Total shrinkage, chloride penetration, and compressive strength of concretes that contain clear-colored rice husk ash

This study investigated total shrinkage, which is a rarely examined property, as well as the penetration of chlorides before and after shrinkage and the compressive strength of concretes containing clear-colored rice husk ash substituted for 5%, 10%, 20%, and 30% of their Portland cement and subjected to wet curing periods of 3 and 7 days. The results showed that increasing the RHA content increased the concrete's total shrinkage and compressive strength, as well as the penetration of chlorides after shrinkage. A cost analysis of the concrete used at ready-mix concrete companies was performed. The study concluded that concretes containing 5% RHA replacement and compressive strength levels between 35 and 55 MPa had a lower cost/m(3) than that of the reference concrete containing 100% Portland cement. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.