Fly ash is added to cement primarily because it improves concrete performance in both the fresh and hardened states, enhancing properties like workability, strength, and durability, while also being cost-effective.
Benefits of Adding Fly Ash to Cement
The use of fly ash in portland cement concrete (PCC) offers significant advantages. As referenced, it leads to improved performance and cost savings.
Here are the key reasons why fly ash is a valuable addition:
- Improves Fresh Concrete Performance: When added to plastic (freshly mixed) concrete, fly ash improves its workability. This makes the concrete easier to mix, transport, place, and finish.
- Enhances Hardened Concrete Performance: Once the concrete cures, fly ash contributes to better performance in the hardened state. It increases the strength of the hardened concrete over time and improves its durability, making it more resistant to various forms of degradation.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Utilizing fly ash, often a byproduct from coal-fired power plants, can also be cost effective, helping to reduce overall material expenses in concrete production.
In summary, adding fly ash provides a multi-faceted benefit package, leading to superior concrete characteristics from the moment it's mixed through its long-term performance.
