The influence of fillers on the properties of self-compacting concrete in fresh and hardened state

Abstract

This paper represents the results of an investigation of the suitability of different fillers to be used for SCC. An experimental test program has been executed with 12 different SCC mixtures, each mixture containing another type of filler. The other mix parameters (water-to-cement ratio, fine and coarse aggregates content) were the same for all mixtures. Firstly, concrete mixtures were made to examine the influence of the same volume of filler on the mix proportion. Secondly, all mixtures that could not be defined as SCC (according to workability) were adapted. The different mixtures were investigated with respect to workability (slump flow, V-funnel and U-flow), compressive strength, shrinkage, water absorption and freeze-thaw resistance (with and without de-icing salts). Each filler has been characterised by different tests: water demand (beta_p), Blaine, activity index, particle size distribution and microscopic visualisation using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). An effort has been made to link the measured properties of the SCC with the characterising parameters of the fillers.status: publishe