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International Journal of Advanced Scientific

Research & Development e-ISSN: 2395-6089
p-ISSN: 2394-8906
Vol. 06, Iss. 04, Ver. I, Apr’ 2019, pp. 33 – 43

AN EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION ON NORMAL

CONCRETE USING RICE HUSK ASH, DOLOMITE POWDER
AND BANANA FIBRE
P.C. Surya Narayani1* and B. Karthick2
1 ME Stundent, Dept., of Civil Engineering, CSI College of Engineering, Ketti, The Nilgiris, India.
2 Asst. Prof., Dept., of Civil Engineering, CSI College of Engineering, Ketti, The Nilgiris, India.

ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT

Article History: Generally concrete is good in compression and weak in tension.
Received: 22 Mar 2019; The fibre in concrete generally increases both the compression
Received in revised form: and tension in concrete cement is the most important
05 May 2019; constituent material, since it binds the aggregate and resists the
Accepted: 05 May 2019;
atmosphere action. Since the production of Portland cement
Published online: 10 May 2019.
clinker is an energy intensive process a partial substitution of
Key words: clinker by mineral like dolomite and abundantly available
agriculture wastes like Rice husk ash obviously represents
Rice Husk Ash,
Dolomite Powder, considerable energy servings and reduction of Co2 emission. In
Banana Fibre, this project work banana fibre are added with 2% by volume of
Normal Concrete. cement, dolomite powder and Rice husk ash is partially replaced
by 5.0%, 7.5% and 10% by the volume of cement. The concrete
was determined for mechanical properties like compressive
strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength they are
also tested and studied.
Copyright © 2019 IJASRD. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Common Attribution
License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original
work is properly cited.

INTRODUCTION
From ancient times concrete have been modified with many kinds materials to
improve physical, mechanical, as well as chemical properties. Today construction technology
has developed through various experiments and investigations to improve strength and
durability of concrete. In this regard various materials like Rice husk ash, dolomite powder
and banana fibre are used in concrete for reducing weight of concrete and as well as cost of
construction.

1.1 Objective of the Project

• To determine the compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength
of the concrete by using Rice husk ash, dolomite powder and banana fibre in various
proportion at the age of 7 and 28 days.
Cite this article as: Narayani, S. P. C., & Karthick, B., “An Experimental Investigation on Normal Concrete using Rice Husk
Ash, Dolomite Powder and Banana Fibre”. International Journal of Advanced Scientific Research & Development (IJASRD),
06 (04/I), 2019, pp. 33 – 43. https://doi.org/10.26836/ijasrd/2019/v6/i4/60408.
* Corresponding Author: P. C. Surya Narayani, suryanarayani13@gmail.com
 An Experimental Investigation on Normal Concrete using Rice Husk Ash, Dolomite Powder and
Banana Fibre

• The results of the concrete made with 2% of banana fibre and 5.0 %, 7.5 % and 10%
of Rice husk ash and dolomite powder were compared with the conventional concrete
cubes at 7 and 28 days
• To determine the optimum percentage by using banana fibre, Rice husk ash and
dolomite powder in concrete.
• To compare the results with sand without rice husk ash, dolomite powder and
banana fibre.

1.2 Scope of the Project

Concrete is widely used in structural engineering with its high compressive strength,
low cost and abundant raw material. But common concrete has two major deficiencies, a low
tensile strength and a low strain at fracture. The tensile strength of concrete is very low
because plain concrete normally contains numerous micro cracks. It is the rapid
propagation of these micro cracks under applied stress that is responsible for the low tensile
strength of the material. To overcome these deficiencies, additional materials are added to
improve the performance of concrete. Current research has developed a new concept to
increase the concrete ductility and its energy absorption capacity, as well as to improve
overall durability. This new generation technology utilizes fibers, which if randomly
dispersed throughout the concrete matrix, provides better distribution of both internal and
external stresses. The primary role of the fibers in hardened concrete is to modify the
cracking mechanism, the macro-cracking becomes micro-cracking. The cracks are smaller in
width, thus reducing the ultimate cracking strain of the concrete is enhanced. And also
reduce the emission of CO2 during the manufacture of cement by partially replacing the
cement by rice husk ash and dolomite mineral powder to enhance the strength of the
concrete.

1.3 Advantages of Banana Fiber in Concrete

• Fibre in concrete is suited to minimize cavitation erosion damages in structures, and
also high velocity flows are encounted.
• Addition of fibre in concrete has started to find its place in many areas of civil
infrastructure applications, where the need for repairing increased durability also
avoid the corrosion at the maximum.
• The fibres resist cracking due to shrinkage, drying and also spalling of the concrete
and ductility of the concrete.
• The addition of these fibres in the concrete reduce the permeability of the concrete
and thus reduce the bleeding of the concrete.

