A study of fresh and engineering properties of self-compacting high slag concrete (SCHSC)

This study examined the properties of freshly poured self-compacting concrete with a fixed water–cement ratio of 0.37 in which a portion of the cement was replaced by furnace slag in weight ratios of 0%, 15% and 30%. The fresh and various engineering properties are discussed. The results showed that the slump flow varied with the replacement ratio of furnace slag for Portland cement. The slump flow for the 15% furnace slag sample was within the design value of 550–700 mm. The compressive strength of the 15% furnace slag replacement sample was higher than that of the control group. The shrinkage increased as the amount of slag added increased. The cores were drilled from upper, middle and lower layers of the field MOCK-UP model specimen, and the appearance was noted. It was obvious that the SCHSC specimen had no bleeding pores or aggregate segregation. When concrete containing furnace slag is used in self-compacting concrete structures, the fresh and engineering properties can be improved, and the waste resource can be reused. The results of laboratory test are comparable with mock-up tests.

► The study examined properties of self-compacting concrete with a fixed water-cement ratio of 0.37.
► The concrete in which a portion of the cement was replaced by furnace slag in weight ratios of 0%, 15% and 30%.
► The slump flow for the 15% furnace slag sample was within the design value of 550–700 mm.