Experimental investigation into the effect of fly ash on the fresh properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC)

摘要

This paper presents an initial examination of the direct effect that two types of fly ash (both compliant with BS EN 450) has on the properties of fresh self-compacting concrete. The use of cement replacement materials is thought to be extremely advantageous in the production of SCC due to a number of factors. These factors include; a reduction in yield strength of fresh concrete, a reduction in workability loss, a reduction in heat development which is high in SCC production due to the cement content and reduction in initial concrete cost. However, although fly ash has been used in SCC research, its direct effect on SCC has yet to be evaluated. It is in this regard that the investigation is undertaken in order to accumulate more data. The investigation found that the use of coarse fly ash improves the flowability and cohesion of SCC compared with fine fly ash.