Evaluation of engineering properties of self-compacting concrete incorporating magnetic water and natural zeolite

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to assess engineering properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC) incorporating magnetic water and various percentages of natural zeolite. The fresh properties of SCC were investigated by means of slump flow, T50, V-funnel, L-box and visual stability index (VSI). At hardened state, mechanical properties and durability characteristics of concrete were evaluated by means of compressive and tensile strength tests, modulus of elasticity test and water absorption test at different ages under both wet and dry curing conditions. The results of fresh concrete indicated that magnetic water and natural zeolite in SCC can improve the rheological properties and stability of SCC where the magnetic water is able to increase the slump flow up to 3% and decrease plastic viscosity of concrete mixture up to 6% without aggregates segregation. In addition, the presence of magnetic water and natural zeolite improves mechanical properties and durability of SCC. According to this, compressive and tensile strengths and modulus of elasticity of SCC containing magnetic water and 20% natural zeolite were increased up to 42, 12 and 33 %, respectively, at the age of 90 days. In the same concrete mixture, the value of water absorption was decreased up to 48%.