Title: Influence of Cement on Properties of Fly-Ash-Based Concrete

Author(s): Zhang Hongen, Jiang Feng, Wang Qingyuan, Tang Ling, and Shi Xiaoshuang

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 114

Issue: 5

Appears on pages(s): 745-753

Keywords: compressive strength; low-calcium fly ash; microstructure; thermogravimetric analysis (TGA); X-ray diffraction (XRD)

DOI: 10.14359/51700793

Date: 9/1/2017

Abstract:
Fly ash-based geopolymer concrete (FAGC) has been widely recognized in engineering for its environmentally friendly feature. However, the application is limited due to the high-temperature curing condition. This paper attempts to find a measurement to make it possible to cure low-calcium FAGC at ambient temperature. In this study, low-calcium fly ash was substituted with cement by 0, 5, and 10% in weight. One batch of specimens were cured at 176°F (80°C), the other batch of specimens were cured at 68°F (20°C). The acting mechanism of cement was illustrated in terms of slump, compressive strength, and microstructure. The results demonstrated that the optimum use ratio of cement was 5%, which could significantly improve microstructure and the properties of low-calcium FAGC. Additionally, appropriate ordinary portland cement (OPC) content could make it feasible to cure the geopolymer concrete at ambient temperature.