SCIÉNDO INGENIUM

ISSN 3084-7788 (En línea) Scién. inge. 21(2): 69-79, (2025)

Influence of the content and particle size of rice husk ash on the water

susceptibility of asphalt mixtures

1, *

Daniel Martínez-Cerna

; Cinthya Alvarado ²

¹Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Av. Juan Pablo II s/n – Ciudad Universitaria, Trujillo, Perú.

²Departamento de Ingeniería Civil, Arquitectura y Urbanismo, Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Av. Juan Pablo II s/n –

Ciudad Universitaria, Trujillo, Perú.

* Autor correspondiente: dmartinezc@unitru.edu.pe (D. Martínez-Cerna)

DOI: 10.17268/scien.inge.2025.02.05

ABSTRACT

This study investigates how rice husk ash (RHA) content and particle size influence the water susceptibility

of asphalt mixes. A two-factor experiment was conducted, varying RHA proportions (2.5%, 5.0%, and 7.5%)

and particle sizes (149, 74, and 53 µm). The RHA, sourced from agro-industrial wastes in Trujillo, Peru, was

previously analyzed by, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed irregular, porous, and angular particles,

typical of ashes produced at moderate temperatures, which enhance binder interaction and internal friction.

The ash analysis also identified crystalline phases like cristobalite and quartz, suggesting chemical reactivity.

Coarse and fine aggregates met Peruvian standards for durability and wear resistance. The optimal asphalt

cement content was 4.39%, balancing cohesion, stability, and air voids. The experimental results indicate that

adding 5.0% RHA, especially with particle sizes smaller than 53 µm, significantly improves the mixture's

resistance to moisture damage. This not only enhances the longevity of pavements but also promotes sustain-

ability by incorporating waste materials into road construction. The incorporation of RHA not only improves

the technical performance of asphalt mixtures, but also represents an environmentally beneficial strategy by

reusing an abundant agricultural waste, reducing the environmental impact and promoting a circular economy.

Keywords: asphalt mixtures; water susceptibility; rice husk ash; stability; TSR Test.

1. INTRODUCTION

The incorporation of rice husk ash (RHA) into asphalt mixes has received much attention as a sustainable and

environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fillers. RHA, a by-product of rice husk combustion, offers

a promising solution to reduce the environmental impact and carbon footprint of asphalt production while

improving the mechanical properties of mixes.

Currently, climate change and global warming are a global concern, generating debates in both the public and

scientific spheres. In this context, the road pavement industry recognizes the importance of adopting more

sustainable alternatives in the design and production of asphalt mixtures (Valdés-Vidal et al., 2020).

The use of RHA in asphalt mixtures contributes to resource conservation by reducing the demand for natural

aggregates and mineral filler materials. This procedure helps preserve natural resources for future generations

and reduces the environmental impact associated with mining and quarrying activities (Jwaida et al., 2024)

(Mistry et al., 2023). Furthermore, RHA is a cost-effective alternative to traditional fillers, as it is obtained

from waste materials that are readily available and economical. The use of RHA in asphalt mixtures can gen-

erate significant cost savings in pavement construction, making it an attractive option for sustainable infra-

structure development (Mistry et al., 2023; Maha et al., 2022).

Asphalt pavement derived from nonrenewable crude oil (Lim et al., 2024) has been widely used in road engi-

neering because of its favorable properties, such as flexibility, skid resistance, stress dissipation capacity, and

noise and dust reduction (Guo et al., 2020; Hussein et al., 2023). However, over time, exposure to vehicular

traffic and weather conditions, such as frequent rains, causes pavement wear, generating unevenness, pot-

holes, and material detachment. In addition, poor drainage prevents the evacuation of moisture, which con-

tributes to localized saturation of the pavement and favors the formation of potholes and the loosening of

asphalt (Kim & Le, 2023; Sarkar & Elseifi, 2023).

