Durability properties of concrete containing high volume Malaysian fly ash

Abstract

Fly ash is a by-product of coal combustion in thermal power plants, and Malaysia produces over one million tons of fly ash annually. The fly ash from this process is used in concrete for many reasons and one of which is to improve the concrete properties. The present study was carried out to determine the effect of high volume fly ash on concrete durability when exposed to chloride, acid and sulphate solutions. Four types of concrete mixes were prepared that consist of 0, 40, 50 and 60% of fly ash by weight of cement. The durability performances of high volume fly ash concrete against physical and chemical attack revealed that concrete with high volume fly ash demonstrated lesser chloride ion penetration, lower weight and strength loss in acid solution and completely stayed intact in sulphate solution throughout the period of exposure.