Enhanced Maturity Modeling Analysis For Sustainable Mixtures Using High Volume Fly Ash

Abstract

Construction industry is reluctant to use high volumes of fly ash in concrete due to slower rate of strength gain observed in high volume fly ash concretes. Fly ash, a by-product of coal industry, is readily available on large scale, has cementitious properties and can be used as cheaper substitute for cement. In case of large concrete structures, a phenomenon known as mass effect is observed which cures the concrete at higher temperature thereby accelerating the rate of strength development in early ages. The aim of this research is to demonstrate that, although the rate of strength gain is slower in HVFA concrete, sufficient early age strength is developed due to mass effect observed in large concrete structures. A 14-day maturity based approach was adopted to develop prediction models which can estimate in-place strength of HVFA concrete mixtures by taking into account the mass effect of concrete. The results maturity are compared against the existing methods and also with 28-day based maturity models and attempt is made to select the best approach of in-place strength determination.