The Possibilities for Using Ash and Slag Waste in Civil Engineering

This research aimed to improve our understanding of how ash and slag waste (ASW) could be used in civil engineering. The present study concentrated on the utilisation of bottom sand (ASW) in cement composites as a replacement for a part of aggregate and the evaluation of the pozzolanic properties of the material. This would enable its use as a binder in non-cementitious or cementitious composites. The basic properties of the modified mortars were investigated. The pozzolanic activity index (PAI) of the bottom sand was also tested using two methods. Analysis of the test results shows that we can replace natural aggregate with 25% bottom sand without significantly impairing the properties of the modified composites. However, the tested ASW does not exhibit pozzolanic activity. Consequently, it should not be used as a binder substitute in cementitious or non-cementitious composites.