Sorptivity characteristics of high strength self-consolidating concrete produced by marble waste powder, fly ash, and micro silica

Abstract

The performance of concrete structures is largely affected by the susceptibility of the concrete to the penetration of water. Ingress of moisture or other aggressive liquids through the interconnected pores reaches to the inner part of the concrete structures and causes deterioration. A study has thus been carried out to find the surface water absorption characteristics of high strength self-consolidating concrete (HSSCC). A total of sixteen HSSCC mixes were prepared to investigate the effect of marble waste powder (MWP), Fly Ash (FA), and micro-silica (MS) as a partial replacement of cement on surface water absorption characteristics. Surface water absorption was evaluated using the sorptivity test after 28 days curing period. The initial and secondary rate of absorption was calculated for each HSSCC mix. Sorptivity test results indicated that the incorporation of supplementary cementitious materials in HSSCC resulted in increased resistance against surface water absorption. Incorporation of 5% MS in HSSCC resulted in reduced water absorption through the exposed surface. All the ternary mixes (made with Cement + MS + FA and Cement + MS + MWP) and quaternary mixes (made with Cement + MS + FA + WMP) showed higher resistance against surface water absorption than the reference mixture. However, the highest surface water absorption resistance was found for a ternary mix made with 5% and 35% substitution of cement with MS and FA respectively.