Development and Characterization of Fly Ash–BFS–Cement Composite for Engineering Applications

The paper deals with developing fly ash–Blast Furnace Slag (BFS) composite with additives like cement to utilize waste material in engineering applications. The additive-like cement with different proportions has gained particular attention worldwide because of the excellent bonding strength and enhancement of mechanical properties of fly ash composite with other admixtures. The geomechanical properties such as Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), Brazilian Tensile Strength (BTS), and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of the developed composite at different curing periods (0, 7, 14, and 28 days) are reported in these studies. The optimum strength of the composite was determined at the maximum utilization of fly ash and BFS composite. The correlation among different strength parameters was established using the statistical approach. The composite with 80% fly ash, 12% BFS, and 8% cement showed the highest compressive strength. The results indicated an excellent bonding between the constituent materials of the composite with an adequate amount of strength. The strength parameters indicated the utilization of composite in haul road construction as a base or sub-base layer. Using composite will help the stable haul road and consume the bulk of fly ash and BFS to reduce environmental pollution.