Standardized Testing for Determining the Durability of High-Volume Fly Ash Mixtures

• Published in: Journal of materials in civil engineering Vol. 26; no. 1; pp. 206 - 210
• Main Authors: Nokken, Michelle R, Salloum, Tarek, Idle, Allen, Martinez Ramos, Luis A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Reston, VA American Society of Civil Engineers 01.01.2014
• Subjects: Aggregates and other concrete constituents; Applied sciences; Building structure; Buildings. Public works; Cement concrete constituents; Cements; Chloride resistance; Compressive strength; Concrete additives (fillers, pozzolanic and hydraulic materials); Concrete structure; Concretes; Construction (buildings and works); Durability; Durability of constructions; Durability. Pathology. Repairing. Maintenance; Exact sciences and technology; Fly ash; Materials; Measurements. Technique of testing; Sulfate resistance; Sulfates; Technical Note; Technical Notes; Fly ash; Chemical analysis; Concrete construction; Construction materials; Test method; Durability; Porosity; Experimental study; Mixture; Strength
• ISSN: 0899-1561; 1943-5533
• DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0000736

AbstractFly ash is becoming increasing used in concrete structures for enhanced durability. This research investigated two types of fly ash in conjunction with four cements. The cements were both high and low alkali, with and without blended silica fume. Mortar and concrete mixtures were prepared containing from 0 to 80% fly ash replacement. Standardized tests were performed for compressive strength, as well as sulfate, chloride, and alkali resistance. High replacement levels performed relatively well in sulfate and alkali resistance, but poorly in regards to compressive strength and chloride resistance. From a durability perspective, 40% fly ash replacement was found to have the best overall performance from these mixtures. Standardized test methods are comparative by nature, and as such cannot replicate the complexity of concrete mixtures and their exposure conditions; higher replacements have been successfully used in practice.