Performance study on strength, morphological, and durability characteristics of coal pond ash concrete

Abstract

ABSTRACT Concrete-based construction provides enormous advantages by utilizing waste materials and by-products from various sources such as industries, power plants, etc. One of the significant waste materials from the coal-based power plants, pond ash (PA), is highly dumped into landfills, causing critical environmental issues. This study examined the strength, morphological and durability characteristics of coal pond ash concrete. In this investigation, the cement was replaced with 10% of coal pond ash by weight of cement and water – binder ratio of 0.44 was used in all mix proportions. Strength properties were evaluated by using modulus of elasticity test. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) were also performed to evaluate its morphological characteristics. Durability properties such as rapid chloride penetration test, weathering resistance test, acid resistance test and chloride resistance test were conducted. The test results confirmed the efficiency of adding ash to cement material. Ten percent of coal pond ash in concrete had significant resistance against chloride penetration, weathering action, chloride and acid attack. SEM and EDAX analysis confirmed the presence of a higher amount of CSH gels at the increase in age, which promotes more – denser, less porous and compacted microstructure in concrete.