Physical, mechanical and microscopic characterization of cold bonded fly ash lightweight aggregates

• Main Authors: C. Videla, P. Martínez
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas 2002-12-01
• Series: Materiales de Construccion
• Subjects: fly ash; lightweight; aggregates; cold bonded; mechanical characterization; microscopic characterization
• Online Access: http://materconstrucc.revistas.csic.es/index.php/materconstrucc/article/view/313

This study presents the results of the different tests carried out on fly ash lightweight aggregates produced with three different kinds of binders: Lime, Portland cement and Pozzolan Portland cement. The elaboration process used for the aggregates consisted in an agglomeration system by agitation under cold bonded hardening conditions. The tests carried out were a physical characterization of the aggregates, the determination of mechanical properties with a crushing test and, finally, the study of the microstructure of the aggregates with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dispersive energy X ray (EDX). From the point of view of mechanical strength, the results indicate that the best kind of aggregate is the one made with a 5% Pozzolan Portland cement. This result was confirmed by the microstructure analysis, which shows that this kind of aggregate presents the highest hydration speed.