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Fly ash is a byproduct from coal-fired power plants that is frequently used as an admixture in concrete to replace a portion of the Portland cement. Using fly ash in concrete is environmentally beneficial because it reduces the Portland cement (a major contributor of CO2) required in concrete.
Advantages of Fly Ash in Concrete
Fly Ash is a pozzolan.
A pozzolan is a siliceous or aluminosiliceous material that, in finely divided form and in the presence of moisture, chemically reacts with the calcium hydroxide released by the hydration of Portland Cement to form additional calcium silicate hydrate and other cementitious compounds. The hydration reactions are similar to the reactions occurring during the hydration of Portland Cement. Thus, concrete containing Fly Ash pozzolan becomes denser, stronger and generally more durable long term as compared to straight Portland Cement concrete mixtures.
Fly Ash improves concrete workability and lowers water demand.
Fly Ash particles are mostly spherical tiny glass beads. Ground materials such as Portland Cement are solid angular particles. Fly Ash particles provide a greater workability of the powder portion of the concrete mixture which results in greater workability of the concrete and a lowering of water requirement for the same concrete consistency. Pump ability is greatly enhanced.
Fly Ash generally exhibit less bleeding and segregation
than plain concretes. This makes the use of Fly Ash particularity valuable in concrete mixtures made with aggregates deficient in fines.
Sulfate and Alkali Aggregate Resistance.
Class F and a few Class C Fly Ashes impart significant sulfate resistance and alkali aggregate reaction (ASR) resistance to the concrete mixture.
Fly Ash has a lower heat of hydration.
Portland Cement produces considerable heat upon hydration. In mass concrete placements the excess internal heat may contribute to cracking. The use of Fly Ash may greatly reduce this heat build up and reduce external cracking.
Fly Ash generally reduces the permeability and adsorption of concrete.
By reducing the permeability of chloride ion egress, corrosion of embedded steel is greatly decreased. Also, chemical resistance is improved by the reduction of permeability and adsorption.
Fly Ash is economical.
The cost of Fly Ash is generally less than Portland Cement depending on transportation. Significant quantities may be substituted for Portland Cement in concrete mixtures and yet increase the long term strength and durability. Thus, the use of Fly Ash may impart considerable benefits to the concrete mixture over a plain concrete for less cost.
flay ash is concrete admixture to reduce water content to produce very high compression strength concrete
I agree with the experts Mr. Mohammed Abul Mansur
