Utilization of fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag as an alternative silica source in reactive powder concrete

Reactive powder concrete (RPC) is an ultra high strength cement-based material. Cement and silica fume (SF) content of RPC are generally rather high compared to the conventional concrete. The aim of this study is to decrease the cement and SF content of RPC using with fly ash (FA) and/or ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS). The effect of these mineral admixtures on compressive strength of RPC has been investigated under autoclave curing. In the first stage, the effect of autoclave time and SF content on compressive strength was determined. In the second stage, SF was gradually decreased and cement was replaced with FA and/or GGBFS at different proportions. The microstructure was investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Test results indicate that, the utilization of FA and/or GGBFS in RPC is possible without significant mechanical performance loss. SEM micrographs revealed the tobermorite having different morphology.