1.4 Advantages of Rice Husk Ash

• Rice Husk Ash (RHA) could be considered for use in concrete in small quantities as
an admixture to improve the properties for fresh and hardened concrete.
• RHA has been reported to be a good pozzolan by numerous researches.
• During mass concrete, as compared to OPC concrete, RHA is very effective in
reducing the temperature of mass concrete.
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1.5 Advantages of Dolomite Powder

• Dolomite is a rock forming mineral.
• Dolomite has a good weathering resistance.
• It is preferred for construction material due to its higher surface, hardness and
density.
• Some investigation confirmed that finally ground dolomite can be used as
cementious material to produce cement with dolomite.

MATERIALS PROPERTIES
2.1 Cement
53 grade ordinary Portland cement is used for the study program. The properties of
this cement have been tested and given below:
Specific gravity of cement = 3.15
Initial Setting Time = 30 minutes
Final Setting Time = 360 minutes

2.2 Fine Aggregate (M.sand)

Manufactured sand (M.sand) is a substitute of river sand for concrete contribution.
Manufactured sand is produced from hard granite stone by crushing. The crushed sand is of
cubical shape with grounded edges, washed and graded to as a construction material
Specific gravity of M.sand = 2.73
Water absorption = 2.5%

2.3 Course Aggregate

Aggregate must be equal to or better than the hardened cement to weathering. The
designed loads and the effects of weathering. The properties of this coarse aggregate have
been tested and given bellow:
Specific gravity of CA = 2.6
Bulk density of coarse aggregate = 1487.6 Kg/m
Water absorption = 1.5%

2.4 Water
Portable water available in laboratory with pH value of 7.0 + 1 and confirming to the
requirement of IS 456 – 2000 was used for mixing concrete and curing the specimens as
well.

2.5 Banana Fiber

Banana Fiber is one of the most widely used natural fiber and very easily cultivated.
It is a Lingo – cellulosic fiber and it has good specific strength when compared to
conventional materials using concrete. It has high strength, light weight, smaller
elongation, fire resistance and low thermal conductivity at lowest density compared to other
natural fibers.
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Banana Fibre

2.5.1 Botanical Name: Musa, Ulugurensiswarb

Figure – 1: Banana Fibre

2.5.2 Physical Properties of Banana Fibre

Specific gravity = 1.498
Elongation of break = 2.6
Tensile strength (MPa) = 56

2.5.3 Chemical Properties

Cellulose lignin = 52%
Moisture content = 11%

2.6. Rice Husk Ash

Rice husk is an agricultural residue which accounts for 20% of the 649.7 million tons
of rice produced annually worldwide. The produced partially burnt husk from the plants
when used as fuel contribute to pollution and efforts are being made to overcome this
environmental issue by utilizing the material as a supplementary cementing material:-
Specific gravity = 2.3
Particle size = > 45 micron
Colour = Grey

2.6.1 Chemical Composition

• Silicon dioxide - 86.94%
• Aluminium oxide - 0.2%
• Iron oxide - 0.1%
• Calcium oxide - 0.3-2.2%
• Magnesium oxide - 0.2-0.6%
• Sodium oxide - 0.1-0.8%
• Potassium oxide - 2.15-2.30%
• Ignition oxide - 3.15-4.4%

2.7 Dolomite Powder

Dolomite is a rock farming mineral, it has a good weathering resistance. Dolomite is
preferred for construction material due to its higher surface, hardness and density. Finally
ground dolomite can be used as cementious material to produce cement with dolomite.
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Narayani and Karthick (2019)

2.7.1 Properties of Dolomite

• Specific gravity - 2.65
• Colour - White
• Crystal system - Trigonal
• Fineness modulus - 5%
• Consistency - 2.8%

EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION
3.1 Casting of Concrete
3.1.1 Preparation of Mould
The internal surface of mould is thoroughly cleaned. Also it is ensured that the
mould is free from moisture and adherence of any old set concrete. With the help of spanner
all the screws are made tight and to be oiled.

Figure – 2: Moulds for Casting the Concrete

3.1.2 Mixing of Concrete

The are many components of mixing that need to be considered in order to ensure
that a uniform concrete mixing can be achieved. Location, shape and angle of the mixing
blades, shape of the mixing chamber, speed of rotation, and horsepower must all be taken
into account.

Figure – 3: Mixing of Fibre in Concrete

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3.1.3 Placing Concrete

Concrete is placed in the moulds using a trowel in three layers of approximately
equal depth and is remixed in the mixing pan with a shovel to prevent segregation during
the moulding of specimens. The mixed concrete should be placed in the mould within 30
minutes of its preparation.

3.1.4 Compaction of Concrete

Compaction is the removal of air from fresh concrete. Proper compaction results in
concrete with an increased density which is stronger and more durable. Concrete is placed
in the mould, in three layers of approximately equal volume. 25 strokes will be done in
compaction.

3.1.5 Curing of Specimen

Cubes must be cured before they are tested. Unless required for test at 24 hours, the
cube should be placed immediately after demoulding in the curing tank or mist room. The
curing temperature of the water in the curing tank should be maintained at 27-300C.

3.2 Test on Fresh Concrete

3.2.1 Workability
The workability of a concrete mix is the relative ease with which concrete can be
placed, compacted and finished without separation or segregation of the individuals.