Traditional pothole repair techniques, such interim fixes and cold patching, are frequently ephemeral because

they break down in bad weather and with repeated traffic loads. Therefore, in order to guarantee more sus-

Fecha de envío: 14-05-2025 Fecha de aceptación: 20-06-2025 Fecha de publicación: 28-07-2025

Martínez- Cerna, D.; Alvarado, C., Sciéndo ingenium, v. 21, n. 2, pp. 69 – 79, 2025.

tainable road maintenance,it is imperative to create materials with enhanced moisture resistance and durabil-

ity (Lee & Le, 2024).

A key element in this context is the asphalt mix, a material composed of asphalt as a binder, aggregates, and

voids (Hayder et al., 2018). Asphalt, obtained by distilling petroleum, is an essential component in the con-

struction of roads, highways, and airports (Bastidas-Martínez et al., 2024), as the performance of asphalt mix-

tures depends to a large extent on the bitumen used (Sajadi et al., 2025). However, asphalt is a material that is

sensitive to temperature, and variations in temperature can have a significant impact on its viscoelastic char-

acteristics (Liu et al., 2023).

Recent advances in asphalt pavements include the incorporation of polymers to improve performance, reduce

rutting, reduce susceptibility to water, and mitigate cracking (Kosma et al., 2017; Zhu et al., 2023; Vargas &

Hanandeh, 2022). These polymers are thicker than regular asphalt binders and stick better to the materials

used in the pavement, leading to thicker layers that resist damage from air and help the asphalt last longer

(Bassheet & Latief, 2025; Ye & Zhao, 2023).

The susceptibility of asphalt pavements to moisture degradation is being investigated by researchers world-

wide (Valentin et al., 2021). This degradation increases the development of ruts, fractures, and potholes by

decreasing the pavement's stiffness and load-bearing capacity (Jweihan et al., 2023; Zarroodi et al., 2023).

Water leaking into the pavement surface affects the adhesion between the aggregates and the binder, which

eventually leads to asphalt loosening.

The cohesiveness and adherence of the asphalt mixture's particles must be sufficiently enough to keep them

from separating when water is present in order for it to be moisture-resistant (Peyman, 2016). According to

Cao et al. (2023), the asphalt binder's acid number has a significant role in the mixture's cohesiveness, and

moisture damage often happens more around bigger aggregate particles than around the filler (Antunes et al.,

2015). Beginning with a negative pressure brought on by vehicle loads, this phenomenon causes pumping,

which gradually erodes the asphalt-aggregate interface and speeds up their dissociation. Asphalt mixes' me-

chanical and physical qualities deteriorate due to the spread of microcracks and weakness at contact areas,

which can result in water damage and other issues on the pavement surface. Failures in asphalt cohesiveness

and adherence to aggregates may result from such deterioration (Adwar & Albayati, 2024).

Because acidity is frequently associated with SiO₂ content, using mineral fillers might reduce the sensitivity

of asphalt mixtures to temperature and moisture fluctuations, particularly if the fillers aren't very acidic (Val-

entin et al., 2021). The performance of the pavement is also influenced by the particular gravity, size, porosi-

ty, texture, shape, and particle size distribution of the filler. Performance of pavement is also influenced by

the size, texture, shape, porosity, specific gravity, and particle size distribution of the filler (Zangooeinia et al.,

2023).

To guarantee the mixture's impermeability, a sufficient quantity of compacted bitumen must be present (Ali-

reza & Rezvan, 2021).

Li et al. (2020) found that biomaterials such as rice husk ash had both hydrophobic and hydrophilic compo-

nents that alter the chemical characteristics of asphalt binder. Moreover, these biomaterials enhance the rigid-

ity of the binder and augment adhesion with aggregates. Shenyang et al. (2021) discovered that the quantit y

of SiO₂ in aggregates and their roughness significantly influence the water retention capacity of the asphalt-

aggregate system.

