The advantages of fly ash use in concrete structures

In this paper the use of fly ash for particular High Strength Concrete (HSC) realizations is investigated. The use of fly ash as a partial replacement of Portland cement in HSC seems a valid solution in particular for a sustainable construction design, considering the interesting HSC performances (in terms of strength and durability) and the economic aspects (in terms of waste material's reuse from industrial process). Fly ashes have been employed in the past especially for underground structures. Nowadays, their use is under evaluation also for elevation structures. In this paper, the most important technical regulations about the use of fly ash for the concrete mix design are discussed. The increase of the mechanical resistance, the better protection against chemical agents attacks and freezing - thawing cycles using fly ashes are also show. Moreover, in comparison to the fresh concrete, the benefits related to the minor water/cement (w/c) ratio are presented, in the same workability conditions. Additional considerations are carried out about the hydration process: the mixture produces less heat for the lowering of the C3A and C3S percentages using fly ash. Finally, a greater concrete impermeability obtained using fly ash, due to the presence of a lower hydrolysis content, which leads to an increment of the cement paste porosity, has been evidenced. All of mentioned benefits shows the fly ash use in the High Strength Concrete (HSC) is a valid solution against many problems interested negatively the concrete mix - design and the mix - production.