The incorporation of high volume fly ash, up to 80%, in concrete without compromising the mechanical and durability properties is potentially very advantageous to the concrete industry in enabling the delivery of economic, social and environmental benefits. To assess this, two high volume fly ash mix designs incorporating 80% class F ultra-fine fly ash, known as microash and hydrated lime, with 10% silica fume and 0 % silica fume have been investigated. Properties investigated are compressive strength, carbonation, chloride ion penetration, water absorption and permeability. The specimens were cured for a maximum period of 90 days to optimize completion of the hydration reaction. The results show that the concrete manufactured with 80% microash exhibited compressive strength in excess of 40 MPa at 28 days and over 70 MPa at 90 days. The material also displayed excellent durability properties compared to the normal Portland cement concrete and other high volume fly ash concretes. The addition of silica fume improved the strength and durability properties of the material.
High volume fly ash mortar containing nano-calcium carbonate as a sustainable cementitious material: microstructure and strength development