Elevated-Temperature Behaviour and Residual Compressive Strength of Rice Husk Ash-Blended Concrete Incorporating Superabsorbent Polymer

Oguntola Isaiah Oluwafemi, Raheem Akeem Ayinde, kotun Bolanle Deborah, Koku-Ojumu B. E.

Abstract


The deterioration of concrete under elevated temperatures poses significant challenges to structural safety and post-fire rehabilitation, highlighting the need for sustainable cementitious materials with improved residual mechanical performance. This study investigated the effects of rice husk ash (RHA) and superabsorbent polymer (SAP) on the residual compressive strength of Portland limestone cement (PLC) concrete exposed to elevated temperatures. PLC was partially replaced with RHA at 10, 15, 20 and 25%, while SAP dosages ranged from 0.1 to 0.5%. Compressive strength was evaluated before and after exposure to 200, 400 and 600°C, using conventional PLC concrete as the control. Results showed progressive strength reduction with increasing temperature across all mixtures. However, RHA–SAP incorporation generally improved residual-strength retention, with 0.3% SAP producing the highest absolute residual strength at each RHA replacement level. At 600°C, mixtures containing 10, 15, 20 and 25% RHA with 0.3% SAP retained 75.7, 81.3, 74.5 and 70.5% of their initial strengths, respectively, compared with 63.9% for the control. The optimum mixture, comprising 15% RHA and 0.3% SAP, recorded an initial compressive strength of 34.2 MPa and a residual strength of 27.8 MPa at 600°C, representing approximately 52.7% higher residual strength than the control (18.2 MPa). The improvement may be associated with pozzolanic matrix refinement and SAP-assisted internal curing. The findings identify 15% RHA and 0.3% SAP as the most favourable combination within the investigated mixtures, demonstrating the potential for reducing PLC consumption while improving residual compressive-strength performance following elevated-temperature exposure. 


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References


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