Effects of High Volumes of Fly Ash, Blast Furnace Slag, and Bottom Ash on Flow Characteristics, Density, and Compressive Strength of High-Strength Mortar

Abstract

This paper presents results of an experimental work carried out to evaluate utilization of recycled materials, such as fly ash and bottom ash (by-products of thermoelectric power plants), and blast furnace slag (by-products of ironworks) as binders and aggregates with high volume in high-strength, lightweight mortar. The effects of high volumes of fly ash, blast furnace slag, and bottom ash on flow characteristics, density, and compressive strength of mortar were investigated. In addition, the water capillary absorption characteristics of mortar regarding moisture transport that may affect the durability of the mortar were studied. It was found that the flow characteristics of fresh mortar were neither changed nor decreased with the increase in the replacement ratio of bottom ash, while these were improved by the use of high volumes of fly ash and blast furnace slag as replacements of cement.