International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 07 | Jul 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
PRODUCTION OF LIGHT WEIGHT CONCRETE WITH AGRICULTURAL WASTE Vaishali D. Jaysingpure1, Dr. Preeti Gajghate2, Omkar Gabhale3, Yash Ingalkar4, Vaibhav Hale5, Aditya More6 (Department of Civil Engineering, JSPM’s Rajarshi Shahu College of Engineering, Tathawade-411033, Pune, India) (Department Of Civil Engineering B.Tech, JSPM’s RSCOE, Pune, India) -----------------------------------------------------------------------***----------------------------------------------------------------------Abstract: As the demand for sustainable construction materials grows, researchers are exploring alternative materials that can reduce environmental impact while maintaining performance. This study examines the use of rice husk as a partial replacement for traditional aggregates in lightweight concrete production. Rice husk, a by-product of rice milling, is widely available and often discarded as waste. By incorporating it into concrete, this research aims to address both agricultural waste management and the need for more eco-friendly building materials.
The study evaluates how rice husk affects key properties of concrete, including density, strength, workability, and water absorption. Results show that replacing a portion of traditional aggregates with rice husk significantly reduces the weight of concrete without severely compromising its strength. This makes it particularly useful for non-structural applications, such as insulation panels, partition walls, and lightweight blocks. Additionally, the rice husk enhances the concrete’s thermal insulation properties, which can contribute to energy-efficient buildings by helping regulate indoor temperatures. Beyond its functional benefits, using rice husk in concrete aligns with sustainable construction goals. By repurposing agricultural waste, this approach helps reduce landfill waste and promotes a circular economy. It also provides a costeffective alternative to conventional lightweight aggregates, making it an attractive option for builders and developers looking for greener solutions. Overall, the findings highlight the potential of rice husk as an innovative material in lightweight concrete production. Its ability to lower concrete weight, improve insulation, and support sustainable practices makes it a promising option for environmentally conscious construction. As industries continue to seek ways to reduce carbon footprints and improve resource efficiency, incorporating rice husk into concrete presents a practical and beneficial step toward greener, more sustainable building practices.
Keywords: Rice Husk, Lightweight Concrete, Environmental Impact, Eco-Friendly Construction. 1. INTRODUCTION Concrete is one of the most commonly used materials in construction because of its strength, durability, and flexibility in various applications. From homes and office buildings to roads and bridges, concrete forms the backbone of modern infrastructure. However, the production of concrete—especially its key ingredient, cement—has significant environmental consequences. Cement manufacturing is responsible for a large portion of global carbon dioxide emissions, and the extraction of raw materials like sand and gravel further depletes natural resources. As the construction industry faces increasing pressure to adopt more sustainable practices, the search for eco-friendly alternatives has become a top priority.[1] One promising material that has gained attention in recent years is rice husk, an agricultural by-product generated in large quantities during rice milling. Typically considered waste, rice husk is often discarded or burned, contributing to environmental issues such as air pollution and landfill overflow. However, rice husk contains a high silica content and is naturally lightweight, which makes it a potentially valuable resource for concrete production. By repurposing this agricultural waste, researchers hope to address two problems at once: reducing the environmental impact of construction and finding a sustainable use for a waste material that is currently underutilized.[2] This study explores the use of rice husk as a partial replacement for traditional concrete aggregates like sand and crushed stone. The goal is to produce lightweight concrete that still meets acceptable standards for strength and durability,
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