Influence of the mineral admixture on the durability of medium-strenght self compacting concrete

Abstract

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is an innovative concrete that does not require vibration for placing and compacting. SCC, developed in Japan in the 1980s, provides a present-day and attractive challenge for many researchers, as the long list of papers on the topic corroborates. Nevertheless, the durability of SCC, especially medium strength SCC, provides the researcher with opportunities for study in depth. This paper deals with the durability of SCC: two SCC mixtures, with 30 MPa compressive strength, are studied. The main difference between the two SCCs is the type of the addition: fly ash and limestone powder. The microstructure and products of hydration of the SCC are analyzed by means of Mercury Porosimetry Intrusion (MPI) and TG/DTA techniques. The penetration of water under pressure, chloride diffusion and CO2 penetration are also analyzed at different ages of the SCC specimens. Fresh and mechanical properties are also evaluated. Microstructure, durability properties and mechanical behaviour are analyzed together, and then associated with the role of the admixture (influence of the type of admixture). Conclusions are then presented.