Mechanical properties of self-compacting concrete incorporating quarry dust powder, silica fume or fly ash

This paper presents the results of a study conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC) prepared using quarry dust powder (QDP), silica fume (SF) plus QDP or only fly ash (FA). Trials were conducted to assess the proportions of QDP, SF + QDP or FA required for producing SCC meeting the flow criteria. SCC specimens were prepared and tested for compressive strength, pulse velocity, split tensile strength and flexural strength. The results indicated that the mechanical properties of SCC incorporating QDP (8–10%) were equal to or better than those of SCC prepared with either SF plus QDP or FA alone. The use of QDP alone results in a significant cost saving in regions where SF and FA have to be imported from other countries.

► Silica fume (SF) and fly ash (FA) are normally used in Self compacting concrete (SCC). ► Since these materials are costly, SCC was developed utilizing a cheap waste material, namely quarry dust powder (QDP). ► Mechanical properties of SCC with QDP were better than those of SCC with SF or FA. ► The use of QDP in SCC resulted in cost saving and the utilization of waste materials.