VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

Jnana sangama, Belgavi - 590018, Karnataka, India

A Project Proposal on

“STUDY ON USE OF FLYASH IN CONCRETE”

Submitted in fulfillment of partial requirements for the award of

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING

In
CIVIL ENGINEERING

S SUCHITRA 3PG21CV014
SYED ABDUL SAMAD 3PG21CV017
ASIF IQBAL 3PG22CV401
MD ASHFAQ P 3PG22CV410

Veerashaiva Vidhyavardhaka Sangha’s

PROUDHADEVARAYA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
T.B. DAM, HOSAPETE - 583 225
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
2023-2024
Study on the Use of Fly Ash in Concrete 2023-2024

Project Proposal: Study on the Use of Fly Ash in Concrete

1. Introduction
1.1 Overview of Fly Ash in Concrete

Concrete is fundamental to modern construction, but it significantly impacts the environment due to
cement production, which contributes to approximately 8% of global CO₂ emissions. Fly ash, a
byproduct of coal combustion in thermal power plants, offers a sustainable alternative as a
supplementary cementitious material. It enhances the mechanical and durability properties of concrete
while providing environmental benefits.

1.2 The Role of Fly Ash in Concrete

Fly ash possesses pozzolanic properties, reacting with calcium hydroxide in water to form compounds
with cementitious properties. This reaction reduces the cement required in concrete mixes and
improves strength, durability, and workability.

2. Problem Statement
The primary challenge in using fly ash in concrete is the variability in its quality and compatibility with
other concrete components. The objective is to identify the optimal percentage of fly ash to maximize
concrete's mechanical strength and durability while assessing environmental benefits. Addressing this
involves evaluating strength, durability, and workability when fly ash replaces a portion of Portland
cement.

2.1. Probable Solutions

To address the variability in fly ash quality and compatibility, several potential solutions are
considered:
• Quality Testing and Standardization: Rigorous testing protocols will ensure fly ash meets
standards as per IS codes.
• Optimal Mix Design: Experimenting with different fly ash content levels (15%, 25%, and
35%) will help determine the best combination for concrete strength and durability.

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Study on the Use of Fly Ash in Concrete 2023-2024

• Use of Admixtures: Chemical admixtures will be incorporated to improve the workability and
setting characteristics of fly ash concrete.
• Tailored Curing Methods: Testing different curing methods (e.g., water, steam, air) will
optimize the performance of fly ash concrete in various conditions.

2.2. Method to be Used and Reason for Selection

The Optimal Mix Design method has been selected as the primary approach. This method allows
adjustment of fly ash content and comparison of its impact on concrete performance. By evaluating
different replacement percentages, the optimal blend can be identified to achieve desired mechanical
properties and environmental benefits.
Reason for Selection: This approach offers a comprehensive evaluation of how fly ash proportions
affect compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths, and overall durability. It also supports achieving
performance and environmental goals by reducing cement usage and CO₂ emissions.

2.3. Procedure to Achieve Results

• Concrete Mix Preparation: Prepare three mixes with fly ash replacing 15%, 25%, and 35% of
cement. Each mix will adhere to IS codes for quality control and consistency.
• Testing and Data Collection: Samples from each mix will be tested for compressive, tensile,
and flexural strengths at different curing periods (7, 14, 28, 56, and 90 days). Durability tests,
including resistance to chloride penetration and sulfate attack, will also be conducted.
• Analysis of Results: The results will be analyzed to compare the mechanical and durability
properties of fly ash concrete with traditional concrete. Special attention will be given to the
mix with the best strength and durability balance.
• Environmental and Cost Assessment: A cost-benefit analysis will be conducted, considering
CO₂ emissions reduction and overall cost savings compared to traditional concrete.
By following this structured approach, the project aims to achieve a comprehensive understanding of
fly ash's role in enhancing concrete properties, and validate an optimal mix design suitable for practical
applications.

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Study on the Use of Fly Ash in Concrete 2023-2024

3. Literature Review
3.1 Review of IS Codes

• IS 3812 Part 1 and 2: Specifications for Fly Ash for use as Pozzolana.
• IS 456: General code for the use of plain and reinforced concrete.
• IS 1489: Specifications for Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) using fly ash.

3.2 Research on Fly Ash in Concrete

• Gupta and Dhir (2009): Studied the performance of fly ash-based concrete and found that the
strength of concrete increases with up to 30% fly ash replacement.
• Singh and Kaur (2012): Focused on the economic benefits of using fly ash in construction
projects and demonstrated a 20% reduction in cement usage with enhanced durability.
• Rao and Reddy (2016): Investigated the environmental impacts of fly ash, emphasizing the
reduction of carbon footprint through industrial byproduct utilization.

