Volume 1, No. 2, 2007
Received: 2008/08/26, Accepted:
Authors:
Khaled Z. Ramadan; Adli Al Balbissi;
Abstract:
Due to the increasing volumes of fly ash production in some countries that depend on coal for running their
thermal power plants, new utilization areas must be found. One of these areas is to utilize large volume
applications such as the production of special shape aggregate (tetrapod) to be used in different geotechnical
applications and highway construction. This is beneficial in solving the disposal problem of fly ash as well as
making economical use of a mineral resource. To achieve these goals, fly ash was utilized in producing tetrapod
shape lightweight aggregate by pressing into a specially designed mold. Pre to the production of tetrapods,
regular lightweight fly ash aggregates were produced, cured and tested. Test results on the regular lightweight fly
ash aggregates were implemented in the production of tetrapods. Optimization of lime content showed that five
per cent by weight lime addition to fly ash had the best performance. Tests were conducted on the cured
tetrapods in order to determine their mechanical and physical properties. Absorption and other properties were
improved by surface treatment with water glass and heating.
Keywords:
Fly Ash, Lightweight Aggregate, Tetrapod, Lime, Durability, Water Glass, Mechanical Properties.