Abstract
High-performance cementitious composites with self-compacting characteristics are gaining due importance in meeting the challenges of the modern world. This experimental study deals with developing high-strength self-compacting cement mortar composites containing a binary blend of silica fume and fly ash. Seven specimens series were prepared with fly ash (FA), ranging from 17.5% to 25%, and silica fume (SF), from 1.25% to 7.5% of the cement mass. The control specimen powder content consists of 80% ordinary portland cement (OPC), 20% FA, and 0% SF; in the remaining six series of specimens, OPC is kept constant, whereas FA is reduced by 1% and SF is increased by 1% subsequently. Rheological behavior, mechanical properties, and microstructural characteristics of the developed high-performance composites were evaluated. The optimum binary blend for achieving the maximum flow spread and flow rate of the cement mortar is reported as 80% FA and 20% SF. For superior mechanical characteristics, optimum powder content was found as 80% OPC, 17.5% FA, and 2.5% SF. Using the proposed binary blend for construction applications will produce high-strength composites and promote sustainable development due to the use of industrial wastes as OPC replacement.
Highlights
High-performance cementitious composites with self-compacting characteristics are gaining due importance in meeting the challenges of the modern world [1]
Retrofit, and maintenance operations often require the casting of thin laminates or patches of the material in narrow and inaccessible places, necessitating the utilization of highly flowable cementitious composites [2,3,4]
The stability characteristics and the mechanical properties of the cementitious composites strictly depend on the composition of the mix [9,10]
Summary
High-performance cementitious composites with self-compacting characteristics are gaining due importance in meeting the challenges of the modern world [1]. Retrofit, and maintenance operations often require the casting of thin laminates or patches of the material in narrow and inaccessible places, necessitating the utilization of highly flowable cementitious composites [2,3,4]. Construction time can be reduced by using self-compacting concrete (SCC) [5,6]. These flowable cementitious composites must qualify some specific requirements in the fresh state [7]. The composites need to satisfy the dynamic and static stability requirements for their efficient utilization; the dynamic stability corresponds to the resistance against the separation of blended materials during transportation and placement operations. It is imperative to proportion the ingredients for achieving high performance in the fresh and hardened states
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