husk is crushed and utilised in tiny power plants. based on
feeding of Rice Husk.
ii) Rice Husk is used to fuel and co-fuel electric utilities as biomass.
iii) In gardening and landscaping Rice Husk is used for soil aeration.
iv) In rural India, rice husk is a common animal bedding material. It is fire
resistant, does not attract insects, and does not compress, making it a
gentler bed for animals than saw dust.
v) Some firms are now producing rice husk composites for use in furniture
and wood plastic composite (WPC) decking.
vi) Rice husk In the steel industry, ash is used to line ladles as an insulator.

ADVANTAGES OF USING RHA IN MAKING CONCRETE

Recent researches on concrete using Rice Husk Ash reveal that concrete of good quality
can be made with RHA. i.e. RHA is used in place of conventional Portland cement.
Recent studies reveal the following advantages of using RHA in concrete:
i) Increased compressive & flexural strengths.
ii) Permeability is reduced.
iii) Increased chemical resistance.
iv) Longer durability.
v) Alkali-silica reactivity is lessened.
vi) Less shrinkage due to particle packing, resulting in a denser
concrete.
vii) Improved concrete workability
viii) Reduced heat gain through building walls.

3
 ix) Reduced superplasticizer content.
x) Less efflorescence potential due to lower calcium hydracids.

Fig.1.1 Rice Husk Ash Collected From Mannachanallur Rice Mill

4
1.5 STEEL SLAG
Industrial wastes used in cement concrete is an economical and environmental
friendly material. The steel slag is an industrial waste product, we can use as aggregate
in the cement concrete(cc). The components are heated to a liquid condition by
electrochemical effects on the metal in the steel producing electric arc furnace. Other
metals may be added throughout the melting process to preserve the required chemical
composition. Steel slag is used for various purposes like manufacturing of Portland
cement, aggregate in hot min asphalt, and for soil stabilization. In the world wide steel
slag production approximately fifty million tons per year.
Several factors influence the physical properties and chemical properties of steel slag
in general. Various types manufacturing facility, and steel slag processing are some of
these factors.
Composite materials are multiphase materials created by combining several materials
artificially to get qualities that the individual components cannot achieve on their own.
The alumina, silica and other components in iron ore must be removed during the
reduction process, and the additional substances, lowering their melting point. Steel slag
is made out of limestone, which is utilised as an important ingredient in the
manufacturing of steel and iron.
Separating them from iron and recovering them will be easy. Slag is the recovered
material. Limestone (CaO) and silica are the principal elements of iron and steel slag;
other elements of blast furnace slag include alumina (Al2 O3) and magnesium oxide
(MgO), also a trace quantity of sulphur (S), whereas steel slag comprises of iron oxide
(FeO) (Hansen, 1966).
Since the refining time is very short and the quantity of the limestone present is
substantial, part of the limestone material may have remained undissolved as free CaO
in the case of steel production slag.

5
Advantages of using steel slag aggregates
i) Consistent Quality.
ii) Doesn't include materials like chlorides, clay, or shells and organic pollutants
iii) Like Materials Age, Their Strength Increases.
iv) Alkali-aggregate reactions are not produced.
v) The blast furnace slag extracted the fine aggregate is free of chlorides,
organic impurities, clay and shell, which might impact the strength of
concrete.

Fig.1.2 Steel Slag Collected From Harihar Industries

6
 CHAPTER II
LITRATURE REVIEW
2.1 GENERAL
RHA has been used to complete numerous projects in materials to be replaced in
cement Steel Slag as aggregates in cement concrete. In this chapter we discussed about
Steel Slag and RHA properties, how it was useful in manufacturing of concrete.

2.2 PAST STUDIES ON RHA AND STEEL SLAG

Ganta Mounika et al., (2022) have studied Rice husk ash is also made use of in the
creation of low-cost sand Create blocks for construction. In Minna, Nigeria,
compressive strength of certain commercial sand Crete blocks was studied. The study
determined that a 20 percent replacement rate is optimal. Rice husk ash created with
charcoal from firewood is pozzolanic and so ideal for block production. Rice husk ash
had specific gravity in range of 2.13, un compact bulk density of 460 kg/m3, and
compact the bulk density of 530 kg/m3, respectively. The water demand for a given mix
rises as the rice husk ash content rises. OPC/RHA has a density is about 500 to
2100kg/m3. The compressive strength of the blocks improves with time is cured and
declines as the RHA concentration rises. Rice husk(RHA) is accessible as a waste in
large amounts and can be used to make blocks. This will help to minimise the amount
is wasted deposited in our environment significantly. The optimal level of cement
particularly OPC replacement with RHA is 20%. [18].

J. Subashi De Silva et al., (2021) studied that the influence of the rice husk ash(RHA)
on the mechanical characteristics and long-term durability of the sustainable concretes
For the first time in the Middle East, a specific furnace was created and built in
Amirabad University of Technology in order to supply typical RHA. The amorphous
silica concentration of the burnt rice husk was then determined using XRD and XRF
methods. The time and temperature of the furnace are crucial factors that influence RHA

7
pozzolans' reactivity. When rice husk is burned at a high temperature, silica in the
amorphous state becomes crystalline.
The aggrevated reactions between calcium hydroxide produced by cement hydration
and RHA's amorphous silica produce chemical effect. [14].

Osama Zaid et al., (2021) has been revealed that The durability of mortars containing
various pozzolanic ingredients was compared. Different types of cement replacement
materials were used as a kind of replacement for cement in mortar mixes with a
percentage value of 10% in the study. To assess of these components in mortar
qualities, the mechanical components of control cement applications were employed as
cement replacement materials in this study (RHA). The raise in mortar samples
containing 10% of which is employed cement alternative is cured for 3 days merely in
water ranging from 19% to 240 percent, according to the researcher. The compressive
strength increased by 23 percent to 46 percent after 7 days of curing, and by 32 percent
to 45 percent after the 28 days of curing, compared to the mortar. The gradual increase
in strength of mortar samples containing 10% of the employed cement replacement
properties, materials and cured in water for about 28 day ranging from 9% to 38% above
the mortar. Samples containing 10% of the employed cement replacement materials and
cured in water for 28 day varied from about 28% to 44% above the mortar. The addition
of the commonly used cement replacement materials in mortar mixes reduces the loss
of the mortar's strength caused by immersion in 10% sulphate solutions. [19].

Ayesha Siddika et al., (2021) have reviewed that Rice Husk Ash's Contribution to
Mortar and Concrete Properties The temperature effect that happens during cement
hydration can be reduced by using RHA mixed concrete. When compared to OPC, RHA
blended concrete improves concrete workability. Cement pastes' initial and ultimate
setting times can both be accelerated. The use of RHA instead of plain Portland cement
has been found to improve the chemical resistance of such mortars. Depending on the
characteristics of the aggregate, incorporating RHA as a partial cement replaced
between 12 and 15 percent may be sufficient to minimise detrimental expansion owing
to alkali-silica reaction in concrete. [20].

8
V. Seevaratnam et al., (2020) investigated The characteristics of chemical and physical
characteristics of the rice husk ash after grinding. The study employed four rice husk
ashes of varying fineness’s: coarse original rice husk ash. With flow table testing, the
mortar's water to the binder ratio is balanced at 110 percent 5%. Mortars were tested for
specific gravity, chemical, fineness characteristics, compressive strength, and porosity.
When compared to coarse rice husk ash, fine rice husk ash reduces the water to mixer
and increases strength and characteristics of mortar. Despite a raise in the pozzolonic
reaction, RHA produces a good strength when compared to other types rice husk ash
due to improved dispersion. [21].

