The Influence of Biomass Ash on Strength Development and Microstructure of Blended Cement Admixed Soft Bangkok Clay

Abstract

This paper presents the influence of biomass ash on strength development and microstructure of blended cement admixed soft Bangkok clay. Its strength was examined by unconfined compression test. The study on microstructure was carried out using a mercury intrusion pore size distribution measurement and thermalgravimetry analysis. It was found that the strength development in blended cement admixed clay was dependent upon cementitious products due to combined effect (hydration and dispersion).  The amount of cementitious products increased with time, resulting in the reduction in total pore volume and increasing in unconfined compressive strength. This biomass ash is a material dispersing clay-cement clusters when interacted with water. The dispersing effect increases the amount of cementitious products, and is dependent upon replacement ratio.

Keywords : Biomass Ash / Microstructure / Unconfined Compressive Strength / Cemented Clay