Published Paper Details:

Numerous researchers are currently focusing on enhancing concrete properties by incorporating various types of materials. This study aims to investigate the behavior of M40 grade concrete with a water-cement ratio (w/c) of 0.43 and to determine its compressive strength, flexural strength, and split tensile strength when cement is replaced by fly ash, rice husk ash, and steel fiber. Different replacement levels were considered, including 10%, 20%, and 30% of fly ash and rice husk, as well as combined replacements. The steel fiber content in the concrete was varied from 0% to 1.0%. The results indicated that the workability of the concrete decreased with increasing percentages of fly ash (FA), rice husk ash (RHA), and steel fiber. Among the various combinations, the maximum compressive strength achieved after 28 days was 53.77 N/mm2 with a 10% replacement of cement by fly ash (FA). Similarly, the maximum flexural strength recorded at 28 days was 5.89 N/mm2 with a 10% replacement of cement by fly ash (FA). Additionally, the maximum split tensile strength attained after 28 days was 4.21 N/mm2 with a 10% replacement of cement by fly ash (FA). The most favorable strength results were observed with a combination of 20% fly ash and 10% rice husk ash, along with 0.75% steel fiber in the concrete. These findings demonstrate the potential of using fly ash and rice husk ash as partial replacements for cement, along with the inclusion of steel fibers, to improve the strength characteristics of concrete.