Ash from rice husk combustion is a residue generated as a result of the incineration of this agricultural by -

product (Kumar et al., 2022). Husks, which constitute the external coating of the rice grain and are obtained

during the milling process, represent the total weight of the grain (Hidayat et al., 2023). Globally, its genera-

tion is considerable, given that about 20% of world rice production—which exceeds 545 million metric tons

per year—corresponds to this residue (Chilaka et al., 2022). Due to its substantial caloric value of around

3281.6 kcal per kilogram, rice husk has emerged as an alternative energy source, particularly in thermal ap-

plications such as brick production (Liou et al., 2023). The material is processed at controlled temperatures

between 700 and 900 °C to produce RHA (Zangooeinia et al., 2023). At these temperatures, organic compo-

nents like cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin are nearly entirely decomposed, resulting in a silica -rich ash

with characteristics applicable in several industrial sectors.

In the specific case of Peru, the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation of Peru (2024) has identi-

fied the region of La Libertad as one of the most important in terms of agroindustrial production. There, rice

is positioned as the second most important crop in terms of harvested area, reaching 30 thousand hectares and

generating close to 300 thousand tons of product annually. However, despite this high production volume, the

management of the resulting husk remains inefficient. A minority of it is used as fuel in industries such as the

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Martínez- Cerna, D.; Alvarado, C., Sciéndo ingenium, v. 21, n. 2, pp. 69 – 79, 2025.

brick industry, while most of it is burned near the milling centers without taking advantage of its energy val-

ue or its potential as a reusable input.

There are several advantages of using agro-industrial and industrial waste, including rice husk ash, to make

asphalt mixtures (Trevizan et al., 2023). These include preserving natural resources, lessening the influence

on the environment (Camargo-Perez et al., 2024; Raj et al., 2022), and cutting down on building expenses

and the carbon footprint (Ram & Ramakrishna, 2022) Accordingly, it was shown that while adding rice husk

ash reduces indirect tensile strength, it increases Marshall stiffness. Additionally, higher dynamic modulus

and creep values were noted. However, the mechanism of action of these additions remains unclear or insuf-

ficiently studied, which limits their application. Therefore, we need to further analyze their microstructure

and performance characteristics (Zhu et al., 2024).

By lowering expenses and encouraging a more environmentally friendly approach, the utilization of industri-

al waste materials, such as rice husk ash, not only improves the qualities of bitumen and asphalt but also pro-

duces financial gains (Zangooeinia et al., 2023).

The indirect tensile strength ratio (TSR), which gauges the mixture's resistance to moisture damage, was one

of the most pertinent tests used in this investigation to assess the moisture resistance of asphalt mixes. An

increase in TSR values indicates lower sensitivity to moisture and higher stability of the asphalt to water

damage. The likelihood that the asphalt binder will disintegrate in the presence of moisture was also assessed

using other useful tests, such as water immersion tests and Marshall stability (retained stability index). These

tests make it possible to evaluate the quality of the adhesion from the beginning of the process (Al-Saffar,

2024).

In order to enhance pavement design for better performance in inclement weather, the primary objective of

this study is to determine how the quantity and size of rice husk ash impact the amount of water that asphalt

mixes can absorb. Along with determining the ideal proportion of asphalt cement in the mixture, the study

aims to describe the physical and chemical characteristics of the ash employed. As a consequence, the out-

comes will not only further our understanding of civil engineering but also offer useful recommendations for

the use of sustainable and alternative materials in the building of road infrastructure.

2. METHODOLOGY

2.1 Object of study

The target universe were asphalt mixes, while the sample universe corresponds to asphalt mixes with rice

husk ash as a filler. The sample consists of an asphalt mix destined for roads in the province of Trujillo, in

the Department of La Libertad, Peru, for which briquettes with a diameter of 101.6 mm and a height of 63.5

mm were prepared, adjusted to the optimum percentage of asphalt cement.

