Physical, chemical, and geotechnical properties of coal fly ash: A global review

Abstract

In 2015, fly ash utilization rates were 70% for China, 62% for India, and 50% for the US. This leaves substantial potential for increased utilization. This article summarizes available literature concerning physical and chemical and geotechnical properties of fly ash which affect its options for re-use. Fly ashes are broadly classified worldwide into two chemical types for their industrial applications, mostly in cement industries, namely class C and class F. Class C fly ash, with its higher levels of calcium oxide, generally has self-cementing properties. In terms of global fly ash composition, fly ash from India on average contains higher levels of silicon dioxide than that from the US and China. In terms of particle size, studies report that fly ash more often is poorly graded than well-graded; fly ash from India in particular tends to be poorly graded. Optimum moisture content (OMC) values for fly ashes vary from 11 to 53%, and maximum dry density values range from 1.01 to 1.78 g/cm3. Country-specific trends in terms of fly ash OMC and maximum dry density values are not readily apparent. Fly ash tends to be non-plastic, meaning it will not swell if used as a foundation material for structures. Reported fly ash shrinkage limits range from 38 to 65. Permeability of pure fly ash generally varies from 10−4 to 10-7 cm/sec, and angle of friction varies from 25° to 40°.