INVESTIGATION INTO POTENTIAL OF FLY ASH OBTAINED FROM COAL-BASED POWER PLANTS TO CONTRIBUTE TO SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to investigate the potential of using fly ash as a mineral filler
in asphalt mixtures to reduce the amount of fly ash generated from coal-based power plants in Bangladesh
requiring disposal. To achieve this, several mix designs which included fly ash were developed and compared
with mixtures using cement as a mineral filler, with mixtures of cement and fly ash with different ratios
considered and their performances evaluated. It was found that the design with a bitumen content and fly ash as a
mineral filler was within the economical range and, when its Marshall stability and flow values were compared
with those of cement, it was found to be satisfactory. Also, the moisture susceptibility of an asphalt mixture with
fly ash was checked through immersion-compression tests and compared with that of one with cement as a
mineral filler. As it was observed that fly ash generated from coal-fired power plants can reduce the damage
caused to asphalt by moisture and is more cost-effective than conventional fillers, it is proposed that using it as a
filler material in pavements could reduce the substantial damage suffered by the environment.