Expanded Fly Ash Clay Aggregate a Sustainable Alternative Coarse Aggregate for Concrete

Abstract

Demand for natural aggregates in making concrete is increasing every day. Concrete is widely used in turnkey projects and small-scale projects. An alternative sustainable coarse aggregate for natural coarse aggregate can reduce the amount of pollution and preserve natural resource. An attempt is made in this research project to use locally available soil from the site and fly ash waste to prepare an alternative sustainable coarse aggregate for concrete to be used in small constructions. Concrete mix is prepared with natural aggregate and expanded fly ash clay aggregate EFCA and their fresh state, strength and durability properties were studied. The slump value of EFCA concrete under same water content is similar to that of natural aggregate concrete. A compressive strength of 21.45 MPa is achieved for EFCA concrete, which is acceptable for normal structural concrete. Flexural strength of 3.67 MPa is measured. Rapid chloride penetration test conducted on EFCA concrete showed moderate resistance to sulfate attack and a higher water penetration.

Keywords

• Expanded Clay Aggregate, Sustainability, Durability, Compressive Strength, Workability