Effects of Separated Fractions of Fbc Bottom Ash on Selected Properties of Cement Mortars

This paper discusses the effects of partial replacement of cement with fluidized bed bottom ash on the properties of mortars. The analyzed ash samples originating from four Polish power plants were separated by grain size selection into fine and coarse-grained fractions. This process leads to a creation of derivative samples of differing physical properties and, partially, phase compositions, as tested in XRD and TG analyses. Despite its high water demand, the obtained fine-grained fraction has the potential for application in cementbased composites as a reactive, pozzolanic additive. An acceptable activity index may be reached when the sulfate content is limited, implying benefits of combining the ash with low gypsum cements. The coarse-grained fraction is significantly less reactive, while a high silica and aluminate content is related to improved mechanical properties of the composite. It can, therefore, potentially be used as a quasi-inert additive or a substitute for sand.

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