3.2.2 Slump Test

Slump test is the most commonly used method of measuring consistency of concrete
which can be employed either in laboratory or at site of work. It is not a suitable method for
very wet or very dry concrete. The stump of the concrete is measured by measuring the
distance from the top of the slumped concrete to the level of the top of the slump cone.

3.3 Test on Hardened Concrete

3.3.1 Compressive Strength Test
The cube specimen is of the size 15 x 15 x 15 cm. These specimens are tested by
compression testing machine after 7 days curing or 28 days curing. Load should be applied
gradually at the rate of 140kg / cm 2 per minute till the Specimens fails. Compressive
strength of the specimen is calculated by
Fck = P/A (N/mm2)
Where, A = loaded area (150mm * 150 mm)
P = ultimate load (N)
Figure – 4: Compressive Strength Test

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Narayani and Karthick (2019)

3.3.2 Split Tensile Strength Test

Splitting tensile strength test on concrete cylinder is a method to determine the
tensile strength of concrete. The concrete is very weak in tension due to its brittle nature
and is not expected to resist the direct tension.
2P /π DL (N/mm2)
Where, P= ultimate load (N)
D = diameter of cylinder (mm)
L = length of cylinder (mm)

Figure – 5: Split Tensile Strength Test

3.3.3 Flexural Strength Test

The flexural strength of the specimen is expressed as modulus of rupture, fb and is
calculated by
Fb = 3PL/ 2bd2 (N/mm2)
Where, P = ultimate load (N)
L = Centre to Centre distance between supports (400mm)
b = breadth of the specimen (100mm)
d = depth of the specimen (100mm)

Figure – 6: Flexural Strength Test

TEST RESULTS
4.1 Test on Fresh Concrete
Slump Cone Test
Slump Cone Value = 300 – 75 = 225 mm
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4.2 Test on Hardened Concrete (Conventional Concrete)

Table – 1: Compressive Strength Split Tensile Strength, Flexural Strength Test
No. of Compressive strength Split tensile strength Flexural strength of
Days of concrete (N/mm2) of concrete (N/mm2) Concrete (N/mm2)
7 23.67 1.61 2.1

28 27.33 2.49 3.2+

Figure – 7: Conventional Concrete

N/mm2

Days

For 2% addition of banana fibre and 5% partial Replacement of both Rice husk ash
and dolomite powder
Table – 2: Compressive Strength Split Tensile Strength, Flexural Strength Test
No. of Compressive strength Split tensile strength Flexural strength of
Days of concrete (N/mm2) of concrete (N/mm2) Concrete (N/mm2)
7 30.9 1.80 6.3

28 37.6 2.50 7.4

Figure – 8: For 5.0% Replacement

N/mm2

Days

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Narayani and Karthick (2019)

For 2% addition of banana fiber and 7.5% partial Replacement of both Rice husk ash
and dolomite powder
Table – 3: Compressive Strength Split Tensile Strength, Flexural Strength Test
No. of Compressive strength Split tensile strength Flexural strength of
Days of concrete (N/mm2) of concrete (N/mm2) Concrete (N/mm2)
7 31.6 2.31 6.7

28 39.9 2.62 7.9

Figure – 9: For 7.5% Replacement

N/mm2

Days

For 2% addition of banana fibre and 10% partial Replacement of both Rice husk ash
and dolomite powder
Table – 4: Compressive Strength Split Tensile Strength, Flexural Strength Test
No. of Compressive strength Split tensile strength Flexural strength of
Days of concrete (N/mm2) of concrete (N/mm2) Concrete (N/mm2)
7 30.9 2.57 7.2

28 34.7 2.83 8.3

Figure – 10: For 10% Replacement

N/mm2

Days

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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

5.1 For Conventional Concrete
• Maximum compressive strength is 27.33 N/mm2
• Maximum split tensile strength is 2.49 N/mm2
• Maximum Flexural strength is 3.2 N/mm2

5.2 For 5.0 % Replacement

• Maximum compressive strength is 37.6 N/mm2
• Maximum split tensile strength is 2.50 N/mm2
• Maximum flexural strength is 7.4N/mm2

5.3 For 7.5% Replacement

• Maximum compressive strength is 39.9 N/mm
• Maximum split tensile strength is 2.62 N/mm2
• Maximum flexural strength is 7.9N/mm2

5.4 For 7.5% Replacement

• Maximum compressive strength is 34.7 N/mm2
• Maximum split tensile strength is 2.83 N/mm2
• Maximum flexural strength is 8.3N/mm2

CONCLUSION
• The compressive strength split tensile strength and flexural strength of banana
fibre, Rice husk ash and dolomite powder reinforced concrete test results shows that
the strength gradually increased at 5.0%, 7.5% and 10% replacement.
• The optimal replacement percentage of cement with banana fibre, Rice husk ash and
dolomite powder is found to be 7.5%.
• In the care of split tensile strength and flexural strength, the optimal replacement is
10%.
• Use of banana fibre, rice husk ash and dolomite powder decrease the cost of the
concrete and reduce the consumption of cement will reduce the emission of green
house gas.

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[4] Prasannan, D., Nivin, S., Kumar, R. R., Giridharan, S., & Elavivekan, M., (2018)
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