Effect of mineral admixtures on properties of self-compacting concrete

Abstract

In this study, the benefits of limestone powder (LP), basalt powder (BP) and marble powder (MP) as partial replacement of Portland cement are established. Furthermore, LP, BP and MP are used directly without attempting any additional processing in the production of self-compacting concrete (SCC). The water to binder ratio is maintained at 0.33 for all mixtures. The examined properties include workability, air content, compressive strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and static and dynamic elastic moduli. Workability of the fresh concrete is determined by using both the slump-flow test and the L-box test. The results show that it is possible to successfully utilize waste LP, BP and MP as mineral admixtures in producing SCC. Due to its observed mechanical advantages, the employment of waste mineral admixtures improved the economical feasibility of SCC production on a unit strength basis. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.