The Use of Coal Combustion Products (Fly Ash) for Reducing Mud Problems in Heavy Use Areas for Cattle

摘要

Coal combustion products vary in reactivity and therefore ability to set into a firm load-supporting surface. Bottom ashes typically have already had water added, and have very little reactivity left, and should be thought of as a filler or bulking material to mix with fly ash. Fly ashes have not had water added and are therefore still reactive. The level of reactivity varies with both the supplier and time. The two basic approaches to using fly ashes to reduce mud problems in heavy use areas for cattle are to build a pad on the ground surface with a blend of ashes or to mix fly ash with the soil as an amendment. Due to the difficulty with soil mixing, that approach is not generally recommended. Ideally, the supplier of ashes should mix bottom ash and fly ash on a 70:30 volumetric basis. This mix makes a material with a soil-like consistency that is easy to transport and handle at the application site. Material can be mixed on site, and it is possible to use a clean soil material instead of a bottom ash blend; however the mix ratio should be changed to 50:50 volumetric. It is best to add moisture and compaction as the pad is built.