Self-compacting concrete in pavement construction: Strength grouping of some selected brands of cements

This paper investigates strength properties of some selected cement brands for self-compacting concrete application in pavement construction. Three brands each of Portland limestone cement grades, CEM II/A-L 42.5 (Brand A), CEM II/B-L 32.5 (Brand B) and CEM II/B-L 32.5 (Brand C), were used. Rheological test was carried out using the L-Box, V-Funnel and slump cone while compressive and flexural strength tests were carried out, on the hardened concrete, at 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. Brand A exhibited the highest compressive strength right from 3rd day test and maintained this performance through maturity (the 28th day test). Also Brand A had the highest flexural strength of 4.54 MPa, as against 4.5 MPa specified for road construction, at 28 days, while Brand B and Brand C exhibited strengths that were lower. Although Brand C showed good rheological properties, it exhibited the lowest strength properties among the cement grades. These findings engender implication that cement grade lower than 42.5 should be discouraged in pavement construction.