Comparative Studies of Cement and Alccofine and Their Suitability for Concrete

Abstract

Concrete generally consists of a binding medium and aggregate particle. There are three phases in the formation of concrete i.e. aggregates phase, cement paste phase, and the interfacial transition zone (ITZ). Water and aggregates are essential components of concrete's base along with ordinary Portland cement. In order to improve certain desirable characteristics of these raw materials, additives and admixtures may be added. Alccofine is one such additive that can be considered a supplementary cementitious material. Due to the unique physical and chemical properties of the additives, SCM concrete has a more homogeneous microstructure than normal concrete because of its abridged w/c ratio and superplasticizer inclusion. A decrease in the porosity of cement binding paste, as well as an enhanced interface between cement paste and fine and coarse aggregates, was contributed by the addition of additives to concrete mixes to enhance strength and durability. Alccofine and cement are considered for detailed examination and investigated by using EDAX (energy dispersive analysis of X-rays), SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and XRD (X-ray diffraction). The study demonstrated that the presence of major strength inhibiting compounds could be identified by powder XRD, but EDAX was the only method that was able to provide exact information about various elements. In the present investigation, the results of a study exploring the strength characteristics of Alccofine replacing cement at 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% are performed for M60 grade concrete. Tests of compressive strength were performed on specimens. The microstructural analysis was conducted using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The added Alccofine displays strength obtaining properties. Alccofine has been examined at micro levels using various microstructural analyses like scanning electron microscope, EDAX and XRD and compared the same with that of cement.