Evaluation of Fresh Properties and Rheology of Mortar Using Carbon-Free Fly Ash and Normal Fly Ash

Abstract

Usage of mineral admixture and chemical admixture in concrete or mortar is a usual solution to reach full compaction, particularly where reinforcement blockage and lack of skilled labor happen. In this paper effect of mineral admixtures (Carbon-free fly ash, hereafter CfFA, and normal fly ash) on fresh properties and rheology of mortar have been investigated. As a result, it was confirmed that CfFA increased significantly the fluidity and air content of mortar in comparison to normal fly ash, both in 15% and 30% replacement; however, the flow loss and air stability within one hour were almost equal. In addition, the initial setting time has also been affected by variation of materials. The two mixing of 30% and 15% of CfFA had a shorter setting time in comparison to the mortar with normal fly ash. Furthermore, CfFA based mortar had a great influence on rheology of mortar. Compared to normal fly ash, CfFA Considerably decreased the plastic Viscosity and increased the productivity of the mortar, both in non-vibrated and vibrated condition, particularly those with 30% replacement.