Utilization of circulating fluidized bed combustion ash in producing controlled low-strength materials with cement or sodium carbonate as activator

The present study investigates the fresh and hardened properties of controlled low-strength materials (CLSM) utilizing circulating fluidized bed combustion (CFBC) ashes, activated with cement or sodium carbonate. Engineering properties such as flowability, settlement, setting behavior, compressive strength, and hydration characteristics were evaluated. The results provided new insights, demonstrating that CFBC ashes can be effectively utilized in producing CLSM with suitable material design as the CLSM could achieve the required performances specified in the ACI 299R-13. The CLSM mixtures showed a self-destruction characteristic due to the formation of ettringite, while it showed stable strength development in a dry condition.