When coal is burned in a power plant to generate electricity, it leaves behind residues that can be used as products or raw materials, primarily in the construction industry. These materials are known as coal combustion products, or CCPs. Power plants generate a variety of CCPs, namely bottom ash, fly ash, boiler slag, and flue gas desulfurization (FGD) materials. Fly ash has numerous applications in highway construction. Therefore, it is important to study the facts about fly ash in highway construction.

The most common beneficial use of fly ash is as a supplementary cementitious material in concrete. Fly ash is also used as a raw material in the production of cement clinker and as an additive to blended cements. The consistency and abundance of fly ash in many areas present unique opportunities for use in many construction applications, including pavements and highway and transportation structures, and can generate environmental benefits when used as a replacement for virgin materials. Certain performance benefits can be attained through the use of fly ash in concrete, including greater workability, higher strength, and increased longevity of the finished concrete product.

At the conclusion of this course, the learner will have a better understanding about the Importance of Fly Ash in Highway Construction as well as an understanding of the following topics: