Fly ash use in concrete improves the workability of plastic concrete, and the strength and durability of hardened concrete. Fly ash use is also cost effective. When fly ash is added to concrete, the amount of portland cement may be reduced.
What Does Fly Ash Do to Concrete?
When it comes to concrete, there are a lot of different ingredients that can be used in order to create a finished product that is strong and durable.
One of these ingredients is known as fly ash. So, what does fly ash do to concrete? In short, fly ash is a by–product of coal combustion that is typically used as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM).
When used in concrete, fly ash can improve the overall strength and durability of the finished product. Additionally, fly ash can also help to improve the workability of concrete, making it easier to place and finish.
So, how does fly ash actually work to improve concrete? Well, fly ash works by reacting with the calcium hydroxide that is produced when cement and water mix.
This reaction produces a compound known as calcium silicate hydrate (CSH), which is the key to fly ash’s strength– boosting properties.
CSH is much stronger than calcium hydroxide on its own, and it is this increased strength that helps to make concrete made with fly ash stronger and more durable.
Additionally, the presence of CSH can also help to improve the workability of concrete, making it easier to place and finish. It should be
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