Modeling and Optimization of Compressive Strength of Hollow Sandcrete Block with Rice Husk Ash

Admixture

The paper presents the report of an investigation into the model development and optimization
of the compressive strength of 55/45 to 70/30 cement/Rice Husk Ash (RHA) in hollow sandcrete block.
The low cost and local availability potential of RHA, a pozzolanic material gasps for exploitation. The
study applies the Scheffe's optimization approach to obtain a mathematical model of the form f(x ,x ,x x
), where x are proportions of the concrete components, viz: cement, RHA, sand and water. Scheffe's i
experimental design techniques are followed to mould various hollow block samples measuring 450mm
x 225mm x 150mm and tested for 28 days strength. The task involved experimentation and design,
applying the second order polynomial characterization process of the simplex lattice method. The model
adequacy is checked using the control factors. Finally, a software is prepared to handle the design
computation process to take the desired property of the mix, and generate the optimal mix ratios.
Reversibly, any mix ratios can be desired and the attainable strength obtained. Sandcrete, Pseudo-
component, Simplex-lattice, optimization, transformation matrix.

Construction of structures is one of the most regular activities in life. It often involves sancrete
block heavily both for load bearing or non-load bearing walls. The cost/stability of this operation has
been a major issue in the world where cost is a major index. Naturally, the rate of development in an
area depends to a large extent on the usability of the raw materials in the process of environmental
upgrading of that area as this translates to some fast and easy-cheap-to-find technology derived from
innovative and testable ideas for technology growth. In construction concrete is the main material.

AUTHOR:

P.N. Onuamah (Civil Engineering Department, Enugu State University of Science and Technology,
Enugu, Nigeria)

http://er-journal.com/papers/onuamah_june2014_2_1.pdf

Journal of Experimental Research June 2014, Vol 2 No 1

Email: www.er-journal.com editor_in_chief@er-journal.com

Received: December, 2013

Accepted for publication: May, 2014