Journal Published Online: 22 September 2022
Volume 11, Issue 2

The Determination of Pozzolanic Activity: Comparison of ASTM and EN Strength Activity Methods and Electrical Resistivity

CODEN: ACEMF9

Abstract

Class F fly ash from both fresh and stored sources, along with finely milled sand and limestone were tested by conventional strength index approaches based on ASTM C618-2019, Standard Specification for Coal Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete and EN 450-1:2012 - Fly ash for concrete. Definition, specifications and conformity criteria for pozzolan activity. Mortars were made with both European and U.S. standard sands. Pozzolanic activity was also measured directly by Ca(OH)2 uptake via thermogravimetric analysis and electrical resistivity. The EN 450 method proved a more reliable measure of pozzolanic activity than the ASTM equivalent, which provided false positives, probably due to the narrow gradation of the U.S. standard sand and the rheologic benefit of the fly ash on the mortar. A four-point Wenner probe was used to measure the electrical resistivity on the 40 × 40 × 160 mm mortar prisms. The resistivity correlated with the measure of strength index and pozzolanic activity by other methods. The pozzolanic reaction of the Class F fly ash was found to be relativity slow, with a latency period of at least 21 days and only small indications of activity at 28 days. Unlike compressive strength, the resistivity of the control mortars did not change significantly after 28 days and remained essentially flat over one year. The resistivity of the fly ash test prisms showed continuous increase over the same period, achieving 150 % to >500 % of control at 90 days. This may be contrasted with the compressive strength data of 90 % to 110 % for the EN-450 data. The measurement of resistivity is rapid, simple, precise, and non-destructive and made with inexpensive equipment that is relatable to pozzolanic activity. It is found to be more sensitive and selective than that provided by conventional strength index methods.

Author Information

Robl, Thomas
University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research, Lexington, KY, USA
Jewell, Robert
University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research, Lexington, KY, USA
Duvallet, Tristana
University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research, Lexington, KY, USA
Gülcan, Ergin
Hacettepe University Mining Engineering Department, Mineral Processing Division, Ankara, TURKEY
Rathbone, Robert
University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research, Lexington, KY, USA
Oberlink, Anne
University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research, Lexington, KY, USA
Pages: 19
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: ACEM20210159
ISSN: 2379-1357
DOI: 10.1520/ACEM20210159