Rheological characterization of ternary pastes for the development of lightweight rice-husk bio-concretes

ABSTRACT

This experimental research aims to produce rice husk bio-concretes (RBCs) with a matrix of ternary mixtures of cement, rice husk ash and fly ash. The first step consisted in an evaluation of the influence of a superplasticizer additive and a polyfunctional additive on the rheological behavior of cementitious pastes. The purpose of this step was to test different levels of additives in order to develop a paste that, after adding high volumetric fractions of rice husk, allows obtaining RBCs that have adequate workability for compaction by mechanical vibration. A grinding and chemical treatment process was carried out on the rice husk to improve its adhesion with the matrix. The experimental results show that the PF type additive showed better compatibility with the ternary combination at an optimal content of 0.3%. Thus, the RBCs produced were cohesive, without segregation, with spreading of 210 ± 30 mm. The dry specific mass and compressive strength of the RBCs were determined after 28 days of age. Based on the results obtained, the BCCs presented specific mass between 1000 and 1300 kg/m³ and compressive strength higher than 8.0 MPa, indicating the possibility of use in the production of lightweight and load bearing panels.

Keywords
Lightweight bio-concretes; Rice husk; Rheology; Mechanical properties; Ternary mixtures