Gaines Group Blog

Green Term Defined: Fly Ash

Fly Ash is a fine, glass like powder recovered from the coal-burning process for the production of electricity. Fly ash can be mixed with lime and water to form a cement like compound similar to Portland cement. Using fly ash in concrete creates a denser mix that provides a smoother surface.

Fly ash is also known as “pulverized fuel ash.” It was released into the atmosphere until air pollution standards required it to be sequestered. It is commonly used to replace Portland Cement in concrete mixtures. It is also used in trim products the resists expansion and contraction as well as water intrusion. Finding uses for waste products reduces impacts on landfills and on virgin ingredients.