Multi-objective optimisation of the mechanical properties of rice husk ash–modified lateritic concrete

The optimisation of structural behaviour requires a robust understanding of the interaction between material composition and geometric parameters. This study performs a multi-objective optimisation of rice husk ash (RHA)–modified lateritic concrete using Scheffé’s third-degree simplex lattice design. Laterite and RHA were used as partial replacements for fine aggregate and cement, respectively, to reduce cement consumption while improving compressive and flexural performance. Fifty-six mixtures were experimentally evaluated for compressive strength, flexural strength, and fracture energy, while size-dependent fracture behaviour was assessed using the span-to-height (L/h) ratio of the flexural strength samples. A comparable maximum compressive strength and flexural strength of 27.12 and 3.47 MPa were obtained at a water–binder ratio of 0.62 with 18% and 10% RHA replacement, respectively. Improved crack resistance was achieved at an L/h ratio of 10.25 with W/B = 0.68 (cement = 0.79, RHA = 0.34, laterite = 0.47; mass fractions) with about 19% increase in fracture energy. Material characterisation using X-ray fluorescence confirmed the pozzolanic reactivity of RHA due to its high amorphous silica content, while the iron- and alumina-rich laterite contributed to matrix densification and improved interfacial bonding. The developed models enable both forward and inverse prediction of beam geometry or mix composition.

Citation

Ogbo, O S, Momoh, E O, Ndububa E E et al (2026) Multi-objective optimisation of the mechanical properties of rice husk ash–modified lateritic concrete, European Journal of Environmental and Civil Engineering 30 (1), 2663490https://doi.org/10.1080/19648189.2026.2663490

Type

Journal article

Language

en

Description

© 2026 The Authors. Published by Taylor and Francis. This is an open access article available under a Creative Commons licence. The published version can be accessed at the following link on the publisher’s website: https://doi.org/10.1080/19648189.2026.2663490

ISSN

1964-8189

EISSN

2116-7214

Collections

Faculty of Science and Engineering