Viewpoint: Yes, fly ash cement is an inferior building and structural material in terms of durability, safety, and environmental effects.

Viewpoint: No, fly ash has proven to be an excellent building and structural material that actually can enhance the properties of concrete and other construction resources.

Most of us don't think that much about cement; we take it for granted in many ways. In general, we know it to be a strong and durable building material. Roads made of cement wind through our cities. Our homes and businesses are often built with cement foundations. But what if someone could come up with a way to make cement even stronger and better by changing its physical and chemical characteristics? How would we decide if the change was an improvement?

Fly ash is a...