Utilization of Limestone Quarries Powder In Production of Self-Compacting Concrete

Abstract

Since the introduction of Self Consolidated Concrete SCC in Japan during the late 1980’s, acceptance and usage of this concrete in the construction industry has been steadily gaining momentum. In United States, the use of SCC has been spearheaded by the precast concrete industry. SCC must possess the following key fresh properties: filling ability, passing ability, while being cohesive, i.e. capable to resist segregation. In order to increase segregation resistance, SCC mixes are typically designed with high powder content, and/or contain chemical admixtures such as super plasticizers and viscosity modifying admixtures, which in turn, tend to significantly increase the overall cost of SCC. In limestone quarries, considerable amounts of limestone powder LP are being produced as byproducts from stone crushers. High amounts of powder are being collected; utilization of this byproduct is of big benefit from disposal and environmental pollution aspects. Incorporation of limestone quarry powder in SCC as a filler can reduce the common cost of SCC, beside the improvement of concrete sustainability. The main objective of this research was to study the effectiveness of using locally available limestone quarries powder, in the production of enhanced SCC mixtures.The influence of carefully chosen powder types resulting from diverse local sources was investigated. An experimental/comparative study of both its fresh and mechanical properties was conducted to decide the best powder source. Then, a profound investigation for the effect of powder content was followed in deep to decide the best performance of the produced SCC, with regard to each of its accomplished properties respectively; fresh, mechanical, and durability. Finally, an examination for the improvementfrom incorporating a specific content of silica fume with lime powder was followed.