Zhen lu et al., (2020) have studied Rice husk containing a density of 90 to 150 kg / m3
was obtained from rice paddy milling businesses. SEM is used to examine the chemical
properties and final analysis of RHA at various temperatures. For various conditions,
an X-Ray diffracted pattern of the RHA is drawn. The temperature of the fire was 8000
degrees Celsius, with a Water and Cement ratio of -0.35 to 0.47. Increase in
compressive strength after 28 days. 10 percent, 28 percent, and 30 percent replacement
mix.

M Thiedeitz et al., (2020) have studied Volcanic ash and rice husk ash could be
replaced for Portland cement up to 25%, and diatomaceous earth up to 6.25 percent,
according to compression strength tests. Diatomaceous earth was discovered to require
a lot of water due to its porous structure, as measured by scanning electron microscopy,
reducing its likelihood of being used on a construction site in the developing world.
[15].

Vaibhav Jain et al., (2021) have explored the effect of the rice husk ash on cosidered
strength characteristics of the concrete. The paper discusses numerous important
characteristics of the high concrete strength characteristics made from the actual rice
husk ashes. RHAs were sampled from few different sources: India and south east asian
were utilised to replace a part of cement as a binder material in high strength concrete

9
with varying components. Slump and permeability resistances were compared between
samples with two types of RHAs. The RHAs improves the compressive strength of
concrete in experiments. The findings also revealed that the India RHA samples
improved significantly more than the Vietnam RHA samples. The use of RHA in
concrete has a number of advantages. Rice husk is a common waste product created by
agriculture in Vietnam. This could be a source of RHAs for use in Vietnam's
construction industry. RHA of very low quality can be utilised as a concrete filler. The
allowed content to substitute cement is 10%, with a loss in compressive strength
accepted [22].

Bhaskara et al., (2022) investigated that Rice husk ash's potential for soil stabilisation
The performance of the soil-RHA was studied for compaction characteristics, strength
test using the British standard light compaction level. According to the AASHTO
(1986) categorization system, the laterite is an A-7-6 soil. According to the unified
system of classification, it is also clay of high plasticity (CH) (USC). With an raised in
RHA content, treatment with RHA resulted in a general decrease in MDD and an
increase in OMC. The soaked CBR improved as well. For UCS, a similar CBR trend
was discovered. At 6-8 percent RHA, the UCS values were at their highest. The UCS
of the blends grew as they aged. [13].

Zhennan Li et al., (2022) has concluded from the study The particular requirement of
the study was to find the strength and durability of steel slag aggregates concrete in a
freeze-thaw nature and environment, as it was thought that steel slag aggregates from
furnace have expansive properties and would cause concrete cracking. The findings
showed that incorporating up to 49% to 75% steel slag particles into traditional concrete
did not significantly affect the concrete's durability. [8].

Qiao Dong et al., (2021) studied that the silica fume is mixed to concrete with the steel
slag used as coarse aggregate and characteristics of the concrete is reduced at any time.
The results showed that increasing slag concentration in the mixtures increased
compressive strength and flexural force after 7th and 28th days. Smaller empty inter

10
gaps inside the concrete structure also resulted in better concrete density. We can
conclude from the aforementioned findings that utilising steel slag improved concrete
characteristics. [9].

Anjali P et al., (2022) studied that steel slag which as replacement for material such as
natural aggregates in concrete performance evaluation The same tests that were
performed in the first phase were repeated on aged specimens in this investigation. After
age, both thick and porous mixes became more resistant to permanent deformation and
low temperature cracking. The results of the tests revealed that steel slag has a lot of
potential as a road construction material. [11].

Eleni Temeche et al., (2020) study that concluded that when crushed in particular sizes
steel slag is used as part of the aggregate, asphalt concrete may be made and the
pavement can be built quickly. Overall project costs may rise if the unit cost and value
of steel slag modified mixes is the same as standard dense graded mixes. The covering
of the test section of HMAC made with 30% steel slag was 15% less than a typical "B"
mix. During the next five years that the pavements surface were monitored, there was
no evidence of increased rutting resistance or improved skid resistance. Because only
31% steel slag was included in the test mix, and the slag was finer than the normal 12.7
- 6.3mm material it updated, the differences between the two sections may not be
measurable. Both the control and the test have worked thus far satisfactorily performing.
[12].

P.Asha et al., (2020) studied that steel slag has been used to modify concrete.
Environmental protection from the environmental consequences of massive amounts of
slag rejected from steel smelting in Iraq or around the world. Concrete with a relatively
high density could also be utilised for particular applications. Using steel slag instead
of natural aggregates has a number of advantages. The replacement of natural aggregate

11
with slag aggregates restores long-term strength, whereas the complete replacement of
natural aggregates reduces strength (a loss in strength of 38 percent ). [23].

Richa Palod et al., (2020) studied that the tested steel slags could be used to build a
landfill cover. Except for the vegetation layer, they can be utilised in any levels. The
cover construction is intended to meet the criteria for leachate generation allowed. The
full-scale test will reveal how the materials perform in real-world situations (2007)
revealed Scraped steel slag with a highest size of 4.75 mm and an economics and
sufficient replacement ratio of 10% can be used in asphalt concrete. The strength, high
temperature strength and water strength and stability all meet the requirements. The test
revealed that using broken steel slag in asphalt as a treatment to improve creep stiffness
is a viable option. [24].

Thi Thuy Hang Nguyen, et al., (2020) revealed that scraped broken steel slag with a
highest can be used as replacement in asphalt concrete. The strength index, high
temperature strength and stability, and water strength and stability all meet the
requirements. The test revealed that using broken steel slag in asphalt as a treatment to
improve creep stiffness is a viable option. [25].

Ahmed Atef et al., (2020) provides Steel Slag Aggregate Use Recommendations
Specialist contractors have successfully employed steel slag aggregate in a range of
other applications, they are aware. It has, for example, been used to stabilise stone
columns and as a raw feed in the cement making process. We cannot, however, advise
in the suitability of steel slag aggregate in applications other than road and highway
construction. It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that steel slag aggregate is
acceptable for the intended usage. It is critical that the user examine the potential
interaction of the steel slag aggregate with other components of environment in which
it is used. [10].

Vadiraj Rao N R et al., (2020) investigated Steel slag applications and uses have been
studied far more frequently than recycled aggregates, hence the literature on the subject
12
is far more substantial. The material's chemical and physical properties were thoroughly
documented. Steel slag fines recycling was subjected to the same restrictions as
recovered aggregates recycling. Despite the fact that a variety of applications exist, new
research on acidity remediation was pursued. The addition of steel slag fines surpassed
the more traditional and widely used approach of neutralisation using limestone in
laboratory testing. Experiments to analyse the development capacity of grass seed sown
on a test patch with a 10% steel slag fines addition performed comparably to seeds sown
in ordinary top soil, but possibly too basic. Furthermore, because colliery refuse is
sterile, the grass seeds sowed were not in competition with other weedy plants and
vegetation, resulting in weed-free turf [26].

