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. The course material is based entirely on FHWA-IF-03-019 Technical Report Chapter Number 1 of Fly Ash facts for Highway Engineers.

At the conclusion of this course, the learner will have a better understanding of the utilization of fly ash as a construction material as well as an understanding of the following topics: 

• The utilization of fly ash in concrete
• Fly ash production and handling
• Fly ash physical and chemical characteristics
• Quality of fly ash and its requirements