The Influence of Fly Ash Dosages on the Permeability, Pore Structure and Fractal Features of Face Slab Concrete

Abstract

Concrete-face slabs are the primary anti-permeability structures of the concrete-face rockfill dam (CFRD), and the resistance of face slab concrete to permeability is the key factor affecting the operation and safety of CFRDs. Herein, the influences of five fly ash dosages (namely 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50%) on the permeability property of face slab concretes were investigated. Moreover, the difference in the permeability caused by the fly ash dosage variations is revealed in terms of the pore structure and fractal theory. The results illustrate that: (1) The inclusion of 10–50% fly ash lowered the compressive strength of face slab concretes before 28 days of hydration, whereas it contributed to the 180-day strength increment. (2) The incorporation of 10–50% fly ash raised the average water-seepage height (Dm) and the relative permeability coefficient (Kr) of the face slab concrete by about 14–81% and 30–226% at 28 days, respectively. At 180 days, the addition of fly ash improved the 180-day impermeability by less than 30%. (3) The permeability of face slab concretes is closely correlated with their pore structures and Ds. (4) The optimal fly ash dosage in terms of the long-term impermeability and pore refinement of face slab concretes is around 30%. Nevertheless, face slab concretes containing a high dosage of fly ash must be cured for a relatively long period before they can withstand high water pressure.