Comparison of test methods to assess pozzolanic activity

Assessment of the pozzolanic activity of cement replacement materials is increasingly important because of the need for more sustainable cementitious products. The pozzolanic activity of metakaolin, silica fume, coal fly ash, incinerated sewage sludge ash and sand have been compared using the Frattini test, the saturated lime test and the strength activity index test. There was significant correlation between the strength activity index test and the Frattini test results, but the results from these tests did not correlate with the saturated lime test results. The mass ratio of Ca(OH)2 to test pozzolan is an important parameter. In the Frattini test and strength activity index test the ratio is approximately 1:1, whereas in the saturated lime test the ratio is 0.15:1. This explains why the saturated lime test shows higher removal of Ca(OH)2 and why the results from this test do not correlate with the other test methods.