INVESTIGATING THE EFFECTS OF RICE HUSK ASH AND TERMITE MUD POWDER ON CONCRETE PERFORMANCE

ABSTRACT This study investigates the effects of rice husk ash (RHA) and termite mud powder (TMP) as partial replacements for cement in concrete, focusing on improving compressive strength and durability while promoting sustainability in construction. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) was partially replaced with RHA and TMP at varying proportions of 5%, 10%, and 15% by weight. The research aimed to determine how these pozzolanic materials influence the mechanical and durability properties of concrete and to identify the optimum replacement levels for practical application. The experimental program included mix design, sample preparation, and tests such as slump, compressive strength, water absorption, and sulfate resistance. The results showed that the inclusion of RHA and TMP significantly affected the workability and strength of concrete. Concrete mixes containing up to 10% RHA and 10% TMP exhibited improved compressive strength compared to the control mix, particularly at 28 days of curing. However, higher replacement levels (15%) resulted in a slight reduction in strength due to increased porosity. Durability tests revealed that the blended concrete had lower water absorption and better resistance to sulfate attack, indicating enhanced long-term performance. The findings confirmed that RHA and TMP can effectively replace a portion of cement without compromising concrete quality. The optimum replacement levels were found to be 10% RHA and 10% TMP, which offered the best balance between strength, durability, and sustainability. The study concludes that incorporating these locally available materials can reduce cement usage, minimize environmental impact, and promote sustainable construction practices.