Deformation Modulus of Fly Ash Modified with Lime and Gypsum

Abstract

Deformation modulus of fly ash is one of the most important mechanical properties generally used in different design problems and also as an input parameter to sophisticated numerical techniques employed to assess the response of different structures resting on fly ash fill or embankment made of fly ash. Deformation modulus is usually expressed in terms of compressive strength. This paper presents the deformation modulus of fly ash modified with lime alone or in combination with gypsum at different strain levels. The values of deformation modulus obtained from both unconfined compression test and unconsolidated undrained triaxial test results are presented herein. The specimens for unconfined compression test and for undrained triaxial tests were cured up to 90 and 28 days, respectively. The effects of addition of lime (4–10%) and gypsum (0.5 and 1.0%) on the deformation modulus of class F fly ash are highlighted. With addition of lime and gypsum, the class F fly ash achieved the deformation modulus in the range of 190 MPa in UCS test and up to 300 MPa in triaxial test specimens tested under all round pressure of 0.4 MPa. Based on the present test results empirical relationships are developed to estimate deformation modulus of modified fly ash from unconfined compressive strength and relationships between initial tangent modulus and secant modulus at different strain levels are also developed.