ABSTRACT
Fly ash has been used for many years in a wide range of applications because it is able to offer many technical advantages such as enhanced durability and performance. For example it is able to improve the sulfate resistance, reduce chloride diffusion, prevent alkali silica reaction, and reduce heat generation, etc in cementitious applications. These benefits have been researched by many people with published papers totalling many thousands. However, it is only in recent years it is increasingly recognised that using fly ash also results in significant environmental and sustainability benefits, simply by replacing virgin aggregates, acting as a cementitious binder reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing durability, extending a structures work life, etc, While considering these technical and environmental benefits, it is of a surprise that still a considerable proportion of fly ash produced is landfilled every year.
This paper will take an overview of the use of coal fired power station ash. It will review the wide range of applications for fly ash, looking at more recent developments in research, standards, specifications, ash processing, etc and the new ideas that have emerged for possible applications. The paper will consider the sustainability and environmental benefits of greater utilisation of the material. Also, those applications where little progress seems to being made will be considered and reasons examined.