Chirag et al., (2021) studied that the information gathered was thoroughly examined.
The ANOVA statistical analysis technique was utilised to determine the impact of the
additional materials and the mix type performance. The impacts had a considerable
impact on mix and varied performance, according to the findings. From the findings,
the following conclusion may be drawn: Steel slag aggregate aligns with the MOC
specified needs for road building aggregate in Saudi. The tensile strength of the mixes
are improved by using fine crushed sand proportioned with the steel slag. The
modification of asphalt mixes demonstrate great fatigue life, and is acts like a permanent
and some cases as temporary deformation resistance. The filler sections of polymer
modified mixes have a long fatigue life and are resistant to the permanent deformation.
Mixtures including lime and polymer modification have dramatically increased
moisture resistance covered. With respect to the additives made use of in the study,
polymer modification is the efficient answer to the actual temperature susceptibility of
the mixes in the rough Saudi Arabia climate. [27].

Sam Joel et al., (2020) studied that reducing our over-reliance on cement as a concrete
ingredient due to its CO2 output and impact on concrete compressive strength and rice
husk ash compounds. It was discovered that depending on how the rice husk was
handled previously, different results were obtained. Some minor chemicals. The data
on the strength of concrete after adding fly ash and rice husk ash in percentage increase

13
of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 0%, 5%, 7.5 percent, 10%, 12.5 percent, 15
percent respectively was studied for a min of 7th days and a maximum of 28th days,
and it was found that the optimal percentage partial replacement of fly ash and rice husk
ash for a strength was discovered to be 0% and10%.

P.Asha et al., (2020) studied that the Partially replacing cement with particular rice
husk ash improves the mechanical properties of the concrete. At the ages of 7 and 28,
this work gives a rigorous experimental research on the strength. In the range of 10%
rice husk ash level of replacement, the sufficient 7th and 28th days flexural and
compressive strength was obtained. Rice husk concrete is less expensive than traditional
concrete. It reduces the cost by 3.35 percent through replacement. The rice husk ash
sometimes could be used for a partial replacement of cement applications in cement
concrete up to 10% without affecting any of the other properties.

Eleni Temeche et al., (2020) studied that RHA, which is created by managing and
consistent burning of rice husk and contains a high silica content, can be used as a
supplementing the cement material (SCM) in the concrete production because it has
good pozzolanic properties and helps to the strength and impermeability of concrete.
With growth of RHA replacement ratio in concrete, the working ability of the fresh
concrete mix diminishes. A good superplasticizer and suitable mix design can achieve
the requisite workability. The strength is improved by partially changed cement with
RHA. The ideal replacement rate is between 10% and 20%.

Shaik Nurulla et al., (2020) studied that when compared to the grade of concrete, every
replacement proportion has produced satisfactory values, according to the Compressive
Testing Machine (CTM).. But, if we observe that from 5 to 15 of RHA has given
increasing value of compressive strength thereafter at 20% RHA the concrete has
decreased its value to the lower of all the above mix proportions. Compressive strength
test shows the resistance offered by the internal particles of the specimen towards
failure. Because we all know that concrete is said to be stronger in compression and it
is weaker in stresses, the compression strength test will be performed first and first

14
anywhere in the world. The values thus observed from the test results shows that
replacement of RHA can be used as an alternative to cement not fully but partially.

Neeraj Bisht et al., (2020) concluded in this journal an attempt was made to
manufacture concrete that meets the various structural features of concrete, such as
compressive strength, by employing the RHA as a specific source of material for partial
substitution of the cement. Based on results of all of the experiments and research, mix
M20 is the optimal combination of all the mixes for maximum flexure and strength over
normal concrete. With 10, 20, and 30% RHA added to standard concrete in the 7th days,
early strength gain is slightly increased. However, after 28 days of testing, it was
discovered that when 20% RHA is added to normal concrete, the strength is same as or
greater than the normal concrete. As a result, optimal RHA content is 20%.

Ravinder Kaur Sandhu et al., (2021) concluded that Rice husk ash is a considered as
a by product of the wastage of widely available rice husk (RHA), and this can be used
for a cement alternative. Rice husk was used as a replacement for the cement by weight
in the investigation, coupled with ash in self-compacting concrete (SCC). It was
discovered that employing up to 30% RHA can result in material cost reductions of up
to 18%, as well as a reduction in carbon footprint and combined energy. Until 365 days,
the compressive strength and splitting strength, as well as parameters such as strength,
water absorption & porosity, rapid chloride permeability test, and sulphate prevention,
were analysed.

Vashisht Patil et al., (2020) studied that With increasing RHA replacement,
compressive strength improves, and good results are obtained up to 10% RHA
replacement. This study shows that adding 10% RHA to coconut shell concrete
improves its workability and mechanical qualities. The 28-day strength shows good
results thanks to the consideration of RHA, with up to 10% RHA replacement. Concrete
has a flexural strength of 10-15% of its compressive strength. This study looked at the
qualities of the concrete made with rice husk ash made a replacement for Ordinary
Portland cement and also coconut shell as a coarse aggregate. 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%,

15
10%, and 12% of OPC was replaced by RHA. Workability, concrete density, and
mechanical qualities like compressive strength are all important considerations.

Kazi Tamzidul Islam et al., (2020) studied that After 7th, 14th, 28th, and 50th days of
water curing, the influencing of the Steel Slag as a part replacement of the Fine
Aggregate with various percentages 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% is studied for the M25 and
M30 concrete grades. For various day, the result reveals a significant change in strength
for Fine aggregate substituted by Steel slag. When a 40 percentage of fine aggregate is
replaced for steel slag, flexural strength of the concrete does not degrade much when
comparing with 30%, and the mix can be used. The results of strength after a 28 days
of curing show that replacing 30% of the fine aggregate with steel slag is the best
replacement for the M 25 and M 30 concrete. The split tensile strength increases up to
30 percent by weight of fine aggregate as a proportion of steel slag increases. For M 25
grade concrete, the increase in strength is around 16.7% after 28th days, and for the M
30 grade concrete, the raise is about 15.6% after 28th days.

Biying Cui et al., (2021) concluded that the Steel slag was found to be 15%, 30%, 45%,
and 60% effective to replace coarse aggregate, and its compressive strength was
examined. The capability of the concrete to stand weathering, chemical attack, and other
deterioration processes is referred to as its durability. When exposed to the elements,
durable concrete maintains its original form, quality, and usability. Water absorption,
sulphate attack, and sorbtivity tests are among the durability tests to be performed. With
medium workability, the optimal amount of steel slag replacement for coarse aggregate
was discovered to be 45 percent. Because of the pores found in the steel slag, nature of
concrete exhibits a minor drop in sulphate attack test findings.

Gona I. Noori et al., (2020) studied that the steel slag's physiochemical characterisation
is a deciding element in its use as a recycled raw resources for road aggregate, cement
and concrete admixture, soil stabiliser, and building supplies, among other applications.
This report examines steel slag use patterns and the possibilities for massive steel slag
utilisation in India. Steel slag is more cost effective than conventional aggregates since

16
its expenses are about half that of conventional aggregates. Instead of being dumped on
valuable land, steel slag is recommended for use as a low-cost construction material in
high-quality construction.

