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Experimental Study on Concrete with Partial Replacement of Cement with Rice Husk and Bentonite

The growing emphasis on sustainable construction has led to the exploration of alternative materials to partially replace cement in concrete, reducing environmental impact and enhancing performance. This study investigates the effects of partial replacement of cement with rice husk ash (RHA) and bentonite in concrete, focusing on its mechanical properties, durability, and microstructural characteristics. RHA, a byproduct of rice milling, is rich in amorphous silica and exhibits excellent pozzolanic properties, while bentonite, a naturally occurring clay, enhances workability and contributes to improved resistance against permeability and cracking. In this experimental study, cement was partially replaced with RHA at 5%, 10%, and 15% and bentonite at 5%, 10%, and 15% in different mix proportions. The concrete specimens were evaluated for workability, compressive strength, tensile strength, water absorption, and durability characteristics over curing periods of 7, 28, and 56 days. Additionally, durability tests are conducted, such as acid resistance and sorptivity. This study demonstrates the potential of RHA and bentonite as sustainable alternatives to cement in concrete, reducing carbon emissions while enhancing mechanical performance. The findings provide insights into optimizing concrete mix design for sustainable construction applications. Further research is recommended to assess long-term durability and field applications of RHA- and bentonite-based concrete.

Published by: Tushit Pandey, Tarun Kumar Rajak, Alok Kumar Jain

Author: Tushit Pandey

Paper ID: V11I4-1233

Paper Status: published

Published: August 29, 2025

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Research Paper

An Analysis of GST and its Impact on MSMEs in India with Canada as a Control

This research paper delved deeply into the benefits and challenges that micro, small, and medium enterprises faced with the implementation of GST in their respective countries. The research paper took a special interest in India and Canada as comparative territories. Furthermore, we discussed the history of GST and its impact on MSMEs in their respective countries and ultimately commented on whether GST was a boon or a bane in each of these countries.

Published by: Reyaan Dave

Author: Reyaan Dave

Paper ID: V11I4-1227

Paper Status: published

Published: August 28, 2025

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Research Paper

Performance Evaluation of Concrete with Steel Slag as Cement Replacement and Pond Ash as Fine Aggregate Replacement

The present study investigates the potential of incorporating steel slag (SS) as a partial replacement for cement and pond ash (PA) as a partial replacement for fine aggregates in the development of sustainable concrete. This approach addresses the dual objective of reducing the overconsumption of ordinary Portland cement and natural river sand while providing an eco-friendly disposal route for abundantly available industrial by-products. A comprehensive experimental program was conducted to evaluate the effects of SS and PA on workability, compressive strength at 7, 14, and 28 days, flexural strength, and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV). The results revealed that the workability decreased with increasing PA content, while SS up to 20% maintained acceptable slump values. In terms of mechanical performance, SS demonstrated a positive impact, with SS10PA0 achieving the maximum compressive strength of 42 MPa, flexural strength of 5.0 MPa, and UPV of 4.75 km/s, all exceeding the control mix values. Higher PA contents (>20%) resulted in significant reductions in strength and quality indices, indicating its limited applicability as a standalone material. However, combined mixes such as SS10PA10 and SS20PA10 exhibited compressive strength and durability parameters above the target strength, confirming their suitability in practical applications. To optimize performance, a Response Surface Methodology (RSM)-based quadratic regression model was developed for predicting flexural strength using compressive strength and UPV as input variables. The model showed a strong correlation (R² = 0.94) with experimental data, highlighting its reliability in predicting concrete performance and reducing reliance on extensive destructive testing. Overall, the study concludes that the judicious incorporation of steel slag up to 20% and pond ash up to 10–20% offers an optimum balance of strength, durability, and workability. The findings establish a viable pathway for utilizing industrial by-products in concrete production, contributing to sustainable construction practices and resource conservation.

Published by: Tarun Kumar Rajak, Roshan Kumar Sahu, Alok Kumar Jain

Author: Tarun Kumar Rajak

Paper ID: V11I4-1226

Paper Status: published

Published: August 28, 2025

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Predictive Crop Yield Modeling with AI and IoT for Efficient Supply Chain Management

Efficient supply chain management is critical for improving the profitability and sustainability of agricultural produce in Punjab, India. Traditional systems often suffer from inefficiencies such as post-harvest losses, poor market linkages, and lack of real-time information flow. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies provide opportunities to optimize these processes by enabling predictive analytics, real-time monitoring, and smart decision-making.

Published by: Jairaj Sander, Dr Sikander Singh

Author: Jairaj Sander

Paper ID: V11I4-1222

Paper Status: published

Published: August 26, 2025

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Research Paper

Optimal Material Selection for Injection Moulding Die

Choosing the right material for making injection molding dies is very important, as it affects how well the mold performs, how long it lasts, and how much it costs to maintain. Since the die goes through high pressure and temperature again and again during each molding cycle, it must be made of strong materials that can handle heat, resist wear, and stay dimensionally stable. In this study, I looked into the important factors to consider while selecting the die material, like mold life, how easy it is to machine, resistance to corrosion, and how well it works with different types of plastic. Some commonly used materials like P20 tool steel, H13 tool steel, and beryllium copper alloys are compared based on their properties and usage. I have also included details about special coatings and surface treatments that improve the life and performance of these materials. Overall, with proper material selection based on both technical and cost aspects, manufacturers can improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and increase the lifespan of injection molds.

Published by: Shyam K S, Sivathiruthani S, Sreeharan B N

Author: Shyam K S

Paper ID: V11I4-1208

Paper Status: published

Published: August 26, 2025

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Research Paper

Unregulated Chit Funds in India: Risks, Loopholes, and the Need for Policy Reform

Chit funds, a conventional and prevalent financial mechanism in India, remain crucial in facilitating access to savings and credit, particularly for low-income people and in areas with inadequate formal banking infrastructure. Despite being governed by the Chit Funds Act of 1982, there is no single pan-Indian regulatory authority, and implementation and monitoring are still dispersed throughout the states. The growth of unregistered and informal chit funds, many of which function without accountability or transparency, has been made possible by this decentralisation. Driven by persuasive agents and trust-based networks, social engineering frequently persuades people to engage in chit schemes without fully comprehending the hazards, especially in rural and semi-urban settings. The interest rates in chit funds, especially for early bidders, are often not economically feasible in the long term, resembling high-cost borrowing rather than profitable investments. Moreover, the returns are variable and contingent upon bidding dynamics and member defaults, exposing participants to systemic risks. Despite their popularity, financial literacy surrounding chit funds remains low at the grassroots level, leading to poor decision-making and increased vulnerability to fraud. This paper explores how the interplay of weak regulation, social trust networks, and limited financial awareness perpetuates the risks within the chit fund ecosystem, emphasising the urgent need for stronger national oversight and grassroots-level financial education.

Published by: Aquin Manuvel

Author: Aquin Manuvel

Paper ID: V11I4-1218

Paper Status: published

Published: August 19, 2025

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