Mechanical and durability properties of concretes containing paper-mill residuals and fly ash

The use of paper-mill residuals in concrete formulations was investigated as an alternative to landfill disposal. The mechanical and durability properties of concrete containing paper-mill residuals collected from a wastewater treatment-plant were evaluated. Class F fly ash was used as a replacement for Portland cement (PC) when incorporated into concrete mixtures containing paper-mill residuals and the resulting products were compared to normal concrete. Compressive, splitting tensile, flexural strength and drying shrinkage tests were carried out to evaluate the mechanical properties for up to 90 days. Rapid chloride-permeability tests and initial surface-absorption tests were carried out at 28 days to determine the durability properties. Concrete containing paper-mill residuals showed improvement in the durability test results when PC was replaced with class F fly ash.