Fly ash consists of mixtures of crystalline substances in a glassy matrix. This matrix is itself inhomogeneous. The combustion process gives rise to compositional fluctuations typically on a micrometer scale; these fluctuations are preserved in the glass and are gradational. However, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy of Class F ash also reveals the existence of interfaces on a nanometer scale. These arise as a consequence of phase separation. Textures and interfaces typical of spinodal decomposition and possibility also suggestive of classical immiscibility have been observed. It is believed that the occurrence of phase separation resulting in nanometer-scale inhomogeneities will be a feature common to most Class F glasses. The consequences of this complex microstructure to reactivity are not as yet known, but some speculations are presented.

The available alkali test has been used for years as a method for preventing the use of a high-alkali fly ash in concrete containing reactive aggregate. This report presents data on fifteen good-quality Western ashes, both Class C and Class F, that are currently used in readymixed concrete. All fifteen ashes were effective in reducing the expansion due to the alkaliaggregate reaction. The reduction in mortar bar expansion (ASTM C 441) varied from 16% to 81%. Correlation of the percent reduction was made with available alkalies as Na2O, silica content, lime content, sulfur content, and the sum of silica, alumina and iron oxide. Surprisingly, the best correlation to percent reduction was with sulfur and the least was with available alkalies. This data indicates that most, if not all, fly ashes are effective in reducing the alkali aggregate reaction and that the available alkali test is not the best method for predicting the effectiveness of a fly ash in controlling this reaction.

Fly ash-cement pastes are known to develop fine pore structures that may retard the transport of ionic species. The rapid chloride permeability technique for studying the Cl− ion diffusion in hydrated fly ash/cement pastes, mortars and concrete was used. The technique applies an electrical potential across a cylindrical sample and measures the charge passed in a certain period of time. The results obtained on pastes and mortars cured for 28 days were reported previously and contrasted with those of neat cement pastes and mortars. The present paper reports more extensive studies made to examine the chloride permeabilities of pastes and mortars cured for up to 90 days. In addition, the effect of variable fly ash contents was examined. Concrete samples were included in the test scheme and the data were compared with pastes and mortars. Two important factors controlling the test results are discussed: first the mix design and curing conditions; second the experimental conditions during Cl− permeability measurements. In the second factor, the amount and rate of heat build up and the chloride ion concentrations are compared with the current passed. In addition, measuring current versus resistivity are critically discussed in terms of the voltage-current varistic characteristics of cement matrices.

Scanning electron microscope studies were carried out on concretes obtained from structures in Australia, England and the United States as part of an assessment of their durability performances. The ages of the structures ranged from nine to thirty years. All structures contained fly ash concretes in some sections, and, in a few cases, direct comparison between these concretes and ordinary portland cement (OPC) concretes was possible. Water: cement ratios of the concretes varied from 0.44 to 0.90. The sources of fly ash were identified in each case. The structures chosen had a range of use classifications encompassing building, hydraulic structures, bridge structures, towers and foundations. Deterioration effects of concretes in some structures were more common than in others. Based on observations, conclusions were drawn on the morphological features and hydration characteristics of the concretes.