Briefly comparing Fly Ash and Slag for use as building materials

The world of construction materials gets interesting by the minute. New-age enthusiasts have come up with materials that raise eyebrows. Fly Ash and Slag are two by-products that have strength in them. They have made their mark in the industry. These by-products come via industrial processes and have found a place in construction.

What is there to understand about Fly Ash and Slag in the world of construction?

Before we compare them both, we need to understand what they both are. Slag is a by-product of the smelting process used in refining metallic ores in metalworks and smelters. Metal Ores of some metals Copper, Iron Ore, Lead, Nickel, and Manganese are heated to the melting point and then cooled to extract the desired metal. 

Slag is the molten by-product containing metallic and non-metallic traces. It is later cooled down and solidified, and then it is used.

Fly Ash is different. It is a by-product of burning pulverized coal in furnaces, power plants, and other industrial plants where coal is used. The resulting flue gas helps create it through fine particles collected via the filters in furnaces.

The plus side of using slag

Project advisory professionals found out some benefits of slag as a viable construction material. We will now examine them briefly.

It has durability and strength

Slag is known to be durable and strong. It is a derivative of metal. It has helped reinforce concrete structures. The material resists and tolerates chemical attacks and seepages as well. This gives structures robust protection against corrosion. 

The slag does not allow water to penetrate it. It reduces the risk of deterioration due to moisture caused by the freezing and thawing of ice in winter.

The material is friendly to the environment

Another key advantage of slag is that it is environmentally friendly. Using it in construction helps construction companies and material makers optimize their expenses. They can also reduce the amount of waste molten metals make and cut down the need for extraction and use of virgin metals.

Production of slag is also known to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions compared to traditional building materials. This may be a known contributor to a sustainable environment and sustainable practices in the construction industry. However, slag is best used with traditional construction materials as a supplemental material.

What are the issues with the usage of Slag in construction?

Slag no doubt has wholesome properties. However, Quantum analysis experts have determined some considerations when it comes to working with slag. Because of its high density, Managing and transporting slag requires more equipment and resources.

Slag however has varying compositions too. It can be challenging to maintain its quality. This is why proper testing and checking is required. Moreover, slag is only supplied by a handful so hence the suppliers are limited.

The benefits of using Fly Ash

Fly Ash is a different material than slag. It has many advantages like slag and is in common usage by construction companies. They have developed methods for using it in practical cases. Here are some of its use cases:

It has been used many times as a supplementary material

Fly ash has pozzolanic properties. It reacts with calcium hydroxide to form compounds resembling cement (with water as a catalyst). When the resulting compound is mixed with concrete, it will help flfly ash work as a binding building material. This raises its durability, strength, and workable qualities.

The material is sustainable

Fly Ash is known to be a sustainable material. It can help cut down the demand for typical cement and concrete. However, that may not be entirley possible. However, adding it to cement and concrete helps improve their compounds and mixtures. It even cuts down the carbon footprint of both materials (research has yet to prove it otherwise).

Use of fly ash in construction can help reduce waste in landfills and incinerators. There are many ways of reusing fly ash in construction.

What are the risks of using fly ash?

Fly Ash has traces of heavy metals. This raises concerns about its environmental impact and on human health too. This is why it requires proper storage and management. Disposing of fly ash should be done properly and in line with environmental regulations.

Conclusion

Choosing between both isn’t easy. There are those who find slag as suitable especially when projects require durable and stronger materials. Slag can resist chemical attacks and moisture. Its long-term performance makes it a worthwhile option for structures present in areas having absolute weather condtions.

The supply of fly ash is usually inconsistent. It is generated as a by-product due to coal combustion in power plants. Its use in cement manufacuring is reduced. It is also expensive due to inconsistent composition, and storage.