Benefit-Cost Analysis Of Using Class F Fly Ash-Based Green Cement In Masonry Units

ABSTRACTBENEFIT-COST ANALYSIS OF USING CLASS F FLY ASH-BASED GREEN CEMENT IN MASONRY UNITSbyKHALED SHWEKATAugust 2015Advisor: Dr. Hwai-Chung WuMajor: Civil engineeringDegree: Doctor of PhilosophyThe Portland cement concrete is the most popularly used building material around the world. However, there are major drawbacks associated with Portland cement, such as the emission of greenhouse gasses and high-energy consumption from cement production. Therefore, Portland cement concrete has many disadvantages that can only be overcome by being replaced with new materials such as fly ash-based green cement. Recycling fly ash and using it to replace cement has positive impacts on our environment, such as conserving landfill spaces, reducing CO2 emissions, and saving energy. Fly ash can be further recycled into value-added building products by using fly ash-based green cement. Two experimental works were undertaken to evaluate the durability performance of fly ash-based green cement mortar for freezing-thawing resistance and the other for compressive strength.Finally, a benefit-cost model analysis of using fly ash-based green cement in masonry units is conducted. The potential application of fly ash-based green cement materials is investigated based on the market needs and their advantages over Portland cement. It has been established that fly ash-based green cement can be a good candidate to replace Portland cement in making of masonry units. It is observed that more and more applications could be found for fly ash-based green cement materials with acceptance by industries and new legislation regarding environmental protection and global sustainability concepts. The research outcomes may lay the foundation for industrial scale production of fly ash-based green cement construction products.