Title:
Rheological Comparison of Self-Compacting Concretes Prepared with High Filler – Low Water Ternary Slag Cement and Portland-Limestone Cement
Author(s):
Cruickshank
Publication:
Web Session
Volume:
ws_S25_Cruickshank.pdf
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
3/30/2025
Abstract:
Novel low-carbon cements aiming to replace conventional cements in concrete are faced with considerable scrutiny with respect to workability, strength development, and durability. For high filler – low water cements, a low water-binder ratio is required to ensure adequate strength development and durability properties. This decrease in the water-binder ratio brings increased challenges with respect to rheology. In this study, self-compacting concrete was prepared with a ternary blended cement containing Portland cement, ground granulated blast furnace slag, and limestone filler at a limestone content significantly higher than is currently permitted in ASTM C595. These concretes were compared with concretes prepared with a Portland-limestone cement in terms of their rheological properties and strength development. Rheological properties were measured using rotational rheometry as well as on-site testing methods typically used for self-compacting concrete. The results show that for concrete prepared with the high filler – low water cement, it is possible to achieve comparable rheological properties, both yield stress and viscosity, to the Portland-limestone cement concretes despite the difference in the water-binder ratio. This was achieved without a substantial increase in paste volume as is typically required for low water-binder ratio concretes, such as high-performance concretes. It is thus demonstrated that it is possible to meet the fresh state and strength development requirements of the North American self-compacting concrete market with a binder intensity significantly lower than is being achieved at present.