Effect of limestone powder on the properties of self-consolidating concrete mixed with rice husk ash

Abstract

Abstract

We evaluated the feasibility of using limestone powder (LS) as a modifying agent in self-consolidating concrete containing untreated rice husk ash (RHA) as a partial replacement for the fine aggregate. Mixtures were designed to produce a controlled slump flow diameter. A constant Portland cement content was maintained for all concrete mixtures. The fine aggregate was replaced with levels at 20% RHA and LS by volume. The T₅₀ slump flow, j-ring flow, v-funnel flow, ultrasonic pulse velocity and compressive strength of the SCC mixtures were tested, and a blocking assessment was performed. The properties of hardened SCCs containing LS were superior, and the properties of fresh and hardened SCCs containing RHA were substantially improved when RHA was combined with LS. The results demonstrate that LS has the potential to improve the properties of SCC when untreated RHA is used as a partial replacement of fine sand.