10 Benefits of Fly Ash in Concrete

Fly ash is used in varied construction applications. It is a by-product of coal combustion and if left unattended in the environment can get converted into hazardous material.

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1. Fly Ash is a Cost-Effective substitute for Portland cement


Fly ash itself is a waste product, which is produced in a humongous amount around the world. It is classified as Class (F) and Class C fly ash. Both can be used as a partial or complete substitute for Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) based on the applications. Hence, compared to the cost of OPC, the use of fly ash is a cost-effective option.

2. Fly Ash Has Low Embodied Energy


Fly ash is a by-product of the coal combustion process. Hence, it is a material that does not demand high energy consumption for its manufacture or production. OPC manufacture has high embodied energy as its production requires a great deal of heat or energy. So, fly ash material is a low embodied energy.

3. Fly Ash Demands Less Water


Fly ash particles are spherical in shape that helps to increase the fluidity of the concrete mix. This decreases the water demand of fly ash, compared to OPC. For each 10% of the fly ash added, a decrease in water demand of 3% is achieved.

4. Fly Ash Increases Workability


The spherical shape of fly ash particles increases the fluid behavior hence, the workability of the concrete. Compared to a 100 % OPC cement, a fly ash incorporation achieves more workability with less water content. This advantage is used in pumped concrete.


5. Fly Ash Produces Quality Hydration Products

Fly ash under pozzolanic reaction with by-product calcium hydroxide (a by-product of the reaction of cement and water), and develop more ettringites ( hydration product that imparts strength to concrete). A higher quantity of calcium hydroxide (CH) is a demerit to concrete strength. More ettringites, more quality hydration products are hence achieved by incorporating fly ash in concrete.

6. Fly Ash Produces Dense and Impermeable Concrete


Fly ash provide good quality hydration products that fill all possible voids in concrete. Hence, a dense and impermeable concrete is achieved.


7. Fly Ash Produce High Resistance to Sulphate and Chemical Attack


Fly ash produces concrete that is highly impermeable and increases its resistance to sulfate and chemical attack.

8. Fly Ash Reduce Cracks

Cracks during construction and after concrete construction are reduced by fly ash in concrete, as dense, impermeable, and less heat of hydration is permitted, compared to OPC concrete alone.

9. Fly Ash Reduce Carbon-di-Oxide Emissions


10. Fly Ash Produce High-Strength Concrete

The incorporation of fly ash in the concrete itself helps to produce high-quality ettringite products that are the main strength-giving factor to concrete. The incorporation of admixtures along with an optimum quantity of cement and fly ash can help develop high-strength concrete for 

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