Comparative Performance of Rice Husk Ash and Seashell-Based Binder as an Eco-Friendly Alternative to Commercial Cement Stabilizers

This study evaluates the potential of rice husk ash (RHA) blended with seashell powder as an eco-friendly alternative to commercial cement stabilizers. It employed a quasi-experimental design using a 1-meter height drop test and a 60-kg compressive strength test. The experiment involved two groups: a control group using commercial cement and an experimental group using a blend of RHA, seashell powder, sand, and a reduced amount of Portland cement. The results indicated no statistically significant difference in structural performance between the two groups, with comparable scores in both durability and compressive strength tests. The use of ASTM C140 guidelines ensured testing reliability. However, the study was limited to a single mix ratio due to resource constraints. Future research should test varying proportions and include additional durability parameters such as water absorption. The findings support the viability of RHA-seashell blends as partial replacements for traditional cement, contributing to sustainable construction practices.