Rheological and Durability Properties of Self-Compacting Concrete Produced Using Marble Dust and Blast Furnace Slag

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is a special, highly fluid type of concrete that is produced using chemical additives. It is easier to pour and reduces defects arising from workability. Waste marble dust is generated during the production of marble using different methods, or during the cutting of marble in processing plants; however, the uncontrolled disposal of waste marble dust in nature is associated with some environmental problems. Cement and concrete technology is a field with potential for the utilization of these large amounts of waste. The present study explores the use of marble dust (MD) (an industrial waste generated in abundance around the province of Bilecik) and granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) (another industrial waste product) in the production of SCC. In this study, MD and GBFS are used as fine materials in SCC mixtures, and the rheological and workability properties and other hardened concrete properties of the produced SCC specimens are tested. Additional tests are conducted to identify the durability of the specimens to sulfate attack, as well as their freeze-thaw and abrasion resistance, followed by microstructure tests to identify the effects of MD and GBFS on bond structure. The late-age performances of MD and GBFS were then examined based on the results of the durability tests. The presented results revealed improvements in the fresh and hardened properties of SCC produced using MD and GBFS.

Automated summary

This study explores the feasibility of using marble dust and granulated blast furnace slag in the production of self-compacting concrete (SCC), and tests their effects on the properties of the concrete.