The Effect of Adding Different Fly Ash Sources on IR and Cement Compressive Strength at PT Cemindo Gemilang Plant Medan

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 29 views

The Effect of Adding Different Fly Ash Sources on IR and Cement Compressive Strength at PT Cemindo Gemilang Plant Medan

Introduction

The cement industry is a significant contributor to the global construction market, with the demand for cement products continuing to rise. In Indonesia, PT Cemindo Gemilang Plant Medan is one of the leading cement producers, with a focus on producing high-quality cement products. However, the quality of cement products can be affected by various factors, including the addition of fly ash. Fly ash is a by-product of coal combustion, which is often used in the cement industry to increase the physical and mechanical characteristics of cement. In this study, we analyzed the effect of adding different fly ash sources on the IR (Insoluble Residue) value and the compressive strength of cement at PT Cemindo Gemilang Plant Medan.

Methodology

The study was conducted at PT Cemindo Gemilang Plant Medan, with the aim of analyzing the effect of adding different fly ash sources on the IR value and the compressive strength of cement. The study used three different fly ash samples, namely Fly Ash X, Fly Ash Y, and a blank sample (empty sample). The IR value and the compressive strength of the cement were measured on the 3rd, 7th, and 28th days after the cement was produced.

Results

The results of the study showed that the IR value in the blank sample (blank) was 10.86%. Meanwhile, on the Fly Ash X sample (2%), the IR value obtained was 13.56%, and for the fly ash Y (2%) sample was 15.88%. This data indicates that the Fly Ash Y (2%) sample produces the highest IR value, which is 15.88%.

In terms of compressive strength, on the 3rd day testing, an empty sample shows a compressive strength of 185,9624 kg/cm². On the 7th day testing, the value increased to 226,6589 kg/cm², and on the 28th day reached 337,8470 kg/cm². For the fly ash x sample (2%), the compressive strength recorded on the 3rd day is 196,4350 kg/cm², it increased on the 7th day to 232,3248 kg/cm², and on the 28th day reached 350, 8311 kg/cm². Whereas on the Fly Ash Y (2%) sample, the compressive strength value on the 3rd day was 187,3800 kg/cm², on the 7th day it increased to 228,3720 kg/cm², and on the 28th day it reached 342, 5784 kg/cm².

Discussion

Based on the data, it can be concluded that Fly Ash X (2%) has the highest compressive strength value compared to Fly Ash Y (2%) and empty samples. Although there are no quality standards related to the insoluble residue value for PCC cement, the compressive strength value that meets SNI 7064-2014 standards shows that the IR value also meets the expected criteria. This illustrates that the higher the value of insoluble residue, the lower the compressive strength of the cement produced.

Analysis of the Effect of Fly Ash on Cement Strength

Fly Ash is an additional material obtained from coal combustion, which is often used in the cement industry to increase the physical and mechanical characteristics of cement. The addition of fly ash not only affects the IR value, but also the compressive power of cement. From the results of the study, it appears that the addition of fly ash x (2%) made a significant contribution to increased compressive strength compared to fly ash y (2%) and empty samples.

It is important to note that fly ash originating from different sources can have different physical and chemical characteristics. This affects the interaction of fly ash with other cement components during the hydration process, which ultimately affects the compressive strength of cement. A smoother fly ash and has a higher silica content tends to increase the compressive strength of cement.

The Importance of Standardization

A clearer standardization is needed regarding the value of insoluble residue for PCC cement so that manufacturers can control quality better. By understanding the relationship between IR values and compressive strength, cement producers can choose the proportion of the right fly ash in a mixture of cement to achieve optimal quality. This will be very beneficial for the cement industry in increasing competitiveness in the market and maintaining product quality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study found that the addition of different fly ash sources can affect the IR value and the compressive strength of cement. The results of the study showed that Fly Ash X (2%) has the highest compressive strength value compared to Fly Ash Y (2%) and empty samples. The study also highlights the importance of standardization regarding the value of insoluble residue for PCC cement. Further research needs to be done to explore more variables that might affect the final outcome, as well as to find the best way to use Fly Ash as additional material in cement production.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Further research needs to be done to explore more variables that might affect the final outcome, such as the type of cement, the proportion of fly ash, and the curing conditions.
The cement industry needs to establish clearer standards regarding the value of insoluble residue for PCC cement to ensure better quality control.
The use of Fly Ash as additional material in cement production needs to be optimized to achieve the best possible results.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

The study only used three different fly ash samples, which may not be representative of all fly ash sources.
The study only measured the IR value and the compressive strength of cement, which may not be the only factors affecting the quality of cement.
The study did not consider the effect of other variables, such as the type of cement, the proportion of fly ash, and the curing conditions.

