Mechanical Performance of Self-compacting Concrete with Pozzolanic Material

Abstract

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is a highly flowable concrete which has more binder content as compared to normal concrete and there is no need of vibration for the compaction. The use of waste materials for part replacement of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in SCC can enhance its mechanical properties. Fly ash (FA) is the most widely used pozzolanic material for making SCC. Its inclusion in concrete improves both the workability and strength of SCC. At the early ages, the SCC made using FA shows lower compressive strength in comparison to the SCC made using OPC only; however, it gives higher strength later on. In this experimental study, workability and strength properties of M30 grade SCC were studied with variables. The replacement levels of OPC by FA were varied: 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25%. Fresh concrete properties were measured by L-box slump flow, V-funnel flow time, U-box and J-ring tests. Other (mechanical) properties were determined in terms of compressive strength (CS), split tensile strength (STS) and flexural strength (FS). The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses were also carried out to study the micro-level changes in SCC.