Mechanical properties and thermal resistance of high volume fly ash concrete for energy efficiency in building construction

The utilization of waste materials in concrete is one of the best value added solutions to the construction industry. With the aim of sustability development, high volume fly ash (HVFA) were tested in concrete by substituting 40, 50 and 60% of OPC with fly ash. Properties studied in this research includes fresh concrete properties, mechanical properties and the resistance of concrete exposed to high temperature. The test result indicates that HVFA concrete positively influenced the workability; however, the setting times of the concrete were longer. It has been found that the development of strength of high volume fly ash concrete was relatively slower, but ahigher strength development at later ages was observed in concrete containing HVFA. The performance of concrete at elevated temperatures reveals that concrete without any fly ash has better resistance than HVFA concrete at high temperature. The use of high volume fly ash results in an acceptable concrete performance, which grants high potential for energy saving in the building construction.