Assessment of Millet Husk Ash - Cement Blended Concrete for Sustainable Rigid Pavement Applications

Abstract

This study presents an evaluation of cement-millet husk ash (CMHA) concrete for sustainable rigid pavement applications using destructive and non destructive testing techniques. Millet husk ash (MHA), obtained from controlled burning of agricultural waste, was used to replace ordinary Portland cement (OPC) at 0-20% (at 5% increment) by weight in two nominal mix proportions of 1:2:4 and 1:1.5:3. Fresh concrete properties were examined through slump and setting time tests, while hardened performance was assessed using compressive strength testing at 3, 7, 14, and 28 days. Complementary non-destructive tests, including rebound hammer and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), were employed to characterize surface hardness, internal concrete quality, and microstructural integrity. Results showed that MHA replacement between 5 -10% improved workability, densification, and strength development due to enhanced pozzolanic activity and matrix refinement. This improvement was consistently reflected in both destructive and non-destructive indicators. However, higher replacement levels resulted in reduced performance, attributed to excessive dilution of cementitious compounds. The findings showed that MHA is a viable supplementary cementitious material for rigid pavement concrete and supports sustainable construction through reduced cement consumption and effective waste utilization, and an optimal replacement range of 5-10% is recommended for structural pavement applications.