Behavior of Geopolymer Concrete with Rice Husk Ash—A Review

Geopolymer concrete (GPC) has already gained popularity as a sustainable substitute for conventional Portland CC, since it uses industrial byproducts and has a smaller carbon footprint. One tonne of cement production emits 0.8–0.9 tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere. Thus, a great deal of research is being done on geopolymer concrete. The behavior of geopolymer concrete, including RHA as a partial substitute for traditional binders, is examined in this review study. A byproduct of milling rice, RHA has a high silica content and offers major benefits in geopolymer compositions. The review evaluates the mechanical attributes, longevity, and ecological effect of geopolymer concrete based on RHA by combining data from many investigations. Important characteristics are covered in detail, including workability, flexural strength, tensile strength, and compressive strength. Additionally, the impact of RHA on the geopolymer matrix’s microstructure and chemical composition is investigated. The findings suggest that RHA can enhance the durability and strength characteristics of geopolymer concrete while lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, the construction sector benefits from the integration of RHA in the handling of trash and resource efficiency. In conclusion, a practical route in order to produce high-performing, ecologically favourable building materials is the incorporation of rice husk ash into geopolymer concrete. To fully achieve RHA’s potential in geopolymer applications, future research areas include long-term performance studies, mix design optimization, and the creation of standardized testing procedures.