Evaluation of material performance against causative agents of cracks in reinforced concrete structures in the tropics: A case study of fly ash and rice husk ash concrete

Abstract

Reinforced concrete building structures are faced with numerous challenges with one of them being cracks. Several factors like carbonation, corrosion of reinforcements in concrete, moisture/water penetration, chloride ingress, and excessive loads than what the structure can support are some of the causes of these cracks and the goal of the study is to evaluate the material suitability of fly ash and rice husk ash concrete in solving cracks in reinforced concrete structures in the tropics. The study utilized qualitative approach of investigation through carrying out tests. Analytical statistics was employed for the analysis of results from tests. The study will add on to the body knowledge on crack free construction in the tropics and will demonstrate a novelty in the area of ensuring project success. This research proposal includes the problem statement, objectives and justification of the study, budget and the methodology used included tests be done, sample preparation and interpretation, evaluation and analysis of results. The findings were then summarized, discussed, conclusions drawn and recommendations provided from study.