Study of the influence of Portland cement on the properties of concrete with fly ash

Concrete made with Portland cement is one of the most used construction material in the world. Engineers and scientists are always looking to improve its sustainable properties. The durability of concrete is a determining factor in the service life of a structure. The durability of cement based materials is strongly influenced by its porous structure. Previous research has shown that the use of fly ash in concrete mixtures as partial substitution of Portland cement produces a pozzolanic reaction that changes concrete’s micro-structure. As a concrete mineral admixture, fly ash improves concrete’s mechanical properties and durability while providing economic and environmental benefits. The objective of this paper is to present the results of a study that investigated the influence of fly ash on the durability of concrete mixed with ASTM C150: Type I cements. The methodology included mixing three different ASTM C150: Type I cements with three different percentages of fly ash each for a total of 9 different combinations. Durability, physical, and mechanical properties tests were performed on the concrete samples from each mix. The results indicate that the performance of concrete with fly ash varies based on the characteristics of the cement used and the amount of fly ash used in the mixture. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the best result for experimental concrete with 25% fly ash substitution were obtained with concrete Y (C3S = 55.31%), while with 50% fly ash substitution the best results were obtained with cement Z (C3S = 77.04%). These combinations increase the concrete’s durability while reducing costs and providing environmental benefits. This paper contributes to the body of knowledge by increasing the understanding of the influence of cement properties in fly ash on the durability of concrete.Non UBCUnreviewedFacultyOthe