An Experimental Study on Self-Compacting Concrete by Using Silica Fume and Fly Ash

Abstract

Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) is a new type of concrete that wouldn’t require vibration for laying or compaction. Fine materials, such as silica fume and class F fly ash, are used to provide the desired properties of the concrete. The SCC increases constructability, lowers skilled workers' wages, provides a smooth and clear surface quality, and speeds up project timelines. One way to reduce the cost of self-compacting concrete is to include cementitious materials like Silica Fume (SF) and class Fly Ash (FA). It also minimizes the heat related to hydration. This work provides experiments on compressive strength (compression tests for double-blended and triple-blended), split tensile test, flexural strength of SCC containing various mineral admixtures, workability aspects such as slump flow, T500, and V-funnel flow time tests, and modulus elasticity tests. In particular, (OPC 53) and M35 concrete grades have been used in this research. The approach used is that mineral admixtures are substituted with silica fume 5% and 10% and fly ash 25%, 30%, and 35% by weight of Portland cement is inserted, and performance is evaluated and compared to normal Portland cement. Mineral admixtures were examined for their influence on self-compacting concrete workability, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, and modulus of elasticity. Adopted water-cement ratio of 0.45 and manufactured sand are used as fine aggregates and coarse aggregates with a size of 12.5 mm and powder content of 520 kg/m³ (as per IS code 10262-2019) is selected as binder material (fine aggregate and cement). Poly-carboxylate ether is used them. As an outcome, the superplasticizer accelerated the pace of the concrete; there has been a general improvement in the flow and filling capabilities of self-compacting concrete. And SF10FA30 does have maximum strength for 28 days than other mixes, whereas SF5FA25 seems to have a higher modulus of elasticity than other mixes.