Advanced Chemical Techniques for the Analysis of Hardened Concrete: Phase 1. Evaluating Fly Ash Content of Portland-Pozzolan Interground Cement

摘要

The objective of the study is to evaluate methods of determining the fly ash content of portland-pozzolan interground cement. Samples of industrial interground portland-pozzolan were obtained for this study. These samples were then used to evaluate the fly ash content by x-ray diffraction; selective dissolution; and chemical analysis by energy dispersive scanning electron microscopy and x-ray fluorescence. Selective dissolution is a promising method for quick check tests, and chemical analysis by x-ray fluorescence is the best quantitative test. The main conclusion is, when using x-ray fluorescence, the amount of the fly ash in the blended cement can be determined when the oxides of silica, aluminum, and iron are known for the fly ash and clinker, as well as for the blended cement.