Mechanical properties of self-compacting concrete incorporating quarry dust powder, silica fume or fly ash

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC) prepared using quarry dust powder (QDP), silica fume (SF) plus QDP or only fly ash (FA). Trials were conducted to assess the proportions of QDP, SF + QDP or FA required for producing SCC meeting the flow criteria. SCC specimens were prepared and tested for compressive strength, pulse velocity, split tensile strength and flexural strength. The results indicated that the mechanical properties of SCC incorporating QDP (8–10%) were equal to or better than those of SCC prepared with either SF plus QDP or FA alone. The use of QDP alone results in a significant cost saving in regions where SF and FA have to be imported from other countries.