Title:
Quantifying the Change in Water Demand with the Use of Supplementary Cementitious Materials
Author(s):
Allen
Publication:
Web Session
Volume:
ws_S24_Allen.pdf
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
3/23/2024
Abstract:
This presentation critically evaluates and extends the application of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in concrete mixes, excluding traditional cement additives. The conventional process of producing fine concrete powder involves utilizing raw materials, breaking them down into fine substances, and subjecting them to kiln burning, releasing environmentally hazardous carbon dioxide. Inhalation of the resulting powder poses a health risk, particularly for cement plant and construction workers. The research aims to produce a more sustainable concrete that is immediately applicable in structural concrete applications. In an effort to create a zero-cement mix, it became apparent that water demand in mixes comprised of a blend of various SCMs was unpredictable. To enhance our understanding, this research isolates the use of two SCMs, Fly Ash and Silica Fume, to determine the impact on water demand independently. The percent replacement of cement with Fly Ash and Silica fume were varied while maintaining a consistent slump across mixes to quantify the change in water demand. The mixes were tested for 7-day, 28-day, and 90-day compressive strength and durability using ASTM C39 and ASTM C1876 testing specifications. Continued research would assess durability of these mixes over long-term applications and changes to water demand with a ternary blend.