2.2 Research design

were prepared, ensuring the repeatability and reliability of the results in the water susceptibility tests. This

study used an experimental methodology with a two-factor factorial design. The amount of rice husk ash

(RHA) and its particle size were modified to examine their impact on water susceptibility. The independent

variables were evaluated at three levels (2.5%, 5.0%, and 7.5% RHA; 149, 74, and 53 µm particle size), re-

sulting in a total of nine experimental combinations. For each combination, three replicates plus three pat-

terns were produced, giving a total of 30 briquettes compacted using the Marshall method. This replication

ensured the reliability of the results and allowed statistical analysis to be applied to validate the differences

observed.

2.3 Study variables

The present research had 3 variables (two independent variables and 1 dependent variable). The independent

variables were the amount of RHA, with three levels (2.5%, 5.0%, and 7.5%), and the particle size, with val-

ues of 149, 74, and 53 µm. We evaluated the susceptibility to water, the dependent variable, based on the

different levels of the independent variables.

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Martínez- Cerna, D.; Alvarado, C., Sciéndo ingenium, v. 21, n. 2, pp. 69 – 79, 2025.

2.4 Experimental procedure

The experimental procedure began with the acquisition and preparation of the materials. Coarse and fine ag-

gregates were obtained from the Bauner S.A. quarry in Trujillo, Peru; rice husk ash from the Ceramirex brick

production plant in Trujillo, Peru; and asphalt cement from Chemimax S.A. in Lima, Peru.

RHA was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) to identify its crystalline structure. The aggregates were ex-

amined using tests for particle size, wear resistance, weight and water absorption, plasticity limits, sand

quality, resistance to sulfates, soluble salts, broken surfaces, flat and long particles, and the methylene blue

test. After that, the mix design was improved using a formula from the Asphalt Institute to find the best

amount of asphalt cement, which was changed based on briquette tests to get the right void ratio. The asphalt

mix was made by drying and sorting the aggregates, heating them with the asphalt to certain temperatures for

mixing and compacting, and then shaping the compacted samples using the Marshall hammer.

In the stage for testing water susceptibility, the specimens were divided into dry and conditioned groups; the

conditioned group went through a process of vacuum saturation, freezing, thawing, and heating to simulate

moisture damage. Finally, the indirect tension test was done to check how strong the specimens were and to

find out the stress-to-retained-stress ratio (TSR), which helped assess how well the asphalt mixture handles

water. For a better understanding of the procedure, see Figure 1, which presents a summary of the experi-

mental procedure.

Figure 1. Graphical summary of the experimental procedure

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

3.1 Research design

were prepared, ensuring the repeatability and reliability of the results in the water susceptibility tests. This

study used an experimental methodology with a two-factor factorial design. The amount of rice husk ash

(RHA) and its particle size were modified to examine their impact on water susceptibility. The independent

variables were evaluated at three levels (2.5%, 5.0%, and 7.5% RHA; 149, 74, and 53 µm particle size), re-

sulting in a total of nine experimental combinations. For each combination, three replicates plus three pat-

terns were produced, giving a total of 30 briquettes compacted using the Marshall method. This replication

ensured the reliability of the results and allowed statistical analysis to be applied to validate the differences

observed.

Table 1. Semiquantitative chemical analysis

Chemical

Compound

%

SiO₂

Al₂O₃CaO SO₃

6.89 0.62 1.19

Fe₂O₃MgO Na₂O K2O P₂O₅

1.44 0.53 0.37 1.72 0.37

Cl

TiO₂SrO MnO LOI

0.01 0.08 25.2

61.13

0.15 0.28

The X-ray fluorescence (XRF) characterization used in this work is based on the data reported by Alvarado et al. (2023).

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Martínez- Cerna, D.; Alvarado, C., Sciéndo ingenium, v. 21, n. 2, pp. 69 – 79, 2025.

The morphology of rice husk ash (RHA) was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), observed at

a magnification of 2500×, with an accelerating voltage of 20 kV and a field of view of 83.0 µm (Figure 2).

The image shows particles with irregular shapes, angular edges and rough surfaces, with a heterogeneous size

distribution. This morphology is typical of partially amorphous ashes obtained by combustion at moderate

temperatures without atmospheric control, as in brick kilns. The porous and angular texture of the particles

favors interaction with the asphalt binder, which can improve adhesion, increase internal friction and, conse-

quently, contribute to greater structural stability of the mixture, in addition to reducing susceptibility to mois-

ture damage.

