The X ray computed tomography (X-CT) was applied to test the cracking resistance of cement paste, and the hydration process was monitored to study the effect of fly ash on the early age cracking performance. The results showed that the hydration heat reduced with the increase of fly ash under the same water-cement ratio. Within 24h, the porosity increased with time. The addition of fly ash increased the proportion of large holes and then changed the internal stress state. Using X-CT test method and by comparing the number of cracks, the sample with 20% FA was found to have the most serious cracks, whereas the sample with 30% FA had the best crack resistance.
