The effect of fly ash content and types of aggregates on the properties of pre-fabricated concrete interlocking blocks (PCIBs)

We studied the influence of fly ash content and replacement of crushed sand stone aggregate with concrete wastes and marble wastes in pre-fabricated concrete interlocking blocks (PCIBs). We have compared properties of PCIBs with fly ash produced with three different replacement ratios of aggregate. Compressive strength, tensile splitting strength, density, apparent porosity, water absorption by weight, abrasion resistance, alkali-silica reaction and freeze–thaw resistance of PCIBs were determined. When comparing the PCIBs with crushed sand stone, the replacement of crushed sand stone with concrete waste and marble waste results in lower physical and mechanical properties. By contrast, replacement of cement with fly ash (from 10% to 20%) has a significant effect in increasing important properties of PCIBs.

► We studied the influence of fly ash, concrete and marble wastes in concrete interlocking blocks.
► The wastes have an important effect on properties of blocks.
► Fly ash decreases mechanical properties while increasing durability of blocks.
► Concrete wastes worsen the properties of paving blocks.
► All paving blocks have high resistance to ASR effect.