Title: The Influence of Mineral Additions on the Rheology of Self-Compacting Concrete

Author(s): V. Corinaldesi and G. Moriconi

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 217

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 227-240

Keywords: acrylic-based superplasticizer; cement paste rheology; rubble powder; self-compacting concrete

DOI: 10.14359/12916

Date: 9/1/2003

Abstract:
The development of concrete, which need not be vibrated, and which consolidates under its own weight, is a challenge to the building industry. In order to achieve this behavior, fresh concrete must show high fluidity and good cohesiveness. For the purpose of evaluating these properties, some concretes were prepared with a water to cement ratio of 0.45 by alternatively adding two different kinds of acrylic-based superplasticizer to the mixture at a dosage of about 1 % by weight of cement. Either fly ash or limestone powder or rubble powder (that is a powder obtainded from the recycling process of rubble from building demolition) were used as mineral admixture, in order to ensure adequate theological properties to the self-compacting concretes in the absence of viscosity modifying agents. Preliminary rheological tests were carried out on pastes in which cement was partially replaced by these fine materials. The fresh concrete properties were evaluated through both the slump flow and the L-box tests. The segregation resistance was also determined. Compressive strength was also measured on hardened concretes after 1, 3, 7 and 28 days of wet curing.