Komang Saka Suwindu et al., (2020) studied that steel slag is utilised in the concrete
for a supplemental material. Part substitution of the coarse aggregate with steel slag was
achieved up to 8%, and replacement ratios of the fine aggregate with the steel slag was
achieved up to 30%. The cylinder strength of concrete of the baseline and substitute
mixes was measured, and it was discovered that steel slag of 30% fine aggregate and
6% of the coarse aggregate inclusion provides the best strength. Steel slag was used to
replacing the actual fine aggregate (30%) and the coarse aggregate (8%), respectively,
in the concrete design mix. Mechanical qualities were determined by experimentation.

Xiaoyen Wen et al., (2020) concluded that the major goal of this research is to find the
strength of the concrete built with the steel slag as aggregate replacement. For the
experiment, M40 graded concrete was designed with substitution of sand with the steel
slag at various proportions such as 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% by weight of the sand. Despite
its great potential as a natural aggregate, river stone is rarely employed as a concrete
ingredient. The current study looks into the possibility of using pebble stones as a coarse
aggregate in place of crushed stone aggregate in concrete. Substitution rates by weight
of coarse aggregate were 25 percent, 50 percent, and 75 percent. Compressive strength
increases as the percentages of Steel Slag and Crushed Pebbles are increased until the
Aggregate are replaced (20% SS & 10% Pebbles). strength of M40 grade concrete at 7
days, 14 days, and 28 days, 20% replacement of the fine aggregate by steel slag and
10% replacement and changes of the coarse aggregate are the optimum percentages of
replacement for M40 grade concrete, and further replacement of slag decreases
significantly.

Jian sun et al., (2020) studied that actual strength of steel slag specimens were nearly
identical to the traditional concrete specimens. Steel slag is readily available and

17
inexpensive because it is by-product of the steel industry. The primary goal of
employing steel slag was to conserve natural aggregate by recycling the so-called waste
product rather than collecting it into the environment. The research was done on M40
graded concrete with various percentages of proportional replacement of traditional
aggregates with steel slag, and the highest value of strength was attained. Steel slag
concrete has a higher compressive strength than regular concrete. Concrete's
compressive strength increases by 75% when coarse material is replaced with steel slag.
When comparing the strength of steel slag concrete and the traditional concrete, the
steel slag concrete is approximately identical to traditional concrete.

P. Rajalekshmi et al., (2020) concluded that The test results of concrete were achieved
by replacing stone aggregate with slag in various percentages of zero percent, 20%,
40%, 60%, 80 percent, and 100%. Prior to actual testing, all the samples made to cure
for 28 days. According to observations, the blast furnace slag aggregate could be an
optimal replacement for stone aggregate. In comparison to traditional concrete with
stone aggregate, the strength of concrete constructed entirely of slag aggregate has risen
by 7.35 percent. In comparison to normal concrete, the split tensile strength of cylinders
containing 40% of the slag aggregate has been reduced by up to 40%, and as the amount
of slag goes above 40%, the split tensile strength increases by roughly 10%.

Huu Bang Tran et al., (2021) studied that The percentage of lime material in the lime-
fly ash combination was varying from 20, 35, 50, 65, 80, and 100 percent. In this phase
of testing, the standard process for determining cement performance is used, and the
best raw material composition is determined. Concrete examples were made in the
second stage using the steel slag for a material coarse aggregate, GGBS for the fine
aggregate, and the binder that had the best performance in the first phase's tests.
successfully curing for 28 days, the strength of eco-friendly concrete ranges between
20 and 30 N/mm2. Steel slag hydrated matrix has a lower flexural strength than
conventional concrete.

18
 CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY
3.1 GENERAL

This chapter the detailed experimental investigations is done explore the strength
qualities for concrete employing Rice husk ash and Steel slag are presented in this
chapter. To use rice husk ash for partially replacing the cement and steel slag for
partially replacing the coarse aggregate, the steel slag must meet the physical
requirements and chemical requirements of the cement and the coarse aggregate, and
the actual effectiveness of the rice husk ash in concrete must be guaranteed. The goal
of the actual experiment was to determine the compressive strength for the concrete
created by substituting rice husk ash (20%) for cement and the coarse aggregate steel
slag in varied amounts is ranged from 0% to 100% in increments of 25%.

3.2 METHODOLOGY ADOPTED

Design as per Casting Curing

IS specification

Additional of Testing of
Mix
Rice husk ash concrete
proportion
and Steel slag

Collection of Setting of Results and

Material equipment Discussions

Fig.3.1 Methodology

19
 CHAPTER IV
EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION
4.1 GENERAL
The experimental investigation's scope includes extensive descriptions of the
material proportions. Hence there characteristics is described in detail in the upcoming
sections.

4.2 DETAILS OF SPECIMENS

Table 4.1: Specimen Specifications

SI.NO NAME OF PERCENTAGE OF PERCENTAGE OF
CONCRETE MIX RICE HUSK ASH STEEL SLAG

1 SPECIMEN 1 0% 0%
2 SPECIMEN 2 20% 25%
3 SPECIMEN 3 20% 50%
4 SPECIMEN 4 20% 75%
5 SPECIMEN 5 20% 100%

4.3 PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE MATERIALS

4.3.1 CEMENT
The Ordinary Portland Cement(OPC) 43 Grade was the cement utilised in the
investigation. The type of cement is solely important for concrete strength, and the
compounds constitution of the cement influences the rate of hydration. The cement used
can have a significant impact on strength at any age. It's also crucial to make sure the
chemical and mineral admixtures are compatible with cement. The proportion of oxide
compositions are responsible for altering cement characteristics.

20
4.3.2 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF THE CEMENT

Ordinary Portland cement(OPC), 43 Grade conforms to IS: 12269 – 1987. few

properties have been tested and are mentioned below.

Table 4.2: Physical Properties of the Cement

S.No Property Of Cement Values

1 Fineness Of Cement 7.5%
2 Specific Gravity 3.15
3 Initial Setting time 28 min
4 Final Setting time 600 min

4.3.3 CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF THE ORDINARY PORTLAND

CEMENT(OPC)
The compound constitution of Ordinary Portland Cement, which includes
various chemical material, can be seen here. At very high temperatures in the kiln, these
oxides combine with each other to generate more sophisticated compounds.
Table 4.3: Chemical Properties of Cement

21
4.3.4 FINE AGGREGATE
Fine aggregates are the aggregates that pass through an IS sieve with a size of
4.75mm. Sand is obtained naturally from stones and rocks. The sand was sourced
locally and was clean and dry. Quartz is the form of silica that is found. Pollutants in
the sand should be avoided. Sand is used as a filler substances in concrete based on the
pore size distribution. [IS 383-1970] Sands gives concrete its impact strength.

Fig.4.1 Sieve Analysis Fine Aggregate and Coarse Aggregate

4.3.5 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF THE FINE AGGREGATE

The physical parameters of the sand, similar to varies specific gravity and
fineness modulus characteristics, are evaluated before it is used in research. The
following are some physical qualities.

22
 Table 4.4: Physical Properties of the Fine Aggregate

4.3.6 COARSE AGGREGATE

The coarse aggregate content is the aggregate which is kept on the 4.75mm in
the IS Sieve. The strength of concrete is discribed by the characteristics of coarse
substances. As a result, the aggregate must be free of mineral and chemical
contaminants. All specimens will be cast from finely ground material with a specific
gravity of 2.6, going through a 20 mm sieve and remaining on 12 mm. Many properties
must be taken into account while choosing coarse aggregate. Specific gravity, water
absorption, and size distribution are all measured in the lab and are shown below.