3.3 Research Gaps

Current research primarily addresses the mechanical properties of fly ash concrete. However, there is
limited research on its long-term durability, especially in aggressive environments such as marine or
industrial zones.

4. Project Objectives
4.1 Primary Objectives

• To determine the mechanical properties of fly ash concrete (compressive, tensile, and flexural
strengths) at different curing periods (7, 14, 28, 56, 90 days).
• To assess the durability of fly ash concrete, including resistance to chloride penetration, sulfate
attack, and freeze-thaw cycles.
• To evaluate the environmental impact of using fly ash in concrete by analyzing the reduction of
CO₂ emissions.
• To develop a cost-benefit analysis comparing traditional concrete to fly ash-based concrete.
• To examine the influence of different curing conditions (water, steam, and air curing) on the

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Study on the Use of Fly Ash in Concrete 2023-2024

performance of fly ash concrete.

4.2 Sub-objectives

• To investigate the influence of varying percentages of fly ash (15%, 25%, 35%) on concrete
performance.
• To study the effect of fly ash on concrete workability.
• To monitor shrinkage and creep behavior in fly ash concrete.

5. Equipment and Instruments Required

5.1 Laboratory Equipment

• Universal Testing Machine (UTM): To measure the compressive, tensile, and flexural
strength of concrete samples.
• Concrete Mixer: For mixing fly ash and other concrete components.
• Slump Cone Apparatus: To measure the workability of fresh concrete.
• Curing Tank: For water curing concrete samples.
• pH Meter: To monitor the alkalinity of fly ash.
• Particle Size Analyzer: For analyzing the fineness of fly ash.
• Environmental Monitoring Equipment: For CO₂ analysis.

5.2 Material Testing

• Cement: Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) will be tested as per IS 4031.

• Fly Ash: Sourced from nearby coal power plants, tested for its chemical and physical properties
as per IS 3812.
• Coarse and Fine Aggregates: Aggregates will be tested for grading, specific gravity, and
water absorption.

6. Parameters of Study
6.1 Key Parameters

• Compressive Strength: Tested at 7, 14, and 28 days.

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Study on the Use of Fly Ash in Concrete 2023-2024

• Tensile Strength: Split tensile test.

• Flexural Strength: Evaluated at 28 days using standard beams.
• Durability Tests: Resistance to chloride penetration, sulfate attack, and freeze-thaw cycles.
• Workability: Slump test at fresh concrete stage.
• Cost Analysis: Comparison of the total cost of traditional vs. fly ash concrete.

6.2 Methodology

• Concrete mix will be prepared with varying proportions of fly ash (15%, 25%, and 35%).
• Samples will be cast and tested for different parameters.
• Data will be analyzed to compare the performance of fly ash concrete with traditional concrete.

7. Availability of Materials
7.1 Materials Required

• Fly Ash: Sourced from local thermal power plants. Quality must adhere to IS 3812.
• Cement (OPC): Procured from local suppliers as per IS 4031.
• Aggregates: Fine and coarse aggregates will be obtained from local quarries and tested as per
IS 383.
• Water: Potable water will be used for mixing and curing the concrete samples.

7.2 Availability and Cost of Materials

• Fly ash is often available at low cost or even free from power plants. However, transportation
costs may be incurred.
• Cement, aggregates, and water are readily available in most regions of India at competitive
rates.

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Study on the Use of Fly Ash in Concrete 2023-2024

8. Approximate Budget of the Project

Item Cost (INR)

Fly Ash (procurement and transport) 500

Cement 500

Coarse and Fine Aggregates 1,000

Testing Equipment (Rental) 1,000

Printing 1,000

Miscellaneous 1,000

Total Estimated Budget 5,000

9. Timetable to Complete the Project

Phase Duration

Literature Review and Experimental Design 2 weeks

Material Procurement and Preparation 1 week

Concrete Mixing and Testing 5 weeks

Data Analysis and Report Writing 2 weeks

Total Duration 10 weeks

10. Substation of the Project

10.1 Key Deliverables

• Detailed analysis of the performance of fly ash concrete.

• Comparative cost-benefit analysis of fly ash-based concrete vs. traditional concrete.
• Environmental impact report on the use of fly ash in concrete.
• Final technical report including all test results and recommendations.

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Study on the Use of Fly Ash in Concrete 2023-2024

11. Research Papers

• Saha, A. K. (Year). “Effect of class F fly ash on the durability properties of concrete.”
• Saiyed, M., Parikh, S., Solanki, Y., & Gohil, G. (Year). “Effect of fly ash on properties of
concrete”.
• Akhnoukh, A. (Year). “Role of fly ash in concrete construction industry”.
• Harsha, S. G., & Babu, B. (Year). “Performance evaluation of high-volume fly ash
concrete.”
• ACI Committee 232. (Year). “Report on the use of fly ash in concrete”.

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