1. High Volume Ash Concrete

2. High Volume Ash
The purpose of this presentation is to make known an alternative resource in conventional concrete mixtures

3. Conventional Concrete
Extremely versatile
Good strength when reinforced with steel
Can be cast to nearly any desired shape
The manufacturing of Portland cement accounts for 6 to7% of the CO2 that humans produce

4. What is Fly Ash? A by-product of coal-fired power plants
It uses up space in landfills
When used in concrete, it displaces more than 25% of the cement
Creates a more stronger bond
Reduces concrete’s environmental impact

5. Product Comparisons Conventional Concrete High Volume Fly Ash Concrete
Less energy intensive manufacture
Higher ultimate strength
More durable
Uses a waste by-product
Less global warming gases created
Is a LEED certified material
Conventional Concrete
Energy intensive manufacturing
Weaker ultimate strength
Less durable
Uses virgin material
More global warming gases created

6. Environmental Considerations
There is no difference in energy performance (as an insulator) in fly ash compared to conventional
The fly ash is less permeable to water, protecting reinforcing steel and adding to the concrete’s durability. Materials that last longer reduce the demand for natural resources and reduce the associated environmental impacts of extracting and processing them.

7. Cost Considerations
High volume fly ash usually costs the same as conventional

8. Installation
Improves the workability of concrete because it aids in the placement of concrete into formwork and around reinforcing steel. Consequently, less water is needed in the mix.
Sets more slowly than conventional Concrete

9. Health Attributes There are traces of heavy metals in the fly ash.
Some debate that the metals are effectively locked into the cement matrix, preventing their release.
By using fly ash in concrete rather than “landfilling” it, the potential for the metals to leach into the environment is reduced.
Concerns have also been raised about the higher incidence of Radium-226 in fly ash

10. Alternative Resources
Rice hull ash, created by the controlled burning of an agricultural waste product, can be added to mixes to further increase the strength and reduce the permeability of fly ash concrete.

11. Works Cited
The Green Resource Center, Berkley, CA