Composition

Class F fly ash is designated in ASTM C 618 and originates from anthracite and bituminous coals. It consists mainly of alumina and silica and has a higher LOI than Class C fly ash. Class F fly ash also has a lower calcium content than Class C fly ash. Additional chemical requirements are listed in Table 2.
 

When used in portland cement, Class F fly ash can be used as a portland cement replacement ranging from 20-30% of the mass of cementitious material.

Advantages

When used as a portland cement replacement, Class F fly ash offers the following advantages when compared to unmodified portland cement:

• Increased late compressive strengths (after 28 days)
• Increased resistance to alkali silica reaction (ASR)
• Increased resistance to sulfate attack
• Less heat generation during hydration
• Increased pore refinement
• Decreased permeability
• Decreased water demand
• Increased workability
• Decreased cost ($80/ton for portland cement vs. $30/ton for fly ash).

When using Class F fly ash as a portland cement replacement, it is important to know several precautions. The time of set may be slightly delayed, and the early compressive strengths (before 28 days) may be decreased slightly. Also, the fine aggregate fraction of the concrete will need to be modified because fly ash has a lower bulk specific gravity than does portland cement, and therefore occupies a greater volume for an equal mass. If using any organic admixtures such as air entrainment, the amount added must be modified since the carbon (LOI) in the fly ash adsorbs organic compounds. Finally, if the fly ash has a high calcium content, it should not be used in hydraulic applications. When using this or any other alternative cementing material with portland cement, it is necessary to create trial mixtures to ensure proper proportioning for the desired properties.

References