Future Research Directions

Future research directions include:

Exploring more variables that might affect the final outcome, such as the type of cement, the proportion of fly ash, and the curing conditions.
Developing a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between IR values and compressive strength.
Investigating the use of Fly Ash as additional material in cement production to achieve the best possible results.

References

SNI 7064-2014. (2014). Cement Portland Komposit (PCC).
ASTM C618-14. (2014). Standard Specification for Coal Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete.
EN 197-1:2013. (2013). Cement - Part 1: Composition, specifications and conformity criteria for common cements.

Appendix

The appendix includes the following:

Table 1: IR value and compressive strength of cement for each sample.
Table 2: Physical and chemical characteristics of Fly Ash X and Fly Ash Y.
Figure 1: IR value and compressive strength of cement for each sample.
Figure 2: Physical and chemical characteristics of Fly Ash X and Fly Ash Y.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Effect of Adding Different Fly Ash Sources on IR and Cement Compressive Strength at PT Cemindo Gemilang Plant Medan

Q: What is fly ash and how is it used in the cement industry?

A: Fly ash is a by-product of coal combustion, which is often used in the cement industry to increase the physical and mechanical characteristics of cement. It is added to the cement mixture to improve its strength, durability, and workability.

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of adding different fly ash sources on the IR (Insoluble Residue) value and the compressive strength of cement at PT Cemindo Gemilang Plant Medan.

Q: What are the main findings of this study?

A: The main findings of this study are that the addition of different fly ash sources can affect the IR value and the compressive strength of cement. The results showed that Fly Ash X (2%) has the highest compressive strength value compared to Fly Ash Y (2%) and empty samples.

Q: What are the implications of this study for the cement industry?

A: The implications of this study for the cement industry are that the selection of the right fly ash source can have a significant effect on cement performance. By understanding the relationship between IR values and compressive strength, cement producers can choose the proportion of the right fly ash in a mixture of cement to achieve optimal quality.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study are that it only used three different fly ash samples, which may not be representative of all fly ash sources. The study also only measured the IR value and the compressive strength of cement, which may not be the only factors affecting the quality of cement.

Q: What are the future research directions for this study?

A: The future research directions for this study are to explore more variables that might affect the final outcome, such as the type of cement, the proportion of fly ash, and the curing conditions. Additionally, developing a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between IR values and compressive strength is also a future research direction.

Q: What are the practical applications of this study?

A: The practical applications of this study are that it can be used to improve the quality of cement products by selecting the right fly ash source. It can also be used to develop new cement products with improved properties.

Q: What are the potential benefits of using fly ash in cement production?

A: The potential benefits of using fly ash in cement production are that it can reduce the amount of cement required, which can lead to cost savings and reduced environmental impact. It can also improve the durability and workability of cement.

Q: What are the potential risks of using fly ash in cement production?

A: The potential risks of using fly ash in cement production are that it can affect the quality of cement if not used properly. It can also lead to environmental problems if not disposed of properly.

Q: What are the future prospects for the use of fly ash in cement production?

A: The future prospects for the use of fly ash in cement production are that it is expected to increase in the coming years due to its potential benefits. However, it is also expected to face challenges such as the availability of fly ash and the need for further research to understand its effects on cement properties.

Q: What are the recommendations for further research?

A: The recommendations for further research are to explore more variables that might affect the final outcome, such as the type of cement, the proportion of fly ash, and the curing conditions. Additionally, developing a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between IR values and compressive strength is also a recommendation.

Q: What are the conclusions of this study?

A: The conclusions of this study are that the addition of different fly ash sources can affect the IR value and the compressive strength of cement. The results showed that Fly Ash X (2%) has the highest compressive strength value compared to Fly Ash Y (2%) and empty samples. The study also highlights the importance of standardization regarding the value of insoluble residue for PCC cement.