Effect of Reduced Fineness of Fly Ash Used on the Alkali–Silica Reaction (ASR) of Concrete

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effect of fly ash added to concrete with high calcium content (C class) and different fineness on durability properties such as the alkali–silica reaction (ASR). By substituting ultra-fine fly ash for cement at specific proportions in concrete mixes and increasing the fly ash fineness, fly ash filled the spaces between cement grains or aggregates in concrete and accelerated the hydration process. Thus, the mechanism of ASR development was reduced. Class C Afşin Elbistan ash was used and was ground in a ball mill for 0, 10, 20, 30, and 45 min, and Blaine fineness values of 1555, 1632, 2347, 2589, and 2766 cm2/g were obtained, respectively. For each fly ash fineness, the effect of mixtures with 10%, 30%, and 50% replacement of cement on the ASR mechanism was observed during curing periods of 3, 7, 14, and 28 days compared to concrete without fly ash admixture. Furthermore, the effect of the increased fineness and substitution rate of fly ash with high calcium content in cement on the microstructure was revealed by microscopic mineralogical images. The prepared fine fly ash added to concrete mixes at different replacement ratios showed ASR reducing properties compared to the concrete mix without additions. The fly ash fineness and the substitution rate in the concrete had a reducing effect on the ASR, and this effect resulted in values lower than the reference concrete value.