Valorization of fly ash from a thermal power plant for producing high-performance self-compacting concrete

Abstract

This study analyzes the feasibility of valorizing industrial by-product, fly ash from a thermal power plant as a partial replacement of mineral filler-limestone for the production of self-compacting concrete (SCC). Three types of SCC mixtures with different portions of fly ash and the reference mixture with limestone were designed. The synthesized SCCs in the fresh state were examined for density, entrained air content, flowability (Slump flow, Slump flow time (t500), V-funnel time (tv)), passing ability (L-box), and segregation resistance, while hardened state testing included: density, compressive and flexural strength, static modulus of elasticity, water permeability, resistance against freezing in the presence of de-icing salt, and SEM analysis. Taking into account the obtained results it can be concluded that the addition of fly ash has a positive impact on the concrete properties and that the optimal content of fly ash is 20 % with respect to the total filler mass.