gs1medium

With reference to ‘fly ash’ produced by the power plants using coal as fuel, which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. 1.Fly ash can be used in the production of bricks for building construction.
  2. 2.Fly ash can be used as a replacement for some of the Portland cement contents of concrete.
  3. 3.Fly ash is made up of silicon dioxide and calcium oxide only and does not contain any toxic elements.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. A.1 and 2 only
  2. B.2 only
  3. C.1 and 3 only
  4. D.3 only
▶ Answer & Explanation

Correct answer: A. 1 and 2 only

Fly ash, a byproduct of coal combustion, is valuable in construction. It can be processed into bricks, reducing the need for virgin clay and saving energy. Furthermore, its pozzolanic properties allow it to substitute a portion of cement in concrete, enhancing durability and reducing the carbon footprint associated with cement production. Statement 3 is incorrect because fly ash contains various oxides and trace elements, some of which can be toxic if not handled properly.

Source: UPSC gs1 2015

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