CONCRETE WATERPROOFED WITH RICE HUSK ASH FOR COASTAL APPLICATIONS

Abstract

In coastal regions, high relative humidity and salinity can cause concrete to degrade quickly. This study evaluates using rice husk ash (RHA) as a pozzolanic additive to improve the impermeability of materials in marine environments. A quantitative and experimental approach was used to prepare mixtures with 0%, 2%, 5%, and 10% RHA. Water absorption tests were performed according to standardized ASTM C642-13 procedures, and infiltration tests were conducted using a falling head permeameter. Results showed that the mixture with 10% RHA reduced absorption by 35% compared to the mixture without RHA and exhibited reduced water passage. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis revealed 98.6% amorphous silica, confirming the additive's potential. Microscopic images revealed a denser microstructure with a higher RHA content. In conclusion, the study found that RHA is effective in waterproofing exposed concrete in marine areas