ASTM D5759-12(2020)

Standard Guide for Characterization of Coal Fly Ash and Clean Coal Combustion Fly Ash for Potential Uses

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This guide provides guidance for the characterization of coal fly ash or clean coal combustion fly ash for potential uses in which absorption, cementitious activity, pozzolanic activity, pH adjustment, heat rise, or stabilization and solidification properties may be desired.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide recommends standards for the characterization of fly ash from the combustion of coal, fly ash from coal combusted in the presence of alkaline materials, and fly ash from combusted coal in which the flue gases have been treated with alkaline materials in the presence of the fly ash.  
1.2 This guide provides recommended and optional test methods for fly ash evaluation. Acceptance criteria can be negotiated between the producer and the user according to the potential end use.  
1.3 The coal fly ash and clean coal combustion fly ash of this guide do not include the following:  
1.3.1 Dusts from kilns producing products such as lime, portland cement, activated clays, etc.;  
1.3.2 By-products of flue gas desulflurization that are not collected with the primary fly ash removal equipment such as the baghouse or electrostatic precipitator; and  
1.3.3 Fly ash or other combustion products derived from the burning of waste; municipal, industrial, or commercial garbage; sewage sludge or other refuse, or both; derived fuels; wood; wood waste products; rice hulls; agriculture waste; or other non-coal fuels or other such fuels blended with coal, or some combination thereof.  
1.4 Fly ash may contain some trace elements that may affect performance or potential end use.  
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2020
• ICS: 75.080 - Petroleum products in general
• Technical Committee: D34 - Waste Management
• Drafting Committee: D34.03 - Treatment, Recovery and Reuse

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D5759-12 - Standard Guide for Characterization of Coal Fly Ash and Clean Coal Combustion Fly Ash for Potential Uses
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM C311/C311M-24 - Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Coal Ash or Natural Pozzolans for Use in Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM C109/C109M-23 - Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 50 mm [2 in.] Cube Specimens)
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM D5681-23 - Standard Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM C114-23 - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Hydraulic Cement
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM C602-23 - Standard Specification for Agricultural Liming Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM C51-23 - Standard Terminology Relating to Lime and Limestone (as Used by the Industry)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM E1266-20 - Standard Practice for Processing Mixtures of Lime, Fly Ash, and Heavy Metal Wastes in Structural Fills and Other Construction Applications
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM C593-19 - Standard Specification for Fly Ash and Other Pozzolans for Use With Lime for Soil Stabilization
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2019
• Refers: ASTM C602-19 - Standard Specification for Agricultural Liming Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2019
• Refers: ASTM C400-19 - Standard Test Methods for Quicklime and Hydrated Lime for Neutralization of Waste Acid
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2019
• Refers: ASTM C25-19e1 - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Limestone, Quicklime, and Hydrated Lime
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM C150/C150M-19 - Standard Specification for Portland Cement
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM C51-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Lime and Limestone (as used by the Industry)
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM D5681-18 - Standard Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018

Overview

ASTM D5759-12(2020) - Standard Guide for Characterization of Coal Fly Ash and Clean Coal Combustion Fly Ash for Potential Uses provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating coal fly ash and clean coal combustion fly ash. Published by ASTM International, this guide assists in the systematic assessment of fly ash’s physical, chemical, and performance-related characteristics to determine suitability for a wide range of applications, such as cementitious activity, pozzolanic activity, stabilization, and pH adjustment.

ASTM D5759-12(2020) details recommended and optional test methods for characterizing fly ash, supporting producers and end users in negotiating acceptance criteria tailored to the intended application. The guide ensures that coal combustion by-products meet specific quality requirements and comply with relevant safety, health, and environmental standards.

Key Topics

• Scope of Characterization

  • Applies to fly ash from standard coal combustion, coal combusted with alkaline materials, and flue gas treated with alkaline materials.
  • Excludes fly ash derived from waste incineration, non-coal fuels, kiln dusts, and certain flue gas desulfurization by-products.
  • Acknowledges the presence of trace elements that may affect use.

