Improved Pavement Concrete Performance through Partial Cement Replacement with Fly Ash

With the rapid growth of industrial activities, a significant amount of waste materials is being generated, posing serious challenges in terms of environmental impact and land utilization for disposal. Among these industrial by-products, fly ash, produced during coal combustion in thermal power plants, has emerged as a potential resource for sustainable construction. This study explores the use of fly ash as a partial replacement for Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) in Pavement Quality Concrete (PQC) to enhance both mechanical performance and environmental sustainability. Cement production is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. As construction demand increases, so does the need for cement. To address this environmental concern, fly ash obtained from Godawari Power & Ispat Ltd. (GPIL), Raipur has been utilized in this study as a substitute for a portion of cement in the concrete mix. The objective is to assess its effectiveness in improving the strength characteristics of pavement concrete while promoting sustainable construction practices. Experimental investigations were carried out by partially replacing OPC with varying percentages of fly ash, along with the use of a polymer-based superplasticizer to achieve the desired workability and strength. Concrete samples were tested at curing periods of 3, 14, and 28 days. Results indicate that, without superplasticizer, the compressive strength of PQC is inadequate at early and later stages. However, the inclusion of a superplasticizer significantly enhances compressive strength, meeting the performance requirements. Flexural strength was found to be satisfactory even without a superplasticizer, and further improved with its use. This research confirms that partial replacement of cement with GPIL fly ash, in combination with suitable admixtures, can result in environmentally friendly and structurally efficient pavement concrete.