Comparison of Compressive Strength by Partial Replacement of Sand Using Wood Powder and Rice Husk

Abstract

The rapid depletion of natural river sand and the increasing generation of agricultural and industrial waste have encouraged researchers to explore sustainable alternative materials in concrete production. This study investigates the effect of partial replacement of fine aggregate (sand) with wood powder and rice husk on the compressive strength of concrete. Concrete was prepared with partial replacement of sand at 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% by wood powder and rice husk. A total of concrete specimens of size 100 mm diameter and 200 mm height cylinder were cast and tested for compressive strength at 7 and 28 days of curing in accordance with ASTM standards. Partial replacement of sand with wooden husk, the compressive strength improved at 5% replacement compared to the control mix. Partial replacement of sand with rice husk showed 10% rice husk replacement produced the highest compressive strength. This research presents an experimental study on the comparison of compressive strength of concrete by partial replacement of fine aggregate (sand) using wood powder and rice husk. The increasing demand for natural sand and the environmental issues associated with agricultural and industrial waste disposal have encouraged the use of alternative materials in concrete production. The 10% rice husk replacement exhibited the highest compressive strength among all mixes, achieving 3212.52 at 7 days and 3642.00 at 28 days. Concrete containing 5% wood powder showed improved compressive strength compared to the control mix, with values of 2773.44 at 7 days and 3375.42 at 28 days. A comparison between wood powder and rice husk indicates that rice husk performs better than wood powder as a partial replacement of sand. The maximum compressive strength was obtained with 10% rice husk replacement, particularly at 28 days of curing.