• Testing and Evaluation

  • Chemical Analysis: Recommended tests address key constituents such as sulfur trioxide (SO₃), calcium oxide (CaO), magnesium oxide (MgO), and trace elements.
  • Physical Properties: Optional tests include compressive strength, heat rise, time of set, specific gravity, and pozzolanic activity.
  • Sampling & Sample Preparation: Specifies representative sampling protocols and compositing requirements to assure reliable evaluation.

• Acceptance Criteria

  • Acceptance limits and criteria for each property are determined between supplier and purchaser, depending on the end use.

• Safety and Environmental Considerations

  • Users must establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and consider regulatory limits when using coal fly ash.

Applications

ASTM D5759-12(2020) is a vital tool for stakeholders involved in the beneficial use, management, or regulation of coal fly ash and clean coal combustion fly ash. Notable applications include:

• Cement and Concrete Production
  Fly ash characterized with this guide may be blended with portland cement as a pozzolanic material or additive to enhance strength and durability of concrete products.

• Soil Stabilization and Amendment
  Fly ash can be used for soil stabilization, increasing bearing strength and reducing plasticity in geotechnical and road construction projects.

• Waste Treatment and Solidification
  Certain fly ash types can help immobilize contaminants or neutralize acidic waste streams, supporting environmental remediation.

• Product Formulation
  Characterized fly ash serves as a mineral filler in products like wallboard, gypsum, and cementitious slurries.

By following ASTM D5759-12(2020), producers and end-users can reliably evaluate the suitability of fly ash for specific industrial, environmental, and construction-related uses.

Related Standards

• ASTM C618 - Specification for Coal Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete.
• ASTM C311/C311M - Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Fly Ash or Natural Pozzolans for Use in Portland-Cement Concrete.
• ASTM C593 - Specification for Fly Ash and Other Pozzolans for Use With Lime for Soil Stabilization.
• ASTM C150/C150M - Specification for Portland Cement.
• ASTM C114 - Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Hydraulic Cement.
• USEPA SW846 Method 9100 - Standard for saturated hydraulic conductivity and leachate analysis.

These referenced standards provide detailed procedures for testing, specification, and application, complementing the guidance in ASTM D5759-12(2020) and supporting effective coal fly ash utilization across diverse industries.

Keywords: coal fly ash characterization, clean coal combustion fly ash, ASTM D5759, fly ash testing, pozzolanic activity, cementitious material, environmental use, soil stabilization, fly ash standards

