Combined Effect of Silica Fume and Zeolite on The Fresh and Hardened Properties of Self-Compacted Concrete

The usages of different additions as a cement replacement in the production of self-compacted concrete (SSC) can lead to a lower material cost, lower environmental pollution, energy consumption and recycling by-product materials. Although, the inclusion of additions may enhance certain properties of SCC, the others may be worsening. To overcome this problem, the combined use of the additions has been recently recommended by researchers. In this respect, the main objective of the present study is to investigate the fresh and hardened properties of SCC made with binary and ternary cementitious blends of silica fume and zeolite. Fresh properties of SCC will be examined by slump flow, visual stability index, T50, V-funnel, L-box and sieve segregation resistance tests. The hardened properties were tested for compressive strength (at different ages), splitting tensile strength, initial and final absorption. To simulate the real-world applications, slump flow and compressive strength changes with hauling time were also considered. The fresh concrete test results revealed that by substituting optimum levels of silica fume and zeolite in SCC, satisfactory workability and rheological properties can be achieved. Silica fume inclusion enhanced both early ages and long-term strength of SCC with zeolite. Moreover, reduction in the slump flow retention of the SCC mixtures containing zeolite was compensated by using silica fume.