Assessment of the Rheological properties of Aluminum dross in self-compacting concrete

Abstract

This research assessed the rheological properties of aluminium dross in self-compacting concrete. Aluminium dross, solid waste from the aluminium processing industry, was used as a partial replacement for cement in the development of eco-friendly concrete. This was done in a bid to reduce the cost of management of this waste in track with the ‘waste to wealth’ initiative. In this article, aluminium dross was used as a partial replacement for cement at 0, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20% content. The rheological test (workability) was carried out according to European Federation for Specialist Construction Chemicals and Concrete Systems (EFNARC) specifications. To this end the slump test, L-box, V-funnel and J-ring test was carried out at the replacement. The slump flow result indicated satisfactory result up to 20% addition, which indicates the good flowability characteristics of the concrete. The result of the research showed that aluminium dross, to a large extent, influenced the workability of the concrete produced. At 10% addition of this solid waste, the rheology was unsatisfactory from L-Box and V-funnel test result. The outcome of this research will guide researchers, engineers, and concrete users on the proper timing for mixing the special eco-friendly self-compacting concrete in the construction industry.