Table 4.5: Fineness Modulus of Coarse Aggregate

23
 MATERIAL SIZE & DISTRIBUTION
100

90

80

70

60
% of finer

50

40 coarse aggregate

30

20

10

0
25 20 16 12.5 10 pan
SIEVE SIZE IN mm

Fig 4.2: Fineness Modulus of the Coarse aggregate

Table 4.6: Physical Properties of the Coarse Aggregate

4.3.7 RICE HUSK ASH(RHA)

Rice husk can be utilised in a variety of industries as a fuel. Rice husk was burn
approximately 2 days in the range of 650 – 850oC. Then the ash is dumped in to ball
mill of30 to 40 min. The RHA is normally finer in gray colour. It’s having a particle
size of 25micron. So it’s filled the gap between cement and aggregates and also reduces
the cement contents in concrete mix.

24
4.3.8 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF RICE HUSK ASH(RHA)
RHA's physical properties are investigated in the laboratory.The results are
shows below.

Table 4.7: Physical Properties of the Rice Husk Ash

4.3.9 CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF THE RICE HUSK ASH(RHA)

According to chemical composition of ice Husk Ash, it’s the pozzolanic status
was found to be silica content in ash is up to 86%. In high temperature amorphous state
is converted to Al2O3, CaO, K2O, SO2 etc are presented. Some of the chemical
properties are listed below.

Table 4.8: Chemical Properties of Rice Husk Ash

25
4.3.10 STEEL SLAG
Steel slag is extracted from the steel industry, created when the steel in molten is
differentiated from impurity in steel-making burners. The slag is created as a by-product
of steel manufacture in two sections of furnaces.

4.3.11 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF THE STEEL SLAG

Steel slag particles are often angular and rough. So it’s providing a good bonding
strength to the concrete. The rough texture and shape is feasible to use in construction.
Some of the positive feature of steel slag is strong, durable, excellent abrasion resistance
and nice angular shape. Physical properties of steel slag listed below.

Table 4.9: Test Results for Fineness Modulus of Steel Slag

26
 SIZE DISTRIBUTION
70

60

50

40
% of finer

30 steel slag coarse

aggregate

20

10

0
25 20 16 12.5 10 pan
SIEVE SIZE IN mm

Fig 4.3: Fineness Modulus of Steel Slag

Table 4.10: Physical Properties of the Steel Slag

4.3.12 CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF THE STEEL SLAG

Slag normally contains silica, iron, and lime. Other elements are presented low
amount like sulphur, manganese, etc. this composition expressed in oxide forms.
The slag's mineralogical form is determined by the pace of cooling. Some of the
tested chemical properties are listed below.

27
 Table 4.11: Chemical Properties of Steel Slag

4.3.13 MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF THE STEEL SLAG

Some of the mechanical qualities of steel slag were evaluated before it was used.

Table 4.12: Mechanical Properties of Steel Slag

4.4 TEST METHOD FOR ASSESSMENT OF PROPERTIES OF THE

CONCRETE
4.4.1 FRESH CONRETE PROPERTIES
4.4.1.1 SLUMP CONE TEST
The concrete slump test is considered correct methodology of determining the
actual workability of new concrete. It determines the actual consistency of the concrete
in detailed aspect. It determines the consistency and nature of the material in that
specular batch. The purpose of this test is used to establish the consistency of newly laid
concrete. Workability is closely associated with consistency.

28
 Fig.4.4 Slump cone test

4.4.1.2 COMPACTION FACTOR TEST(CFT)

 By conducting this experimental an idea of quantity of water to be added in
concrete mixes good workability is arrived at.
 This experiment is utilised for very low workability concrete mixes. The slump
test is unaffected by such dry concrete.
Compaction factor = (Weight of partially compact concrete)
(Weight of fully compact concrete)

29
 Fig.4.5 Compaction Factor Test

4.4.2 HARDENED PROPERTIES OF THE CONCRETE

Hardened concrete properties are vital in all types of buildings. The hardening qualities
of concrete must be determined. (IS 516-1959).

4.4.2.1 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

The assessment of concrete's compressive strength is an important parameter. Nine
standard cubes were casted for each set to assess compressive strength after seven,
fourteen, and twenty-eight days of curing. In addition, nine control cubes are cast to
show the concrete's original strength. According to IS 10086 – 1982, the cube size is
150X150X150mm.

Compressive strength given to a substance's or structure's ability to resist or withstand

compression. The requirement of a material to endure fractures in concrete in the types
of fissures and crack is described to as compressive strength. By applying a force of
push to two sides of the concrete sample, this test indicates the max compression that
concrete can bear without collapsing.

30
 Fig.4.6 Compressive strength test

After 28th days, concrete tends to reach full strength. Because a large amount of cash
is at stake in the building sector, we can analyse strength characteristics in along the
concrete strength mpa at 7th and 14th days instead of 28th days to find the target
strength of construction works.

As given in the table below, concrete increases 16 percent of its strength in 24 hours,
but 65 percent of the required strength in 7 days after casting.

Concrete that reaches 90% of its desired strength after 14 days, then slows down and
takes 28 days to reach 100% expected strength.
4.4.2.2 SPLITTING TENSILE STRENGTH
Because measuring the actual tensile strength of the concrete directly is
challenging, the test, an indirect methods, is used. The cylinders casted to determining
the actual split tensile strength. The cylinder measures 150mm in diameter and 300mm
in length. On the 7th and 28th days, the cylinder is properly cured and tested.. The
results of various tests are compared to control concrete samples.

31
 P- applying load
D-Diameter of the cylinder
L-length of the cylinder

Fig.4.7 Split tensile strength test

The sample of 15 cm diameter of the cylinder with a 30 cm height. The metal mould
utilised has a mean interior diameter of 15 cm 0.2 mm in height of 30 cm +/- 0.1 cm., a
thin layer of mould oil should be applied to the mould prior usage.

Usually the concrete is placed into the mould in five-centimeter thick. Each layer of this
crushed with manually hand or vibrated. When compacting it by hand, a tamping bar is

32
used, and the stroke of the bar must be dispersed. Each layer's number of strokes it
should not exceed about 30(as required standard code). The stroke it should go through
to the underlying layer, and the bottom layer should be tampered all the way through.

After tamping the top layer, level the concrete surface from top with a shovel and coat
it with a glass like sheet to reduce moisture loss.

Curing: The test specimen should be stored at 27° +/-2°C for 24 hours. The sample are
then taken from the moulds and submerged in clean tap water or a saturated lime
solution for the curing time specified (such as 7 or 28 days). The water or any type
solution should be replenished every seven days.

4.4.2.3 FLEXURAL TEST

The modulus of rupture shall be established in order to analyse the weight at which the
concrete member may crack along the samples. It refers to a beam or slab members
ability to withstand bending failure. Concrete has a flexural strength of 12 to 20% of its
compressive strength. Flexural strength is no longer employed to evaluate field of actual
control; instead, only compressive strength is used to assess concrete quality. The
flexural test was performed on a beam specimen with dimensions of 100X100X750mm.
According to IS 516– 1959, the test was performed at the conclusion of the seventh day.

P – Load
L – beam length
B – beam breadth
D – beam depth

33
 Fig.4.8 Flexural strength test

Fill the mould with concrete in three layers of roughly similar thickness to make the test
sample. Using the tamping bar, tamp each layer of 35 times as directed above. Tamping
should be evenly spread over the beam mould's cross section and throughout the depth
of each layer.