Figure 2. Microstructure of RHA studied at 2500×

Figure 3 shows the results of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the RHA, which identified cristobalite

(C) and quartz (Q) as the main crystal types, indicated by strong peaks at certain angles, suggesting that part

of the material was exposed to high temperatures during combustion. However, this finding seems contradic-

tory in light of the high loss on ignition value (25.2%), which indicates the presence of organic material and

suggests that not all of the mass reached sufficiently high temperatures uniformly. This duality is common in

combustion processes with poor thermal control, such as brick kilns, where both crystalline phases and a sig-

nificant amorphous fraction with high pozzolanic potential are formed. The X-ray diffractogram of RHA

indicates the presence of dominant crystalline phases, specifically cristobalite and quartz, identified by dif-

fraction peaks at 2θ ≈ 21.9° and 2θ ≈ 26.6°, respectively. The formation of cristobalite confirms that the sam-

ple underwent high temperatures during calcination, aligning with the transformation of silica to this phase at

elevated temperatures. Conversely, quartz, indicated by the peak at 2θ ≈ 26.6°, is characteristic of the silica

phase typically found in calcined plant-derived materials (Muhammad et al., 2019). The low-angle region

confirms the presence of an amorphous fraction in the sample, which is common in ashes subjected to con-

trolled combustion without achieving full crystallinity. This amorphous fraction exhibits high pozzolanic

reactivity, enhancing the potential of RHA as a cementitious material.

Figure 3. XRD diffractogram of RHA

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The particle sizes of the RHA were obtained by dry mechanical sieving, using laboratory sieves with stand-

ard ASTM mesh openings (No. 100, 200, and 270), corresponding to 149, 74, and 53 µm, respectively. This

particle size classification allowed the specific effect of each fraction on the water susceptibility of the as-

phalt mixtures to be evaluated.

3.2 Aggregate characterization

The results of the tests conducted on coarse and fine aggregates to assess their characteristics in accordance

with defined criteria are presented in Table 2. All tests meet the established criteria, thereby underscoring the

material's appropriateness for incorporation into asphalt mixtures. The strength and durability of the finished

mix are influenced by the quality of the coarse and fine aggregates, thus the results of assessing their me-

chanical and physical characteristics in accordance with Ministry of Transport and Communications of Peru

(2013) regulations are crucial.

For coarse and fine aggregates, the durability test using magnesium sulfate yielded results of 6.47 percent and

11.62 percent, respectively, both falling within the 18 percent limit, indicating a good resistance of the aggre-

gates against disintegration by the action of aggressive agents. In pavements exposed to unfavorable weather

conditions, this outcome is crucial for preventing premature failures. The coarse aggregate's Los Angeles

abrasion value of 20% is less than the permitted limit of 40%, indicating its high wear resistance, which

keeps the mix stable and lessens surface damage from heavy traffic.

The content of flat and elongated particles was 6.5%, complying with the maximum 10% requirement. This

measurement is relevant since particles of unfavorable geometry can negatively affect the workability and

compaction of the mix, while a good distribution and shape of the particles improve the density, which con-

tributes to greater strength and durability of the pavement.

The percentage of fractured faces, 0.23%, is much lower than the limit of 1.7%, showing that the aggregate

has a shape that helps it stick to the asphalt binder; this feature enhances the mix's internal strength and its

ability to withstand pressure and sliding from vehicles.

The total soluble salts in the coarse aggregate were 0.35% and in the fine aggregate were 0.23%, both below

the 0.5% limit, which is important to stop internal reactions that could weaken the pavement; having low

soluble salts helps prevent issues like efflorescence or damage from harmful chemical reactions.

For water absorption, the coarse and fine aggregates had values of 0.44% and 0.46%, respectively, both un-

der the 0.5% limit, indicating that the aggregates can absorb water in a controlled way, which helps avoid

moisture problems in the mix that could weaken it when exposed to water for a long time.

