EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON USE OF FLY ASH AS A PARTIAL CEMENT REPLACEMENT IN CONCRETE

Fly ash is a by-product from the coal industry, which is widely available in the world. the use of fly ash in concrete as partial replacement of cement is gaining immense importance today. mainly on account of the improvement in the long-term durability of concrete combined with environmental benefits. The replacement of fly ash as a cementations component in concrete depends upon the design strength, water demand and relative cost of ash compared to cement. This paper reports the results of an experimental investigation carried out to study the effects of fly ash on strength development of concrete and the optimum use of fly ash in concrete. The concrete grade of M15 has been selected and designed as per IS 456-2000 Standard method.Cement was replaced by 10%, 20% and 30% of class F fly ash by the weight. After each mix preparation, nine cubes specimens are cast and cured. Necessary tests were carried out in fresh and hardened concrete. Workability was found from slump test. Tests for compressive strength were carried out on specimens at age 7,14 and 28 days.The test results were compared with the results of specimen prepared after control mix. Test results shows that, inclusion of fly ash generally improves the compressive strength up to certain percent of replacement