Comparative Strength and Cost of Rice Husk Concrete Block

This research presents a comparative cost and strength analysis of rice husk concrete block which is aimed at reducing the cost of concrete production and emphasizing environmentally and friendly sustainable materials.

Concrete block materials consist of cement, filler, and rice husk. Tests were performed to compare the strength and cost of seven cement rice husk weight ratios designated ranging from 0.67 to 2.00 with constant water cement ration of 0.4. Samples have been tested for 28-day strength. The analysis of the results has showed that the higher proportions of rice husk correspond to decreased strength dan cost polynomially. At 134% proportion of rice husk, it is optimum value for rice husk concrete block. In this point, the compressive strength satisfies the standard. Also, water absorption of 16,04% justifies the maximum standard. Overall, the cost of 134% RH concrete is Rp 511,809 per m3 which is 42.5% cheaper than normal concrete block.

As RH is lightweight material, it is important to search further thermal insulation and acoustic insulation for this RH concrete block. 

References:

1. Winarno, S. (2019). Comparative strength and cost of rice husk concrete block. In MATEC Web of Conferences (Vol. 280, p. 04002). EDP Sciences.