Conversely, the sand equivalent, which is 88.10%, exceeds the minimum requirement of 60%. This indicates

that the mix is lacking in detrimental fine material, such as clays, which could potentially compromise its

cohesion and adhesion.

Furthermore, the methylene blue test result of 3.7 % is below the 8% limit, indicating that the asphalt mix is

both durable and strong due to the low quantity of harmful clay and the high level of cleanliness. Ultimately,

the plasticity index was determined to be "NP" (non-plastic), which is advantageous due to the potential for

excessive plasticity to compromise the mix's capacity to withstand repeated pressure.

Table 2. Aggregate characteristics

COARSE

AGGREGATE

FINE

AGGREGATE

TEST

REQUIREMENT

OBSERVATION

Magnesium sulfate durability

Abrasion angels

6.47

11.62

18 % máx.

40 % máx.

10 % máx.

1,7 %

0.5 % máx.

0.5 máx.

60

8 % máx.

4 % máx.

Complies

20

-

Flat and elongated particles

Fractured faces

6.5

0.23

0.35

0.44

-

Total soluble salts

Absorption

0.23

0.46

88.10

3.7

NP

Sand equivalent

Methylene blue

Plasticity index

3.3 Determination of the optimum asphalt cement percentage

The inverse relationship between the percentage of asphalt cement and the percentage of air cavities in the

asphalt mix is illustrated in Figure 4.

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As the asphalt cement content increases, the percentage of air voids decreases, which is essential to ensure a

compact, well-cohesive mix. This adequate void level helps reduce permeability and minimizes exudation

problems, improving the pavement's fatigue resistance, stability, and durability, which is key to prolonging

the service life of the pavement in service conditions.

Determining the optimal amount of asphalt cement is crucial to ensure the right performance of the asphalt

mix, as it affects its mechanical qualities and durability.

This study employed the trend equation derived from the relationship between asphalt cement content and air

voids: y = -3.2857x + 18.438, as illustrated in Figure 3. By substituting y = 4%, we derived an optimal value

of 4.39% asphalt cement. This number generates a composition with an optimal distribution of voids, miti-

gating problems such as water infiltration and oil seepage, while ensuring effective adhesion of components,

hence enhancing the pavement's durability, stability, and longevity.

An appropriate asphalt cement percentage facilitates adequate compaction, diminishing the likelihood of ruts

and water damage; however, an excessive or insufficient percentage may compromise the pavement's

lifespan by permitting moisture or air ingress, accelerating its deterioration.

The standard mix consisted of 44.02% coarse aggregate (gravel), 55.98% fine aggregate (sand), and 4.39%

asphalt cement, corresponding to the previously determined optimum percentage. No additional mineral filler

was incorporated into this base mix. In the modified mixtures, rice husk ash (RHA) was added as a supple-

mentary material in proportions of 2.5%, 5.0%, and 7.5%, based on the total weight of the mixture. This ad-

dition did not replace any component but was considered an additional percentage of the standard mixture.

The void volume in the mineral aggregate (VMA) of the standard mixture was 13.35%, with a void volume

filled with asphalt (VFA) of 72.33%. In the mixtures with RHA added, the VMA varied between 12% and

17%, while the VFA ranged between 72% and 80%, which shows that the incorporation of ash altered the

internal structure of the mixture, affecting asphalt retention and compaction density in a manner dependent

on the content and particle size used.

Figure 4. Percentage of air voids as a function of asphalt cement content.

3.4 Susceptibility to water

Figure 5 illustrates the variation in water sensitivity of asphalt mixtures with varying proportions of RHA

(2.5%, 5.0%, and 7.5%) and particle sizes (150, 75, and 53 µm), in relation to a standard reference value. The

horizontal axis denotes the quantity of RHA added, whilst the vertical axis signifies the degree of water sus-

ceptibility, expressed as a percentage. As particle size diminishes, water susceptibility escalates across all

studied quantities of RHA, reaching a maximum at a particle size of 53 µm. In contrast, as the quantity of

RHA increases, water susceptibility escalates, reaching a maximum at 5% RHA across all studied particle

sizes. This evidence indicates that the size of the particles and the amount of RHA added affect how asphalt

mixtures react to water, which is important for making them last longer in wet conditions.

