Experimental analysis of behaviour of light weight high performance concrete with crystallized slag

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this paper is to make lightweight high-performance concrete (LWHPC) with high economic performance from existing materials on the Algerian market. Concrete with high values with regard to following properties: mechanical, physical, rheological and durability. Because of the implementation of some basic scientific principles on the technology of LWHPC, this study is part of the valuation of local materials to manufacture LWHPC with several enhanced features such as mechanical, physical chemical, rheological and durability in the first place and with regard to the economic aspect in the second place. Design/methodology/approach The experimental study focused on the compatibility of cement/superplasticizer, the effect of water/cement ratio (W/C 0.22, 0.25, 0.30), the effect of replacing a part of cement by silica fume (8 per cent), the effect of combined replacement of a part of cement by silica fume (8 per cent) and natural pozzolan (10 per cent, 15 per cent, 25 per cent) and the effect of fraction of aggregate on properties of fresh and hardened concrete using the mix design method of the University of Sherbrooke, which is easy to realize and gives good results. Findings The results obtained allow to conclude that it is possible to manufacture LWHPC with good mechanical and physical properties in the authors’ town with available materials on the Algerian market. The mix design and manufacture of concrete with a compressive strength at 28 days reaching 56 MPa or more than 72 MPa is now possible in Biskra (Algeria), and it must no longer be used only in the experimental field. The addition of silica fume in concrete showed good strength development between the ages of 7 and 28 days depending on the mix design; concrete containing 8 per cent silica fume with a W/B (water/binder) of 0.25 has a compressive strength higher than other concretes, and concrete with silica fume is stronger than concrete without silica fume, so we can have concrete with a compressive strength of 62 MPa for W/C of 0.25 without silica fume. Then, one can avoid the use of silica fume to a resistance of concrete to the compressive strength of 62 MPa and a slump of 21 cm, as silica fume is the most expensive ingredient in the composition of the concrete and is very important economically. A main factor in producing high-strength concrete above 72 MPa is to use less reactive natural pozzolan (such as silica fume) in combination with silica fume and a W/B low of 0.25 and 0.30. The combination of silica fume and natural pozzolan in mixtures resulted in a very dense microstructure and low porosity and produced an enhanced permeability of concrete of high strength, as with resistance to the penetration of aggressive agents; thus, an economical concrete was obtained using this combination. Research limitations/implications The study of the influence of cementitious materials on concrete strength gain was carried out. Other features of LWHPC such as creep, cracking, shrinkage, resistance to sulphate attack, corrosion resistance, fire resistance and durability should be also studied, because there are cases where another feature is most important for the designer or owner than the compressive strength at 28 days. Further studies should include a range of variables to change mixtures significantly and determine defined applications of LWHPC to produce more efficient and economical concretes. It is important to gather information on LWHPC to push forward the formulation of characteristics for pozzolan concrete for the building industry. Practical implications The LWHPC can be used to obtain high modules of elasticity and high durability in special structures such as marine structures, superstructures, parking, areas for aircraft/airplane runways, bridges, tunnels and industrial buildings (nuclear power stations). Originality/value The novel finding of the paper is the use of crystallized slag aggregates and natural pozzolan aggregates to obtain LWHPC.