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:D5759 −12 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Guide for
Characterization of Coal Fly Ash and Clean Coal
Combustion Fly Ash for Potential Uses
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5759; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.1 This guide recommends standards for the characteriza-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
tion of fly ash from the combustion of coal, fly ash from coal
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
combusted in the presence of alkaline materials, and fly ash
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
from combusted coal in which the flue gases have been treated
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
with alkaline materials in the presence of the fly ash.
1.2 This guide provides recommended and optional test
2. Referenced Documents
methods for fly ash evaluation. Acceptance criteria can be
2.1 ASTM Standards:
negotiated between the producer and the user according to the
C22/C22M Specification for Gypsum
potential end use.
C25 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Limestone,
1.3 The coal fly ash and clean coal combustion fly ash of
Quicklime, and Hydrated Lime
this guide do not include the following:
C51 Terminology Relating to Lime and Limestone (as used
1.3.1 Dusts from kilns producing products such as lime,
by the Industry)
portland cement, activated clays, etc.;
C109/C109M Test Method for Compressive Strength of
1.3.2 By-products of flue gas desulflurization that are not
Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50-mm] Cube
collected with the primary fly ash removal equipment such as
Specimens)
the baghouse or electrostatic precipitator; and
C110 Test Methods for Physical Testing of Quicklime,
1.3.3 Fly ash or other combustion products derived from the
Hydrated Lime, and Limestone
burning of waste; municipal, industrial, or commercial gar-
C114 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Hydraulic
bage; sewage sludge or other refuse, or both; derived fuels;
Cement
wood; wood waste products; rice hulls; agriculture waste; or
C150/C150M Specification for Portland Cement
other non-coal fuels or other such fuels blended with coal, or
C191 TestMethodsforTimeofSettingofHydraulicCement
some combination thereof.
by Vicat Needle
C311/C311M Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Fly
1.4 Fly ash may contain some trace elements that may affect
performance or potential end use. Ash or Natural Pozzolans for Use in Portland-Cement
Concrete
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
C400 Test Methods for Quicklime and Hydrated Lime for
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
Neutralization of Waste Acid
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
C593 Specification for FlyAsh and Other Pozzolans for Use
and are not considered standard.
With Lime for Soil Stabilization
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
C595/C595M Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
C602 Specification for Agricultural Liming Materials
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
C618 Specification for Coal Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
D546 Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Mineral Filler for
Asphalt Paving Mixtures
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D34 on Waste
Management and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D34.03 on Treatment,
Recovery and Reuse. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved May 1, 2020. Published May 2020. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D5759 – 12. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D5759-12R20. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5759−12 (2020)
TABLE 1 Recommended Chemical Tests
D1973 Guide for Design of a Liner System for Containment
A
of Wastes (Withdrawn 2000) Test Method Component(s) Limit
B
D2795 Test Methods for Analysis of Coal and Coke Ash C114 sulfur trioxide (SO ),%
C311/C311M moisture content, %
(Withdrawn 2001)
C311/C311M loss on ignition, %
D3178 Test Methods for Carbon and Hydrogen in the
C114, D2795, D3682, calcium oxide (CaO),%
Analysis Sample of Coal and Coke (Withdrawn 2007) or D4326
D3682 Test Method for Major and Minor Elements in
C114, D2795, D3682, magnesium oxide (MgO), %
Combustion Residues from Coal Utilization Processes
or D4326
D3683 Test Method for Trace Elements in Coal and Coke
C114, D2795, D3682, silicon dioxide (SiO ) plus aluminum oxide
Ash by Atomic Absorption (Withdrawn 2018)
or D4326 (Al O ) plus iron oxide (Fe O ), %
2 3 2 3
D4326 Test Method for Major and Minor Elements in Coal
A
On specific projects, a minimum or maximum may be applicable.
and Coke Ash By X-Ray Fluorescence B
Fly ash replaces hydraulic cement in method.
D5239 Practice for Characterizing Fly Ash for Use in Soil
Stabilization
A
D5681 Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
TABLE 2 Optional Chemical Tests (Limits to Be Specified Only if
Applicable, by the Purchaser)
E1266 Practice for Processing Mixtures of Lime, Fly Ash,
B
Test Method Component(s) Limit
and Heavy Metal Wastes in Structural Fills and Other
C
C25 available lime index (ALI), %
Construction Applications
C311/C311M available alkalies as Na O, %
2.2 Other Document: D
C400 pH
USEPA SW846 Method 9100 Saturated Hydraulic C602 calcium carbonate equivalent (CaCO ), %
D3178 carbon (C),%
Conductivity, Saturated Leachate Conductivity and Intrin-
D3683 trace elements (totals) (for example, sulfide,
sic Permeability
sulfite, and sulfate)
A
Individual requirements may be specified by the purchaser if applicable to the
3. Terminology
project for which fly ash is to be used.
B
On specific projects, a minimum or maximum may be applicable.
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this guide,
C
Fly ash replaces limestone in analysis.
refer to Terminology D5681.
D
Fly ash replaces quicklime in method.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 clean coal combustion—the burning of coal, coal
A
TABLE 3 Optional Physical Tests (To Be Specified Only as
culm,orcoalfinesinafurnacedesignedtooperatetominimize
Required by the Purchaser)
emissions (that is, a fluidized bed or aerated fluidized bed, etc.)
Test Method Component(s)
or coal burned in the presence of alkaline materials, which
B
C109/C109M compressive strength of hydraulic cement mortars, psi
C
combine to reduce these emissions.
C110 heat rise (slaking rate), °C
B
C191 time of set, min
4. Significance and Use C311/C311M amount retained on No. 325 sieve, %
C311/C311M strength activity index with portland cement
4.1 This guide provides guidance for the characterization of
7 days, % of control
28 days, % of control
coal fly ash or clean coal combustion fly ash for potential uses
D
C311/C311M water requirement, % of control
in which absorption
...