The thesis deals with the possibility of utilization of fluid ash in refractory materials and its influence on resulting properties. This work studies the effect of bed and filter ash addition on properties of the droplet and resulting mechanical properties, bulk density, shrinkage and firing temperature of stove fireclay. The subject of this thesis is also reduction of SO2 emissions evolved burning of fireclay containing fluid ash rich of anhydrite. Emissions of SO2 were observed by TG-TDA-EGA method. Characterization of prepared samples and study of heat treatment processes was based on XRD, TG-DTA-EGA, TDA, SEM–EDS, heating microscope and isothermal calorimetry.

This study evaluates question of alkali–silica reaction (ASR) in hybrid system, which was designed in the bachelor's thesis, to meet the requirements of EN 197-1 and classified to the Blastfurnace CEM III/C cements. The durability of this system is a great unknown. For this reason, the same methods (ASTM C1260, ASTM C289 and ASTM C856) were used to observer the ASR effects as the ones used to observer the Portland cement based concrete. Supplementary methods include determination of compressive strengths according to EN 196-2 and scanning electron microscopy to observe the microstructure. Hybrid system results were compared to two different types of cements, CEM I and CEM III/B. From the results of the ASR evaluation assays, it was found that the hybrid system (CEM III/C-HB) and CEM III/B showed the lowest tendency to ASR. The results of the supplementary methods showed that CEM III/C-HB compressive strength increases after 14 days within NaOH by 43 % in comparison to 28 days strength. Based on those results, it is sure that the CEM III/C-HB shows little susceptibility to ASR.

This doctoral thesis is focused on the possibilities of alkali-activated slag (AAS) shrinkage reduction, which would together with the use of waste sludge from waterglass production contribute to wider practical utilization of this interesting material. Besides the influence on AAS dimensional changes also effect of various factors on workability, setting time and mechanical properties was investigated. Obtained results were supported by the application of instrumental techniques like izotermal calorimetry, mercury intrusion porosimetry, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results show the possibilities of reduction of AAS drying shrinkage related to its cracking tendency through the combination of increased dose of waterglass and reduced water to slag ratio (w/b), partial replacement of slag by pulverized fly ash or cement by-pass dust and application of organic admixtures, where significant effect on AAS hydration was observed. On the basis of the obtained results concrete mixtures, where the whole activator was replaced by the waste sludge form waterglass production, were designed and optimized in terms of shrinkage, mechanical properties and price. Selected concretes were also tested in semi-operating conditions.