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Assessing the performance of internal cured concrete using pre-saturated fine lightweight aggregates manufactured from coal combustion ash
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Assessing the performance of internal cured concrete using pre-saturated fine lightweight aggregates manufactured from coal combustion ash

Yousif Alqenai, Bankole Ademola Tejuoso and Yaghoob “Amir” Farnam
Materials and Structures, v 59, 309
16 Jul 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-026-03204-3
Featured in Collection :   Drexel's Newest Publications
url
https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-026-03204-3View
Published, Version of Record (VoR) Open Access via Drexel Libraries Read and Publish Program 2026 Open CC BY V4.0

Abstract

Internal curing has emerged as an effective strategy for mitigating shrinkage and enhancing long-term concrete performance. This study evaluates the suitability of fine lightweight aggregates manufactured from waste coal combustion ash (WCA-FLWA) as an internal curing agent for concrete and compares their performance with commercial expanded slate fine lightweight aggregates (ES-FLWA) and conventional concrete. Experimental investigations included fresh, mechanical, durability, and microstructural characterization. Results showed that WCA-FLWA provided superior internal curing efficiency, resulting in higher compressive strength, reduced shrinkage, lower sorptivity, enhanced hydration, increased calcium hydroxide formation, and a refined pore structure characterized by a greater proportion of gel pores. Isothermal calorimetry confirmed prolonged hydration and higher cumulative heat release in WCA-FLWA concrete. The findings demonstrate that WCA-FLWA can simultaneously improve concrete performance and provide a sustainable reuse pathway for coal combustion ash waste.

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