This data indicates that increasing water susceptibility is advantageous until it attains an optimal level (5.0%

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RHA), beyond which additional modifications may cease to benefit the mixture. Moreover, it is noted that

smaller particle sizes, such as 53 µm, exhibit greater susceptibility to water than bigger sizes, indicating that

finer particles enhance the mixture's responsiveness to water.

The pattern illustrated in the figure can be comprehended by examining the impact of RHA particle size on

the asphalt mixture; smaller particles, such as those measuring 53 µm, possess a larger surface area. The in-

creased surface area facilitates superior integration of RHA particles with asphalt cement and promotes uni-

form interaction with aggregates, resulting in a more robust bond that reduces water entry. RHA enhances

this susceptibility owing to its distinctive physical and chemical characteristics. When amalgamated with

asphalt cement, the ash can create a denser and less permeable structure, so enhancing the cohesion of the

asphalt mixture and augmenting its water resistance. The dimensions of the ash particles are critical; diminu-

tive RHA particles integrate more efficiently into the interstices between the aggregates. The filling effect,

along with the development of supplementary bonds between the cement and ash, improves material adhe-

sion and decreases water absorption, thus rendering the mixture more robust and less susceptible to moisture

damage.

However, when the RHA content goes above 5.0%, the mixture becomes less dense and compact because too

many particles create more gaps (segregations), allowing more water to be absorbed, which makes it more

vulnerable. This phenomenon happens because having too much RHA creates more spaces for water to get in

or makes the mixture less firm, reducing its ability to resist moisture.

When comparing our results with those of Mahto et al. (2024), which similarly utilized rice husk ash, it is

evident that in both investigations, the RHA improves the properties of the mixture, notably its cohesion and

moisture resistance. In this work, we see that the particle size of RHA significantly influences its behavior,

with smaller particles, such as those measuring 53 µm, being more susceptible to water due to their larger

surface area, which enhances their integration with asphalt cement and adhesion. This study demonstrates a

more pronounced effect of RHA particle size, indicating that smaller particles, such as those measuring 53

µm, are more influenced by water due to their increased surface area, which facilitates superior integration

with asphalt cement and enhances adhesion. Conversely, the research conducted by Deb et al. (2023)

demonstrates that the use of rice husk ash markedly enhances the characteristics of asphalt mixtures, resulting

in improved mechanical properties.

Figure 5. Water susceptibility of asphalt mixtures as a function of RHA content and particle size.

4. CONCLUSIONS

This study confirmed that rice husk ash (RHA), derived from agro-industrial waste, can be effectively used as

an additive in asphalt mixtures. It was observed that both the quantity and size of RHA particles directly in-

fluence moisture resistance. In particular, the addition of 5% ash with a size of 53 µm offered the best results,

improving the internal cohesion of the mixture and increasing its resistance to water damage. The mixtures

modified with RHA showed variations in their volumetric properties: the VMA ranged between 12% and

17%, and the VFA between 72% and 80%, compared to the values of the standard mixture (VMA of 13.35%

and VFA of 72.33%). These changes reflect how ash interacts with asphalt cement and aggregates, promoting

better binder distribution and greater compaction when fine particles are used. In addition to the technical

contribution, the use of RHA also represents an environmentally responsible option. Taking advantage of this

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Martínez- Cerna, D.; Alvarado, C., Sciéndo ingenium, v. 21, n. 2, pp. 69 – 79, 2025.

agricultural waste helps reduce the use of traditional materials and supports more sustainable practices in

road construction. In contexts where the aim is to improve pavement durability and reduce environmental

impact, RHA appears as a practical, economical alternative that is aligned with the principles of the circular

economy.

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