Remove any substances that are loose material and wastages deposited on the sample
surface that will make a connection with the rollers, and polish the bearings of the
sustaining and reloading rollers.

Support actual and loading points for the sample will be provided by circular rollers that
is manufactured of steel consists of38mm diameter. The rollers length must be at least
10 mm longer than the test sample width. There will be four rollers in all, three of which
will be able to rotate around their along its axes. (span) is 3d of the cylinder diameter,
while the actual distance between the inner rollers is d

34
The samples that have been stored in water must be analysed as they are displaced from
the water. The sample must be kept properly oriented on the machine, with the samples's
axis(longitudinal) at the right angles to the rollers. The moulded samples should be near
parallel to the direction of loading.

The weight should be applied at a rate of 400 kg/minutes for samples larger than 15.0
cm and 180 kg/minutes for samples smaller than 10.0 cm.

4.5 SUMMARY

The tests performed in this chapter are in parallel with IS standards, and the test results
are found to be within Indian Standards' prescribed limitations.

35
 CHAPTER V
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
5.1 GENERAL
The results and the discussions of the various test conducted on previous chapter
are discussed below,

5.2 TESTING ON FRESH CONCRETE

5.2.1 WORKABILITY TEST BY SLUMP
Table shows the slump values for all of the blends. The collapse became worse as the
RHA and Steel Slag content rose. When compared to sand, RHA and Steel Slag
particles absorbed less water, enhancing the workability of the concrete mix. The
concrete mixture comprising 100 percent RHA and Steel Slag in lieu of Cement and
Corase material had the highest slump. Table 5.1 shows the slump variation with RHA
and Steel Slag content.

Fig.5.1 Workability test by slump in concrete

Table 5.1: Slump values

36
 RHA Steel Slag Slump value in (mm)

0% 0% 95
20% 25% 100
20% 50% 105
20% 75% 97
20% 100% 95

106 105
104
Slump value in (mm)

102
100
100
98 97
96 95 95
94
92
90
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

Steel Slag in (%)

106
105
104
Slump value in (mm)

102
100 100
98
97
96
95 95
94
92
90
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

Steel Slag in (%)

Fig.5.2 Variation of slump with Steel Slag content

37
5.2.2 COMPACTION FACTOR TEST
The degree of compaction obtained by fall of concrete allowing along a standard
height with a standard amount of labour is determined by the compacting factor. The
compaction degree is determined by the ratio of density (the ratio of the density actually
in the test to the density to the concrete which is fully compacted). This test is best
performed in the lab, although it can also be done in the field. The value of the
compaction factor is also shown in Table.5.2

Table 5.2: Test for Workability by Compaction Factor

RHA Steel Slag Compaction factor

0% 0% 0.83

20% 25% 0.85

20% 50% 0.81

20% 75% 0.79

20% 100% 0.76

0.86 0.85

0.84 0.83

0.82 0.81
Compaction factor

0.8 0.79

0.78
0.76
0.76

0.74

0.72

0.7
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

Steel Slag in (%)

38
 0.86
0.85
0.84
0.83
0.82
0.81
0.8
Compaction 0.79
factor
0.78
0.76 0.76
0.74
0.72
0.7
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
Steel Slag in (%)

Fig.5.3 Variation of Compaction factor with Steel Slag content

5.3 TESTING ON HARDENED CONCRETE

5.3.1 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST
The estimation of concrete's compressive strength is an important parameter. For
each, nine standardized cubes were cast to evaluate 7th and 28th day strength after
curing, as well as nine reference cubes to evaluate the concrete's initial strength.
According to IS 10262 –1982, the cube size is 150X150X150mm. Table.5.3 presents
the compressive strength values for the 7th and 28th days.
Table 5.3: Replacement of the Coarse Aggregate with Steel Slag in
Compressive Strength (10-20mm)
Coarse Compressive strength in N/mm2
20% of cement replaced with RHA

Aggregate
replacement 7th day 28th day
in %

0 26.70 36.44

25 24.45 37.75

50 20.30 32.00

75 18.25 26.65

100 17.40 22.25

39
 Compressive strength of concrete in coarse aggregate
replacement with steel slag (10-20mm)

Compressive strength N/mm2

40

30

20
7th day
10 28th day
0
0 25 50 75 100

Weight of aggregate replaced by steel slag in %

Compressive strength of the concrete in coarse

aggregate replacement with steel slag (10-20mm)
Compressive strength N/mm2

40

30

20
7th day
10 28th day
0
0 25 50 75 100

Weight of aggregate replaced by steel slag in %

Fig.5.4 Variation of Compressive Strength of cubes

5.3.2 SPLIT TENSILE STRENGTH TEST

Because measuring the tensile strength of concrete explicitly is challenging splitting
method was used. The cylinders is to determine the actual split tensile strength. The
cylinder measures 150mm in diameter and 300mm in length. On the 7th and 28th days,
the cylinder is properly cured and tested. An IS-specified control actual concrete
cylinder sample is also cured and tested. The results of various tests are compared to
control concrete samples.

40
Table 5.4: Replacement of the Coarse Aggregate with Steel Slag in Split Tensile
Strength (10 – 20mm)
Coarse aggregate
Split strength N/mm2 7th days Split strength N/mm2 28th days

20% of cement replaced with RHA

replacement in %

0 2.65 3.41

25 2.90 3.74

50 2.07 2.58

75 1.86 2.45

100 1.02 1.37

Split Tensile strength of concrete in coarse aggregate

replacement (10-20mm)

4
3.5
Split strength N/mm2

3
2.5
2 7th day
1.5 28th day
1
0.5
0
0 25 50 75 100
Weight of coarse aggregate replaced by steel slag in %

41
 Split Tensile strength of concrete in coarse aggregate
replacement (10-20mm)
4
3.5
3
Split strength N/mm2

2.5
2
7th day
1.5
28th day
1
0.5
0
0 25 50 75 100
Weight of coarse aggregate replaced by steel slag in %

Fig.5.5 Variation of Tensile Strength of Cylinder

5.3.3 FLEXURAL STRENGTH TEST OF PRISMS
Flexural strength analyses are carried using conventional prisms measuring 150x
150 x 750 mm. A total of 8 prisms were cast, with two prisms cast in each proportion.
At the 28th day of curing, their flexural strength is determined. IS: 516 is the formula
for calculating flexural strength (1959). The modulus of rupture fb is used to express
the specimen's strength development.

fb = 3p × a / bd2

where
b = the sample's measured breadth in cm,
d = the sample's measured depth in cm at the moment of failure,
p = applied maximum load to the sample in kg,
a = the actual distance between the fracture line and the closer support.

42
 Fig.5.6 Prisms Casted for determining Flexural Strength

Fig 5.7 Flexural Strength test on prisms

Table 5.5: Flexural Strength of Prisms
Coarse Flexural strength N/mm2
Aggregate
20% of cement replaced with RHA

replacement in
% 28th day

0 4.13

25 4.89

50 4.65

75 4.25

100 3.95

43
 6

4.89
5 4.65
4.13 4.25
3.95
Flexural Strength N/mm2

0
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
Steel Slag in (%)

5 4.89
Flexural Strength in N/mm2

4.65
4.13 4.25
4 3.95

0
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
Steel Slag in (%)

Fig.5.8 Comparison of flexural strength of prisms

44
5.3.4 WATER ABSORPTION TEST

The water absorption test is carried out according to ASTM C642 13 in both
conventional concrete specimens and concrete specimens containing 20% RHA and
25% Steel Slag. Concrete examples measuring 150 x 150 x 150mm are cast and left to
cure for 56 days before made dry at 110°C for at least 24 hours. After eliminating each
sample from the oven, it is considered to cool to a temperature of 20 to 25 °C in dry air
before being weighed. The first mass is then calculated and labelled "A." The specimens
are then stored at 21 °C for not less than 48 hours after final drying, cooling, and mass
measurement, and then surface dried by remove surface dampness of a trowel, and the
measured mass is labelled as "B."

