Valorisation of pond ash as replacement of fine aggregate in cement mortars for practical applications

Abstract

Abstract Waste generated during the coal combustion process in thermal power plant is of major concern from disposal point of view. The majority of waste consists of pond ash generated during coal combustion process in thermal power plants. This study aims to use pond ash as a replacement for river sand in cement mortars. The river sand was replaced by pond ash up to 100%, by volume. The mechanical properties were evaluated for 1:4 (cement: sand) mortar mix proportions. The compressive strength of 1:4 mix with 30% replacement of river sand was observed increased by 27%, as compared to control mix. Similarly, tensile bond strength at 30% replacement was increased by 15% as compared to control mix. On the other hand, drying shrinkage was observed to increase by 35% as compared to control mix. Overall, the general mechanical properties like compressive strength, tensile bond strength, adhesive strength, etc. were found to increase up to the replacement of 50% of river sand. Thus, it can be concluded that up to 30% replacement level, almost all the mechanical properties improved.