Experimental investigation of strength and durability characteristics of high strength and high volume fly ash concrete

Abstract

The current generation of fly ash per annum is about 650 million tones across the world. In India, the current estimate of the amount of fly ash generated is of the order of more than 120 million tons per annum from available thermal power plants in India. The production of cement apart from being quite energy intensive also uses about 1600 kg of limestone and 400 kg of coal per ton of clinker. Replacement of cement by fly ash also saves the corresponding amount of these natural mineral resources, which are already scarce. As per the estimates, India is left with limestone reserves, which are expected to last only for next 40 years. Further, reduction in usage of these minerals would also decrease the associated mining activity to the corresponding extent, hence the related environmental benefits.Replacement of cement by fly ash also saves the corresponding amount of these natural mineral resources, which are already scarce. newlineThe content of the fly ash incorporated in the blended cement currently in the order of 20 to 30% by weight of cement. At present, concrete in India typically comprises of fly as content of 15 20% of total cemetitious materials. There is a need for promotion of the awareness of the environmental impact of rapid industrilzation and urbanization and the potential beneficial role of High volume Fly ash Concrete (HVFAC) in the process. High performance, high volume fly ash concrete represents a new technology for building durable and sustainable buildings and infrastructure during the 21st century. For a development country like India, reduction in cost of basic building material goes a long way in the infrastructural development. newlineFiber reinforced concrete is a type of concrete that includes fibrous substances that increase its structural strength and cohesion. Fiber reinforced concrete has small distinct fibers that are homogeneously dispersed and oriented haphazardly. Inherently concrete is brittle under newlineix newlinetensile loading and mechanical properties of concrete may be improved by randomly orie