Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 18, 2026
06:27
Expression of Cementitious Pore Solution and the Analysis of Its Chemical Composition and Resistivity Using X-ray Fluorescence
Published on: September 23, 2018
9.9K
Radiological and material characterization of high volume fly ash concrete
I Ignjatović1, Z Sas2, J Dragaš1
1Department of Materials and Structures, Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Belgrade, Serbia.
Journal of Environmental Radioactivity
|July 13, 2016
Summary
High volume fly ash concrete (HVFAC) with 50-70% fly ash content exhibits enhanced compressive strength and safe radiological properties. This makes HVFAC suitable for various construction applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Radiological Science
- Civil Engineering
Background:
- Fly ash utilization in concrete is a sustainable practice.
- Understanding the material and radiological properties of concrete is crucial for safety.
- High volume fly ash concrete (HVFAC) offers potential benefits but requires thorough characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive material and radiological characterization of HVFAC.
- To determine natural radionuclide content, radon emanation, and exhalation coefficients in HVFAC.
- To assess the suitability of HVFAC for structural and non-structural applications.
Main Methods:
- Concrete samples with 50-70% fly ash content were prepared.
- Physical and mechanical properties (density, compressive strength, tensile strength, modulus of elasticity) were tested.
- Radionuclide content (226Ra, 232Th, 40K) and radon exhalation were measured using gamma spectrometry and accumulation chamber techniques.
Main Results:
- Increased fly ash content enhanced compressive strength by approximately 20%.
- Radon exhalation indices (I-index) were significantly below the recommended limit (0.27-0.32).
- Calculated I-index values closely matched measured values (ratio 0.89-1.14).
Conclusions:
- HVFAC with high fly ash content demonstrates improved mechanical performance.
- The radiological properties of HVFAC are well within safe limits for construction.
- All designed HVFAC mixtures are suitable for both structural and non-structural building applications.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Measurement of Air Content in Concrete
786
Air content measurement in concrete is critical for ensuring structural integrity and durability of concrete structures, especially in environments prone to severe weather conditions. Accurate air content analysis optimizes concrete's resistance to freeze-thaw cycles and enhances its workability and strength. Several methods are standardized under ASTM guidelines to measure the air content in fresh concrete, each suitable for different concrete types and conditions.
The pressure method,...
The pressure method,...
786
01:21Pozzolans
679
Pozzolans are siliceous or aluminous materials blended with Portland cement. They interact with the calcium hydroxide produced during the hydration of Portland cement and contribute to improved strength and durability of concrete. The pozzolanic activity, a measure of a pozzolan's effectiveness, is typically assessed using the strength activity index, as defined in ASTM C 618-93, which calculates the ratio of the compressive strength of cement mixtures with and without pozzolan.
Fly ash is...
Fly ash is...
679
01:23Abrasion Resistance of Concrete
679
Abrasion resistance is an essential characteristic of concrete that determines its durability and longevity under various wear conditions. Concrete surfaces are vulnerable to different types of abrasion. For instance, surfaces may wear down due to the constant movement of vehicles or be eroded by solids carried in water, as seen in concrete canal linings. Specific tests are conducted to measure the abrasion resistance of concrete.
One such test is the revolving disc test, where three plates...
One such test is the revolving disc test, where three plates...
679
01:22Fiber Reinforced Concrete
504
Fiber-reinforced concrete significantly enhances the structural and nonstructural properties of traditional concrete by incorporating fibers like steel, glass, and polymers. These fibers, varying from natural ones such as sisal and cellulose to manufactured ones like polypropylene and Kevlar, are mixed into hydraulic cement with aggregates. Steel fibers, often preferred for their robustness, contribute to improved ductility, toughness, and post-cracking performance. The concrete is classified...
504
01:22Fatigue Strength of Concrete
649
Fatigue, in the context of materials science and engineering, refers to the weakening or failure of a material caused by repeatedly applied loads, even if these loads are below the strength limit of the material. Fatigue strength in concrete is a critical property that influences its durability and longevity. Concrete can fail in two ways due to fatigue. Static fatigue or creep rupture occurs under a constant load or one that increases slowly. The other failure mode is due to cyclical or...
649
01:29Additives and Fillers in Concrete
423
Additives and fillers are integral to enhancing the properties of concrete. Pozzolans and blast-furnace slag are additives or admixtures due to their reactions with calcium hydroxide released during cement hydration. Fillers, which are finely ground and similar in fineness to Portland cement, improve concrete attributes such as workability density, and reduce capillary bleeding or cracking. Some fillers possess hydraulic properties or participate in benign reactions within the cement paste.
The...
The...
423