Use of bottom ash as part replacement of sand for making concrete blocks

Coal-based thermal power plants all over the world facing serious problems of handling and disposal of the ash produced. The productive use of coal Bottom Ash (BA) is the best way to alleviate the problems associated with its disposal. This paper covers the studies on laboratory scale evaluation of vibro compaction concrete blocks using BA I, BA II & BA III collected from three different location of Coal Fed Thermal Power Station. In the present investigation laboratory investigation have been carried to utilize BA as part replacement of sand in concrete. This study cover manufacture of concrete blocks without flyash & with BA using for making solid block as per specification laid down in IS:2185 using vibro compaction machine. Three different sources of BA were used in concrete mix each @ 30%, 40% & 50% replacement by weight of sand were adopted in making concrete blocks. Comparative study of compressive strength of concrete at different age of curing, wet density, drying shrinkage is reported in this study. Wet density is found to be lower in blocks containing BA & dry shrinkage values are found well within the limits of specifications. Concrete Blocks having BA @ 30% by weight of sand are found suitable for use in the manufacture of concrete blocks.