Absorption % = [(B – A) / A] x 100

Where,

A = mass of sample dried in oven in air, g.

B = mass of immersion surface dry sample in air, g.

Mass of oven-dried conventional concrete specimen, A = 6500 g

Mass of specimen after immersion in water, B = 7035 g

Absorption % = [(7035 – 6500) / 6500] x 100

= 8.23%

Mass of oven-dried specimen with 20% of RHA and 25% of Steel Slag, A = 6430 g

Mass of specimen after immersion in water, B = 6690 g

Absorption after immersion, % = [(6690 – 6430) / 6430] x 100

= 4.04%

45
 Fig.5.9 Water absorption test

5.3.5 ACID ATTACK TEST

For acid attack testing, a 150mm x 150mm x 150mm concrete cube with varied amounts
of silica fume addition is constructed. The specimens are casted in a mould for 24 hours,
then demoulding and maintaining in a tank for about 7 days. After 7 days, all samples
are weighed and submerged in a 5 percent sulphuric acid for 56 days to maintain their
weight. The samples were removed out of the acid solution after 56 days and rinsed
with running water before being stored in the environment for two days to maintain a
steady weight. Following that, the specimens were weighed, and the weight loss was
calculated as a percentage loss.

Table 5.6 Acid attack test weight loss

RHA in Steel Slag Weight of the Weight of the Weight Weight

(%) in (%) Sample Before Sample After loss (g) loss
Immersion (g) Immersion (g) (%)

0% 0% 6565 6250 315 4.80

20% 25% 6490 6330 160 2.50

46
 Table 5.7 Acid attack test strength loss

RHA in Steel Slag in Strength of Strength of the Strength Strength

(%) (%) the Sample Sample After loss loss
Before Immersion N/mm2 (%)
Immersion N/mm2
N/mm2

0% 0% 28.50 24.60 3.90 13.68

20% 25% 30.33 27.22 3.11 10.25

35
30.33
30 28.5
27.22
Compressive Strength N/mm2

24.6
25

20 Before Immersion

15

10 After Immersion

0
0% 25s%
Steel Slag (%)

Fig.5.10 Acid attack test strength loss

47
 Acid Attack Factor is the amount of deterioration on each corner and faces
calculated in solid deflections (in mm) for each of the 2 cubes. The following
formula is used to determine Acid Attack Factors (AAF) per face,

Acid Attack Factor, AAF =

Acid Attack Factor for the Conventional Concrete, AAF = 5/4 = 1.25

Acid Attack Factor for sample with about 20% of RHA and 25% of Steel Slag,

AAF = 3/4 = 0.75

Fig.5.11 Acid attack test

48
 CHAPTER VI
CONCLUSION
The following conclusions can be drawn from the study based on the aforesaid findings:
 The results reveal that cement can be replaced by RHA (20%) and steel
slag is utilised as a coarse aggregate in concrete up to 25%.
 When RHA (20%) and Steel Slag are used to replace cement and coarse
aggregate, 28th day compressive strength increases moderately up to a
replacement level of 25%.
 When RHA (20%) and Steel Slag are used to replace cement and coarse
aggregate, the 28th day tensile strength increases somewhat up to a 25%
subsistence level.
 When 25% of the cement and coarse aggregate are replaced with RHA (20%)
and Steel Slag on the 28th day, the compressive strength increases by 3.60
percent when compared to regular concrete.
 When 25% of the cement and coarse aggregate are replaced with RHA (20%)
and Steel Slag at day 28, the split tensile strength increases by 9.65% when
compared to regular concrete.
 RHA (20%) and Steel Slag (25% of Tensile Strength) are the best replacement
levels for cement and coarse aggregate.
 When Cement and Coarse Aggregate are replaced with RHA (20%) and Steel
Slag at a rate of 25%, the flexural strength increases by 18.40% after 28th days
when compared to conventional concrete.

49
 REFERENCES

1. A.A.F. Shaheen, 1970, Lecturer Strength of Material ,Housing& Building

Research Center , Dokki, Giza, 1770, Egypt, “Comparison Study For Durability
Of Mortars Containing Different Pozzolanic Materials”
2. AlirezaNajiGivi, Journal of American Science, 2010, “Contribution of Rice
Husk Ash to the Properties of Mortar and Concrete”
3. David Bonen and Surendra P.Shah, “The effects of formulation on the properties
of self-consolidating concrete ”
4. Dao Van Dong, The 3rd ACF International Conference- Acf/Vca 2008, “Effect
Of Rice Husk Ash On Properties Of High Strength Concrete”
5. E.B. Oyetola et al., June 2006, Leonardo Electric Journal of Practies
andTechnologies (ISSN 1583 - 1078), “The Use of Rice Husk Ash in Low –
CostSandcrete Block Production”
6. Harsco metals (Feb 2010), Edition 2010/1 “Guidance on the use of steel
slagaggregate”
7. IS 383 – 1970, “specification for coarse and fine aggregates from natural sources
forconcrete”, PP 16 – 21, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi.
8. IS 516 – 1959, “Methods of test for strength of concrete”, PP 9 – 19, Bureau of
Indian Standards, New Delhi
9. . IS 2386 (Part 7) – 1963, “method of test for aggregates for concrete”, PP 21 –
28, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi.
10. IS 3495 (Part 1) – 1976, “Part 1 Determination of compressive strength”, PP 28
– 35,Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi.
11. IS 6461 (Part 7) – 1973, “glossary of terms relating to cement concrete: part 7
mixing,laying, compaction, curing and other construction aspects”, PP 12 – 18,
Bureau ofIndian Standards, New Delhi.
12. IS 10262 – 1982, “recommended guidelines for concrete mix design”, PP 5 – 15,
Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi.

50
13. IS 1199 – 1959, “method of sampling and analysis of concrete”, PP 23 – 28,
Bureauof Indian Standards, New Delhi.
14. Jigar P.Patel (May 2006), “Steel slag aggregates in concrete”
15. Jagadish Mallick (May 2010), “Effect of silica fume on steel slag concrete”
16. Joaquim Sampaio, J.Sousa Coutinho and Sampaio, “Portuguese Rice Husk Ash
as a partial cement replacement”
17. Liz Hunt.P.E and Glenn E.Boyle (Apr 2000), “Steel slag in hot mix asphalt
concrete”, report no., or-rd-00-09.
18. M.L.Gambhir (2007), “Concrete technology – 3rd edition” PP 7-22
19. Mauro M.Tashima, Carlos A.R. Da Silva, Jorge L.Akasaki, Michele Beniti
Barbosa, “The possibility of adding the Rice Husk Ash to the concrete”
20. M.S.Shetty (2010), Edition “Concrete Technology Theory and Practice.”,
S.Chand Publications, ISBN 81-219-0003-4, PP 177,527-528
21. Sumrerng Rukzon, International Journal of Minerals, Metallurgy and Materials
Volume 16, Number 2, April 2009, Page 242, “Effect of grinding on chemical
and physical properties of rice husk ash”
22. Teohcherhyi (Nov 2008), “Performance evaluation of steel slag as natural
aggregates replacing with asphaltic concrete”

51
 APPENDIX - 1

CONCRETE MIX DESIGN

Cement material: Fine Aggregate material: Coarse Aggregate material

The formula for compressive strength calculation is

(i) F’ ck = F ck + 1.65 S
(or)

(ii) F’ ck = F ck + X
among which is higher.
where,

F’ ck = target mean compressive strength at 28 days, in N/mm2;

F ck = characteristic compressive strength at 28 days, in N/mm2;

S = standard deviation, in N/mm2; and

X = factor based on the grade of concrete, as per Table 1 of 10262.

