Showing papers on "Fly ash published in 2018"

Characteristics and applications of fly ash as a sustainable construction material: A state-of-the-art review

Abstract: Due to their good performance and environmental friendliness, fly ash-based construction materials have great potential as alternatives to ordinary Portland cement. To realize sustainable development and beneficial use of fly ash in the construction industry, this paper presents a comprehensive review of relevant literature to evaluate the properties and performance of fly ash, with a particular focus on recent advances in characterization, compositional understanding, hydration mechanism, activation approaches, durability and sustainability of fly ash as a construction material. Several key aspects governing the performance of fly ash, including chemical composition, activator type and hydrates evolution in concrete, are highlighted. Finally, the important needs, pertinent to the optimal and broad utilization of fly ash as an integral part of sustainable construction materials, are identified for further research and development, where large-scale application studies, further classification of fly ash, advanced characterization tools and technology transfer to biomass fly ash are recommended.

Performance of mortar prepared with recycled concrete aggregate enhanced by CO2 and pozzolan slurry

Abstract: One of the most promising strategies to manage the large volume of construction and demolition (C&D) waste is recycling and utilizing it for the production of new concrete. However, recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) derived from C&D waste possesses relatively higher porosity and water absorption capability, which often limits its wild utilization. In this study, pozzolan slurry (includes silica fume, nano-SiO2, and fly ash slurries) and CO2 treatments as enhancement methods for RCA were investigated. Test results showed that CO2 treatment was more effective in reducing water absorption and enhancing fluidity, whereas pozzolan slurry treatment could decrease fluidity. Mortars prepared with treated RCA exhibited better mechanical strength and higher resistance towards carbonation and chloride-ion diffusion than those with untreated RCA. Both pozzolan slurry and CO2 treatments enhanced not only the properties of RCA, but also the old and new interfacial transition zones (ITZs) as demonstrated in the measured micro-hardness and SEM observation.

Compressive strength and microstructure of alkali-activated fly ash/slag binders at high temperature

Abstract: This paper reports the results of the compressive strength and microstructure of various alkali-activated binders at elevated temperatures of 300 and 600 °C. The binders were prepared by alkali-activated low calcium fly ash/ground granulated blast-furnace slag at ratios of 100/0, 50/50, 10/90 and 0/100 wt.%. Specimens free of loading were heated to a pre-fixed temperature by keeping the furnace temperature constant until the specimens reached a steady state. Then the specimen was loaded to failure while hot. XRD, SEM and FTIR techniques were used to investigate the microstructural changes after the thermal exposure. The fly ash-based specimen shows an increase in strength at 600 °C. On the other hand, the slag-based specimen gives the worst high-temperature performance particularly at a temperature of 300 °C as compared to ordinary Portland cement binder. This contrasting behaviour of binders is due to their different binder formulation which gives rise to various phase transformations at elevated temperatures. The effects of these transformations on the compressive strength are discussed on the basis of experimental results.

Feasibility of waste marble powder in concrete as partial substitution of cement and sand amalgam for sustainable growth

Abstract: The process of cement manufacturing contributes to greenhouse gas emission which is responsible for producing global warming. The use of industrial by-products like coal ash, waste plastics, rubber tire scrap, waste glass, foundry sand, marble powder and so forth in place of cement, sand can lead to sustainable development. Out of different wastes studied yet waste marble powder is a substance that has not been investigated for sand and cement amalgam in concrete. Disposal of marble waste from construction industry exhibits a substantial economic wastage and environmental burden. The aim of the study is to investigate the feasibility of waste marble powder as partial replacement of sand and cement amalgam. The seven variant concrete mixtures were made by partially replacing marble powder (up to 15%) in place of sand; cement and amalgam were evaluated for the mechanical strength, ultrasonic velocity (UPV), carbonation and microstructure analysis. Marble powder exhibited no function in hydration process; moreover, it acts as a filler. Optimal replacement was noticed with 10% sand and 10% cement amalgam by 20% marble powder.

Efflorescence and subflorescence induced microstructural and mechanical evolution in fly ash-based geopolymers

Abstract: This paper reports the effects of efflorescence on the microstructural and mechanical properties of fly ash-based geopolymers. Geopolymer pastes manufactured by sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate activation of three Class F fly ashes exhibit varying efflorescence behaviour. The geopolymer derived from sodium silicate activation of fine fly ash, which has a compact microstructure, shows a relatively slow efflorescence rate and low efflorescence potential. The efflorescence occurring on the surface of the geopolymer specimens does not change their mineralogical characteristics. However, the compressive strength development and compressive modulus of geopolymers can be affected through processes related to the loss of alkalis, and also to subflorescence. The phenomenon of subflorescence can be regarded as an extended efflorescence taking place under the surface of the material, leading to crystallisation pressure, which may exceed the tensile strength of hardened binders and generate structural damage.