Title: Evaluation of the Properties of British Pulverized Fuel Ashes and Their Influence on the Strength of Concrete

Author(s): J. G. Cabrera, C. J. Hopkins, G. R. Woolley, R. E. Lee, J. Shaw, C. Plowman, and H. Fox

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 91

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 115-144

Keywords: aluminum oxide; chemical analysis; concretes; evaluation; fly ash; particle size distribution; physical properties; pozzolans; shape factor; silica; solubility; specific surface; strength.

DOI: 10.14359/10067

Date: 2/1/1986

Abstract:
This paper reports the findings of an on-going study dealing with the properties of 18 pulverised fuel ashes (pfa) produced in British power stations from bituminous coals. The results reported here deal specifically with the variability of chemical and mineralogical compositions of ashes, both within and between sources (power stations). Physical properties such as particle size distribution, specific surface area and particle shape are also analysed. The importance of the variability of these chemical, mineralogical and physical parameters are discussed in relation to the properties of concrete where pulverised fuel ash is used toreplace 30 percent of ordinary Portland cement. A new method for the measurement of the alkali-soluble glass phase of pulverised fuel ashes is presented and evaluated in terms of the long-term strength properties of the pulverised fuel ash concretes studied. Doubts arise about the current specifications for selecting pulverised fuel ash for use in concrete, since the data accumulated during this study show that a much wider range of pulverised fuel ashes can be successfully used as a cement replacement material for the manufacture of concrete.