Evaluation of compressive strength and abrasive properties of rice husk ash – cement compressed stabilized earth bricks

Cement, the most utilized building material in developing countries like Nigeria, is rising daily, making it hard for low-income people to acquire a home. This study aimed at producing compressed stabilized earth bricks (CSEBs) from Rice Husk Ash (RHA) and cement. After uncontrolled calcination of rice husk, the RHA oxide compositions were assessed by X-Ray Fluorescence. Design Expert (RSM) designed mix proportions for seventeen earth brick variables. Cement-RHA-Soil was blended with 0-5% cement and 20-25% water. Box Behnken Design (BDD) of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) in Design Expert Version 6 was used to generate seventeen (17) design mix proportions (variables) for the CSEBs. After damp curing for three days, compressed stabilized earth bricks (CSEBs) were evaluated for compressive strength and abrasion at 28, 56, and 108 days. RHA was pozzolanic because its major oxides (SiO2, Al2O3, and Fe2O3) yielded 75.27%. CSEB compressive strength improved with age. RCB16- CSEBs with 2.5% RHA+2.5% Cement+21.25% WC - exhibited the best compressive and abrasion strength. Thus, RHA is a good cement replacement in CSEB production for cheaper and sustainable building.