Gypsum Hollow Blocks from Rice Straw for Sustainable Building

Date: 25 February 2022

Country: India

Application

• Sustainable Building Material: Can be used for non-load bearing partition walls in construction, offering thermal insulation, soundproofing, and fire-resistant properties.

Description

This project investigates the use of rice straw-based agro-waste in gypsum hollow blocks for partition walls. It examines the effects of rice straw addition on mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, acoustic properties, and fire resistance. The results show that rice straw reduces density and compressive strength, making the blocks lightweight while enhancing thermal insulation and sound absorption. These eco-friendly blocks offer a sustainable solution for reducing agricultural waste and pollution.

Pathway Description:

The process used in this project involves incorporating rice straw, an agricultural waste, into gypsum to create hollow blocks. The rice straw is dried, chopped, and mixed with gypsum in various proportions (5–25 wt%) along with retarders and water. The mixture is then cast into hollow blocks with specific dimensions. These blocks are then sun-dried to remove moisture before being tested for mechanical, thermal, acoustic, and fire-resistant properties.