The construction industry is increasingly seeking sustainable alternatives to traditional materials to reduce environmental impact while maintaining structural integrity. This study investigates the effects of partially replacing cement with fly ash in the production of concrete blocks. Fly ash, a byproduct of coal combustion, presents an opportunity to enhance the performance of concrete while decreasing reliance on Portland cement, which is associated with significant carbon emissions during production. Various proportions of fly ash (ranging from 10% to 40% by weight) were substituted for cement in concrete mixtures. The physical and mechanical properties of the resulting concrete blocks were evaluated, including compressive strength, workability, and durability.

The results indicated that the incorporation of fly ash improved the workability of the concrete mixtures, allowing for easier handling and placement. Compressive strength tests revealed that up to 30% fly ash replacement yielded comparable or enhanced strength compared to control samples with no fly ash. Additionally, the durability tests suggested that fly ash-concrete blocks exhibited improved resistance to water permeability and freeze-thaw cycles. The findings demonstrate that partial replacement of cement with fly ash not only enhances the mechanical properties of concrete blocks but also contributes to sustainability efforts in the construction industry. This study underscores the potential of using industrial byproducts in concrete production as a viable method for reducing environmental impact while optimizing material performance.

Concrete block, fly ash, partial cement replacement

Qian, J., Shi, C., & Wang, Z. (2001). “Activation of blended cements containing fly ash”.Cement and Concrete Research, 31(8), 1121-1127. [CrossRef]

Oner, A., Akyuz, S., & Yildiz, R. (2005). “An experimental study on strength development of concrete containing fly ash and optimum usage of fly ash in concrete”.Cement and Concrete Research, 35(6), 1165-1171. [CrossRef]

Elinwa, A. U., & Mahmood, Y. A. (2002). “Ash from timber waste as cement replacement material”. Cement and Concrete Composites, 24(2), 219-222. [CrossRef]

Chindaprasirt, P., Jaturapitakkul, C., & Sinsiri, T. (2005). “Effect of fly ash fineness on compressive strength and pore size of blended cement paste”. Cement and Concrete Composites, 27(4), 425-428. [CrossRef]

Siddique, R. (2004). “Performance characteristics of high-volume Class F fly ash concrete”. Cement and Concrete Research, 34(3), 487- 493. [CrossRef]

Jayasankar R., Mahindran, N., & Ilangovan R. (2010).”Studies on concrete using fly ash, rice husk ash and egg shell powder”. International Journal of Civil and Structural Engineering, 1(3), 362.

Dr. S L Patil, J N Kale and S Suman (2012).” Fly Ash Concrete: A Technical Analysis for Compressive Strength”. International Journal Of Advanced Engineering Research and Studies (IJAERS) Vol II, Issue I, Oct- Dec 2012, 128-129.

Tomas U. Ganiron (2013). “Analysis of fly ash cement concrete for road construction”. International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology. Vol. 60, pp. 33-44 ISSN: 2005-4238 IJAST.