Influence of selected activating methods on hydration processes of mixtures containing high and very high amount of fly ash

Abstract

Binders containing fly ash as cement substitute have been used for many years. Typical amount of fly ash in cement composite does not exceed 35% of mass of binder. Replacement of substantial amount of cement mass by fly ash results in retardation of hydration of binder and deterioration of some concrete properties, e.g. delay in setting time and reduction in early compressive strength. These inconveniences may be reduced using proper method of activation. In this paper, possibilities to activate binding mixtures containing high and very high amount of fly ash and low amount of Portland cement were discussed basing on the literature reports as well as on our own research results. Several activating methods were described, such as mechanical activation, exchanging of part of components of binder (cement, fly ash or both of them) by more reactive fine-grained material, chemical activation by the use of alkaline activators as well as combined methods. Possibilities of using these methods were discussed in relation to amount of fly ash introduced as replacement of cement and kind of fly ash used. Usefulness of calorimetry and thermal analysis methods was also presented.