Flexural Behavior of RC Beams by Using Agricultural Waste as a Cement Reinforcement Materials
Taha A. El-Sayed *
Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering at Shoubra, Benha University, 108 Shoubra St., Shoubra 11241, Cairo, Egypt.
Abeer M. Erfan
Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering at Shoubra, Benha University, 108 Shoubra St., Shoubra 11241, Cairo, Egypt.
Abeer M. Erfan
Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering at Shoubra, Benha University, 108 Shoubra St., Shoubra 11241, Cairo, Egypt.
Ragab M. Abd El-Naby
Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering at Shoubra, Benha University, 108 Shoubra St., Shoubra 11241, Cairo, Egypt.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Using replacement for cement to assure sustainability is critical as the raw materials (limestone, sand, shale, clay and iron ore) used in making cement are depleting. The use of agriculture waste byproducts to replace cement is becoming an economic option. Rice husk ash (RHA), rice straw ash (RSA) and wheat straw ash (WSA) which have pozzolanic properties are viable alternatives. A study on RHA, RSA and WSA were conducted to determine their suitability. From the various grades of concrete studied show that up to 15% replacement of OPC with RHA, RSA and WSA have the potential to be used as partial cement replacement (PCR), having good compressive strength, performance and durability. In particular, the utilization of as PCR material as PCR can contribute to sustainable construction.
Keywords: Concrete beams, flexural behavior, cement reinforcements, agricultural wastes.