Standard deviation, s = 5 N/mm2, as per Table 2 of 10262.

Target strength,

(i) f’ck = 30 + 1 .650 × 5.0 = 38.25 N/mm2.

(ii) f’ck = 30 + 6.5 = 36.5 N/mm2.
(i) > (ii)
Hence, Target Strength is 38.25 N/mm2.

APPROXIMATE AIR CONTENT

According to IS 10262 Table 3, 1.0% of air content for 20 mm size aggregate.

52
SELECTION OF WATER-CEMENT RATIO

For the OPC 43 grade curve, the actual water and cement ratio necessary for the target
mean strength of 38.25 N/mm2 is 0.43, according to Fig. 1 of IS 10262. (For the trial,
the strength to the Ordinary Portland Cement 43 grade curve is assumed.) This is less
than the maximum value of 0.45 stipulated in Table 5 IS 456 to severe exposure to
reinforced concrete.

0.43 is < 0.45 , O.K.

SELECTION OF REQUIRED WATER CONTENT

From the Table 4 of IS 10262,

186 litres maximum water content for 20mm aggregate (slump range mm).

186 + (6/100) l86 = 197.16 litres estimated water content for 100mm slump

The water content may be lowered if superplasticizer is applied. According to

experimental data, a 23 percent reduction in water content is possible when utilising
superplasticizer at 1.0% to the weight of cement. Hence the water content = 197.16 ×
0.77 = 151.81 kg ≈ 152 kg

CALCULATION OF ACTUAL CEMENT CONTENT

Water-cement ratio = 0.43

W 152
=
C 0.43

where,

W = Estimated amount water content for 100 mm slump value.

C = maximum water-cement ratio.

53
Cement content = 353.48 kg/m3 ≈ 354 kg/ m3.

Table 5 from the IS 456,

Min cement content for severe exposure condition = 320 kg/m3.

354 kg/m3 > 320 kg/m3, hence O.K.

PROPORTION OF THE ACTUAL VOLUME OF COARSE AGGREGATE AND

FINE AGGREGATE

From Table 5 in IS 10262, volume of coarse aggregate corresponding to 20 mm size

aggregate and fine aggregate:

(Zone III) for 0.50 = 0.64 water and cement ratio. The water and cement ratio in that
particular situation is 0.43. As a result, the volume of coarse aggregate should be raised
in order to decrease the actual fine aggregate content. The proportion of volume of the
coarse aggregate raised by 0.014 as the water and cement ratio decreases by 0.07 (at a
rate of 0.01 for every 0.05 decrease in the water and cement ratio). As a result, with a
water and cement ratio of 0.43 = 0.64 + 0.014 = 0.654, the corrected fraction of coarse
aggregate of volume is 0.64 + 0.014 = 0.654.

Therefore, corrected proportion for the water and cement ratio of 0.43:

Volume of the coarse aggregate content = 0.654.

Volume of the actual fine aggregate content = 1 - 0.654 = 0.346.

MIX CALCULATIONS

The actual design mix calculations per unit volume of concrete shall be as follows:

a) Total volume = 1 m3

b) Volume of air content in wet concrete = 0.01 m3

c) Volume of the cement = ×

= ×
.

54
= 0.1124 m3.

d) Volume of the water = ×

= ×

= 0.152 m3.

e) Volume of the chemical admixture (super plasticizer) (@ 1.0 % by mass of

cementitious material

Mass of the chemical admixture 1

= ×
Specific gravity of the chemical admixture 1000

.
= ×
.

= 0.003 m3.

f) Volume of aggregate content = [(a-b)-(c+d+e)] = [(1-0.01) – (0.1124 + 0.152 +

0.003)]

= 0.7226 m3.

g) Mass of the Coarse aggregate = Volume of all aggregates × Volume of Coarse

aggregate × Specific gravity of Coarse aggregate
× 1000

= 0.7226 × 0.654 × 2.83 × 1000

= 1337.418688 kg.

≈ 1338 kg.

h) Mass of Fine aggregate = Volume of all aggregates × Volume of fine aggregate ×

Specific gravity of fine aggregate × 1000

= 0.7226 × 0.346 × 2.67 × 1000

= 667.553508 kg.
55
≈ 668 kg.

MIX PROPORTIONS

Cement: River Sand: Coarse Aggregate

Materials Density, kg/ m3 Proportion

Cement 354 1
Fine aggregate 683 1.93
Coarse aggregate 1286 3.63
Water 152 0.43
Chemical Admixture 3.54 0.01
Total weight 2478.54

56
 APPENDIX-2
LIST OF PUBLICATIONS

1. Saivignesh.N “Experimental Investigation on Partial Replacement of Cement

and Coarse Aggregate By Rice Husk Ash And Steel Slag In Concrete”, AICTE
sponsored International Conference on Newer Engineering Concepts and
Technology (ICONNECT-2K22) conducted during 28-04-2022 and 29-04-2022
at K.Ramakrishnan college of technology(Autonomous), Trichy.

57
58
 AICTE SPONSORED
International Conference on Newer Concepts in Engineering and
Technology (ICONNECT 2K22)

PAPER ID: CIVIL002

Experimental investigation on partial replacement of

cement and coarse aggregate by rice husk ash and steel
slag in concrete
SAIVIGNESH.N , RAMESHWARAN.M
1 2

#1 - Student, M.Tech., Structural Engineering,

#2 – Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering,
S.R.M. Institute of Science and Technology, Ramapuram,Chennai

Abstract

This study presents the experimental behaviour of Concrete with partial replacement of
aggregates by steel slag and cement by Rice husk Ash and its comparison with controlled
specimen. Replacement of steel slag up to 75% does not have any adverse effect on strength
and replacement of RHA has shown an increase in strength up to 30%. Aggregates are
replaced by steel slag for various percentage and cement with partial replacement of RHA for
various percentage is to be used in combination and the strength is to be checked. Tests on
hardened concrete such as Compressive strength test, tensile strength tests for controlled
specimen and for concrete with various replacements are to be done. A comparative study on
strength and cost effectiveness is to be done and the effectiveness on replacement is to be
analysed. It is expected that the strength of specimen for various replacements will not have
any adverse effect on strength and there might be slight improvement in strength. This
replacement would prove to have some environment benefits and would be an economical or
a cost-effective technique in concreting for the future. The aim of this project is to utilize the
solid waste materials in the best way in construction field without any hazardous effect on
strength.

PAPER ID: CIVIL003

59