Ali Fauzi Mahmuda, M. Tumpu, M. W. Tjaronge, M. Yusuf Satria

Utilization of Rice Straw Ash Bio pozzolan as a Partial Replacement for Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) in Mortar Production

Introduction

Utilization of rice straw ash bio pozzolan as a partial replacement for ordinary portland cement (opc) in mortar production. Discover how rice straw ash bio pozzolan can partially replace OPC in mortar production. Learn the optimal 10% replacement enhances compressive strength for sustainable construction.

Abstract

The increasing demand for environmentally friendly construction materials has encouraged the utilization of agricultural waste as alternative building materials. This study aims to evaluate the potential of rice straw ash as a bio pozzolan to partially replace Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) in mortar production. The methodology includes slump flow and compressive strength tests with rice straw ash used at replacement levels of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% by weight of OPC. The results show that incorporating rice straw ash affects both workability and compressive strength of the mortar. The 10% replacement level yielded optimal performance, with a slight decrease in slump flow still within acceptable standards and an improvement in compressive strength compared to the control mix. However, higher replacement levels of 20% and 30% led to a significant reduction in compressive strength, likely due to the incomplete pozzolanic reaction at early curing stages. This study recommends the use of 10% rice straw ash as a partial substitute for OPC in environmentally friendly mortar applications and suggests further research to optimize ash calcination processes and curing conditions to enhance long- term performance.

Review

The study, "Utilization of Rice Straw Ash Bio pozzolan as a Partial Replacement for Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) in Mortar Production," addresses a highly relevant and pressing issue in the construction industry: the search for sustainable and environmentally friendly building materials. By investigating rice straw ash (RSA) as a bio-pozzolan, the authors contribute to the critical area of waste valorization and CO2 emission reduction associated with cement production. The methodology, involving various replacement levels of OPC with RSA and assessing key properties like slump flow and compressive strength, is straightforward and appropriate for an initial evaluation of this material's potential in mortar applications. This research offers valuable preliminary insights into incorporating agricultural waste into construction, aligning with global efforts towards circular economy principles. A significant strength of this study lies in its clear identification of an optimal replacement level. The finding that a 10% replacement of OPC with RSA not only maintains but *improves* compressive strength while keeping slump flow within acceptable limits is a compelling result, demonstrating tangible benefits. This suggests a promising avenue for reducing cement consumption without compromising structural integrity at this specific ratio. The authors also adeptly identify and discuss the challenges associated with higher replacement levels (20% and 30%), attributing the observed reduction in compressive strength to incomplete pozzolanic reactions at early curing stages. This candid assessment adds credibility to their findings and underscores the complexities of incorporating supplementary cementitious materials. The study's recommendation for 10% RSA as a partial substitute is a practical and actionable outcome. While the study provides a solid foundation, several areas could enhance its impact and comprehensiveness. The abstract mentions "acceptable standards" for slump flow but does not specify which standards were used, which would be crucial for context. Furthermore, while the impact on strength is explored, an initial characterization of the rice straw ash itself (e.g., chemical composition, specific surface area, reactivity index) would provide a deeper understanding of its pozzolanic activity and explain the observed performance variations. Future research should indeed delve into optimizing ash calcination processes and different curing regimes, as suggested by the authors, to potentially unlock better performance at higher replacement levels. Additionally, exploring long-term durability properties (e.g., water absorption, resistance to chemical attack, freeze-thaw cycles) and a preliminary economic feasibility analysis would significantly strengthen the case for widespread adoption of RSA in mortar production.

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