Mechanical Properties of Brick Using Rice Husk Ash

Rice husk waste is very much produced because Indonesia is an agricultural country. This waste is freely burned around the factory and produces ash. This study used rice husk ash as an additive in bricks. This research aims to describe: (1) the compressive strength of brick with various percentages of RHA (0% - 15%), (2) the water absorption of brick with various percentages of RHA (0% - 15%), and (3) quality level of compressive strength and water absorption based on Indonesian Standard SNI 15-2094-2000. The methods are: (1) preparation of clay and rice husk ash, (2) produce brick with different percentages of RHA, (3) Drying with direct sunlight and furnacing with rice husk on an industrial site, (4) examining compressive strength and water absorption, and(5) analyzing data to find out compressive strength and water absorption, and quality of brick. The results showed that the use of RHA added to bricks caused a decrease in compressive strength. Meanwhile, the water absorption value of the bricks increases significantly. The RHA brick did not meet the requirements based on the compressive strength. However, according to water absorption, 5% RHA and 10% RHA meet the requirements.