An Investigation on the Partial Replacement of Portland Cement with Obiliq Fly Ash in Cement Mortars

Abstract

The energy sector is one of the biggest polluters of environment in Kosovo, which is placed in Prishtina city and in the municipality of Obiliq. High level of released gases from power plants with a concentration of acidic materials and self-ignition of coal dust cause significant air pollution. In this study the partial replacement of Portland cement in cement mortars with this Fly ash has been investigated. Six different series of 0.5 water to binder ratio and (0/100, 5/95,10/90,15/85.20/80 and 25/75) fly ash to cement ratios (FA/PC) were used. Several physical, physic-chemical and mechanical properties of the mortars were investigated. The results were compared with those carried out with the control specimens produced with 0,5 w/c ratio and no other additive. Test results show that Kosovo fly ash has good parameter that improve the Compressive strength of cement mortars and concrete by replacing the Portland cement up to 10%. On the other it might affect slightly the water absorption capacity of the mortars. Nevertheless, it can be concluded that the use of Kosovo fly ash in concrete could be a good alternative to be used as a pozzolanic material.