Fly Ash from the Thermal Transformation of Sewage Sludge as an Additive to Concrete Resistant to Environmental Influences in Communication Tunnels

Abstract

Concrete is an ecological material with a high potential to adapt to specific operating conditions, and the lowest carbon footprint as it is made from local raw materials—aggregate, cement, water, admixtures, and mineral additives. It is the most widely used composite material among those that are man-made and second only to water in the entire range of materials used. The aim of this research was to assess the possibility of using fly ash from the thermal treatment of sewage sludge as an alternative additive to concretes resistant to environmental influences occurring in communication tunnels. A concrete mix based on CEM I 42.5R Portland cement with various ash content of 0–20% of the cement mass was designed for the experimental work. In the course of the experimental work, the compressive strength was measured after three maturing periods, and the influence of both high temperature and the material modification on the course of carbonation were determined. The test results confirm the possibility of producing plain concrete, modified with fly ash obtained from the thermal treatment of sewage sludge. The highest average compressive strength of 43.6 MPa, 45.6 MPa, and 51.2 MPa after 28, 56 and 720 days of maturation, respectively, was for concrete containing 10% ash.