Maximization of Fly Ash in the Manufacture of Reinforced Concrete Pipe

Abstract

Fly ash produced as a by-product of coal combustion in electric power plants is used in many commercial processes. The quantity of fly ash available, however, continues to outweigh its commercial applications. Current practice commonly specifies replacement of up to 25% of the required cement with Class C fly ash in the manufacture of reinforced concrete pipe (RCP). RCP sections with higher percentages of Class C or Class F fly ash were manufactured using the “packerhead method” and were subjected to external load crushing strength tests using the three-edge bearing test method. Results indicate that RCP manufactured with 40% Class F fly ash and up to 65% Class C fly ash meet ASTM C 76M external crushing strength standards for Class I-III RCP.

Keywords:

• composite material
• concrete pipe
• concrete precast
• fly ash
• strength

Acknowledgments

The professionals from Concrete Industries, Inc. in Lincoln, Nebraska contributed a significant amount of time, equipment and material to this research program. Our team would like to thank the following individuals from CSI for their assistance in making this project successful: Bob Nordquist, President; Doug Mohrman, Sales Manager; Mike Mueller, Production Supervisor; Bill Shottenkirk, Pipe Division Foreman; Monte Polivika, Assistant Foreman and Steve Austin, Pipe Quality Control.

Notes

∗N/m/mm of inside diameter.

∗N/m/mm of inside diameter.