Effects of Limestone Powder on Self-compacting Concrete Properties

Abstract

Powder type of self-compacting concrete (SCC) needs high cement content to achieve self-compactibility, this will be undesirable in tropical climate of Sudan due to implication of high hydration heat. This paper investigates reducing cement content up to 340 Kg/m3 by blending limestone powder (LSP) up to 15 % as replacement of cement weight. Therefore, fifteen mixes having maximum powder content (P) of 400 Kg/m3 have been carried out with four water/powder ratios (W/P) (0.35, 0.4, 0.43 and 0.45). Fresh properties and compressive strength of SCC were measured. Results show most of the mixes have achieved self-compactibility in the fresh stages. However, the compressive strength of the mixes has been reduced with increased level of LSP replacing cement. This reduction in strength is caused by dilution effect of adds LSP.