Methodology for mix design of the mortar phase of self-compacting concrete using different mineral additions in binary blends of powders

This paper details a comparative analysis of the results obtained in tests on mortars suitable for self-compacting concrete (SCC). The binary and ternary blends of powder materials used were combinations of two cements with four additions in different percentages: limestone powder, fly ash, granite filler and microsilica. The correlations between the mix design parameters of the mortar phase and the flow properties and compressive strength were evaluated. As a result of this evaluation, a simple methodology was proposed for the mix design of the mortar phase in binary blends of powder with the aim of simultaneously obtaining both adequate flow properties and the necessary compressive strength of the mortar.

► This study deals with mix design of self-compacting concretes.
► Binary and ternary blends of powder materials are used.
► Substitution of two cements and four additions are tried in different percentages.
► An analysis on how the additions influence the need of water is presented.
► A methodology for the mix design of the mortar phase of SCC is proposed.