Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 February 2011
Fly ash technology has been very effective in providing stability in roadway base courses composed either of shale or aggregate materials, and also in partly replacing Portland cement in concrete. X-ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy observations indicate that there are certain similarities among these three types of mixes concerning the hydration process; on the other hand, there is evidence of distinct differences in the hydration products which are found to act either as a filler, a chemical agent, or both. Fly ash suppresses the intensity of the clay minerals in shale, speeds up the hydration process in concrete and acts partly as a filler in aggregate mixes. The net practical result is strength development which varies not only in terms of the maximum level attained, but also in regard to its rate. The conversion of ettringite to monosulfoaluminate proceeds at a rate which is considered high in concrete, moderate in aggregate mixes, and moderate to low in shale. X-ray diffraction analyses help to identify other dissimilarities in the minerals produced. The modification which takes place in the fabric and the matrix of the mixes is morphologically the same; in contrast, the growth of crystallites at the “particle”/fly ash interface is explicitly different. Preliminary quantification of matrix changes resulting from new hydration products is also explored.