Title:
Application of Interparticle Spacing Model to Maximize Filler Content in Concrete
Author(s):
Denise Silva
Publication:
Web Session
Volume:
ws_F23_DeniseSilva.pdf
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
10/29/2023
Abstract:
One of the most impactful ways to reduce embodied carbon of concrete in the near term is by reducing Portland cement consumption via its partial replacement with supplementary cementitious materials and/or fillers. This article describes an approach to replace cement content in concrete through the development of high filler, low water cementitious pastes that will be applied in the design of concrete mixes for the United States precast industry. Pastes with cement content as low as 50% (% of cementitious weight) were designed by applying a model that maximizes the packing density of the granular system (thereby allowing higher concentration of solids and lower water demand), and by applying a viscosity interference model that considers the characteristics of the materials and intrinsic properties of the mix for rheology adequacy. A strong correlation was found between the predicted and measured apparent viscosities of blended pastes containing one ASTM Type IL Portland cement (with up to 15% ground limestone), and up to three different grades of ground calcium carbonate. Insights into the technical feasibility of reducing the embodied carbon of typical U.S. precast concrete paste fraction by half were obtained.