Minimisation embodied carbon and embodied energy of high volume fly ash concrete in Vietnam

Abstract

This paper presents a study on the use of high-volume fly ash (25 - 50%) as a binder replacement in cement concrete for mass concrete structures in Vietnam. Experiments were conducted to select suitable cement, aggregates, superplasticizers and fly ash to produce concrete with a slump of 10 - 12 cm and compressive strength ranging from 30 to 40 MPa. The results show that high-volume fly ash concrete (HVFA) not only meets technical requirements but also significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions up to 31% and reduce energy consumption index to 38%. Notably, the potential of combining fly ash with supplementary cementitious materials such as ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) or silica fume was evaluated to enhance mechanical properties and durability. The study also analyzes influencing factors such as fly ash transportation and proposes solutions to optimize the application of HVFA in Vietnam, promising to promote sustainable development in the construction.

Keywords: High-volume fly ash concrete; greenhouse gas emissions; energy consumption index; compressive strength; durability.