Effects of Supplementary Cementitious Materials on the Fresh and Hardened Properties of High-Strength Self-Compacting Concrete

Abstract

Due to the excessive use of natural resources for raw materials, sustainable practices have become a key concern in the construction industry. The monument and sculpture industries have overgrown because of increased marble demand from major aesthetic and construction projects. The massive disposal of marble powder (MP) poses significant environmental and safety threats. Despite its higher cement consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, high-strength self-compacting concrete (HSSCC) is employed. This study aims to develop cost-effective and environmentally friendly HSSCC using marble powder (MP), fly ash (FA), and silica fume (SF). The effects on fresh properties were evaluated using slump flow, and J-ring slump flow tests. The mechanical characteristic was examined using a compressive strength test. In addition, the non-destructive properties were assessed through an ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) test. The use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as MP, FA, and SF has been shown to improve the properties of concrete. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the concrete increased as the percentage of MP in it increased. Including SCMs improves concrete's fresh characteristics, making it more workable. The usage of SF, FA, and MP in HSSCC at 10%, 10%, and 20%, respectively, generated the optimum mechanical characteristics.  

Keywords: Self-compacting concrete; Silica fume; Fly ash; Marble powder; Environmental impact