Utilization of Fly Ash as a Viscosity-Modifying Agent to Produce Cost-Effective, Self-Compacting Concrete: A Sustainable Solution

Asif Hameed, Ali Murtaza Rasool (), Yasser E. Ibrahim (), Muhammad Faheem Ud Din Afzal, Asad Ullah Qazi and Iqra Hameed
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Asif Hameed: Civil Engineering Department, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
Ali Murtaza Rasool: National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK), Lahore 54000, Pakistan
Yasser E. Ibrahim: Engineering Management Department, Prince Sultan University, Riyadh 12435, Saudi Arabia
Muhammad Faheem Ud Din Afzal: National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK), Lahore 54000, Pakistan
Asad Ullah Qazi: Civil Engineering Department, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
Iqra Hameed: Civil Engineering Department, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore 54000, Pakistan

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 18, 1-21

Abstract: Sufficient deformability can be achieved in concrete while maintaining segregation resistance either by using a chemical viscosity-modifying admixture (VMA) or increasing the fine content in the concrete. Using VMA, the initial cost of self-compacting concrete (SCC) increases, making it unsuitable for general construction. As a result, alternative methods for lowering the cost of SCC must be investigated. In this study, we assess the effectiveness of fly ash (FA) as a viscosity-modifying agent in the production of cost-effective and durable SCC. We also forge new pathways for sustainable development. The percentage of FA, superplasticizer dose, and water/binder ratio were varied, whereas the amounts of cement and water, as well as fine/coarse aggregate content were kept constant. Fresh properties, such as flow, filling and passing abilities, viscosity, and segregation resistance, were measured. Compressive/flexural strength, density, water absorption, and rate of water absorption of hardened SCC were also determined. The test results showed that fly ash can be used as an alternative to a VMA to produce cost-effective, self-compacting concrete. The slump flow of the various fresh-state concrete mixes ranged from 200 to 770 mm, with an L-box ratio of 0 to 1 and a flow time of 2.18 to 88 s. At 28 and 56 days, the compressive strengths of the concrete mixes with fly ash were found to be comparable to those of the control concrete mixes with VMA. The cost of ingredients for a specific SCC mix is 26.8% lower than the price of control concrete, according to a cost comparison assessment.

Keywords: self-compacting concrete; cost effectiveness; viscosity-modifying agent; fly ash; waste management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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