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 CLSP_Cx and CLSP_Ax, 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. CLSP_Cx in the excess of 20% was detrimental, but the CLSP_Ax up to 40% was found to contribute positively to the mechanical and durability characteristics of SCC.

Keywords:

• self-compacting concrete
• crushed Limestone powder
• flow properties
• mechanical properties
• durability characteristics

Acknowledgment

The authors express their sincere thanks and appreciation and gratefully acknowledge the support received from King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.