Mechanical properties and durability characteristics of SCC incorporating crushed limestone powder

Abstract

This study assessed the flow criteria, compressive strength, and durability (chloride permeability, corrosion and sulfate resistance) characteristics of self-compacting concrete (SCC) prepared utilizing crushed limestone powder (CLSP). The test samples were prepared by partially replacing CLSP with cement and aggregate such that CLSP/(CLSP + Cement) and CLSP/(CLSP + aggregate) tagged CLSPCx and CLSPAx, respectively, varied between 10 and 40% at the interval of 10%. The finding showed that CLSP-aggregate replacement contributed better than CLSP-cement substitution in terms of compressive strength, delay in corrosion initiation and propagation rate, better strength retention in sulfate exposure, and microstructural density through microfilling and matrix core reinforcement. The presence of widely distributed hydration products and unhydrated cement core (filler) characterized the CLSP-cement microstructure. CLSPCx in the excess of 20% was detrimental, but the CLSPAx up to 40% was found to contribute positively to the mechanical and durability characteristics of SCC.