Title:
Early Investments in Fly Ash Research
Author(s):
Paul Tikalsky
Publication:
Web Session
Volume:
ws_S25_PaulTikalsky.pdf
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
3/30/2025
Abstract:
The State DOTs, FHWA, and industry leaders invested in a decade of research to implement fly ash in concrete throughout the US. This effort was led by Dr. Ramon Carrasquillo and other visionary leaders. The impetus of this effort was the Clean Air Act that required state highway agencies to develop or accept concrete containing fly ash by January 1986 or risk a loss of federal funding. In the intervening years, highway departments have saved hundreds of millions of tons of CO2 through the use of concrete containing fly ash and other pozzolans. This was not done to save CO2 or to create embedded landfills, it was done because it led to technical benefits in long life and durable concrete. The end result was the wide acceptance of fly ash in concrete, environmental savings in CO2, extension of life for our nation’s infrastructure and an entire industry that complemented the portland cement industry instead of competing with it. It also expanded the interface of structures and materials that benefited innovation in concrete projects. The material science of cementitious materials is key to the longevity and durability of our society’s infrastructure, buildings and industrial economy. A deep appreciation for both materials and structures is needed to bring about economically viable projects that will endure for generations. Dr. Tikalsky will address some of the key practical lessons he learned from his research in fly ash and his long relationship with his good friend, mentor and colleague, Dr. Ramon Carrasquillo.