Assessment of long term durability properties of blended fly ash-Rice husk ash alkali activated concrete

This study evaluates the long term (up to 365 days) durability properties (i.e., absorption and permeability properties) of a blended fly ash-rice husk ash (RHA) AAC and compares the results with 100 % fly ash AAC. The results showed that the addition of RHA adversely affected the durability characteristics. Degradation of the alkali-activated binder through long-term crack propagation (initiated during heat curing) due to the formation of efflorescence products is identified as one of the major factors contributing to the deterioration observed. The combined effect of the degree of crack propagation and the homogeneity within the microstructure are the main factors that influence the long-term durability properties of blended fly ash-RHA AAC. However, the blended fly ash-RHA AAC had a lower chloride diffusion coefficient at both 28 and 365 days and a higher maturity factor than 100 % fly ash AAC, indicating improved resistance to chloride ingress over time. Overall, the crack propagation becomes the dominant mechanism over the longer term (365 days) despite initial ongoing alkali activation.