Fresh state behaviour, mechanical strength and water penetration depth of SCC mixtures incorporating crushed rock powder

Abstract

The production of portland cement, used as a binder in concrete mixtures, is one of the main sources of CO2 emissions and environmental impact worldwide. In particular, self-compacting concrete (SCC) requires high amounts of fine materials (particles smaller than 0.15 mm) to ensure proper flowability, stability, and filling capacity without segregation. In this context, the present study analyses the fresh and hardened behaviour of SCC mixtures incorporating powder obtained from a granodiorite rock quarry and a limestone quarry as partial replacements of cement. Five mixtures were designed: one reference mix without replacement and four with 30% and 50% cement replacement by quarry powder. Flowability, passing ability, viscosity, compressive strength, and water penetration depth were evaluated. The results show that mixtures with 30% replacement met the SCC requirements, exhibiting good workability without segregation and compressive strengths ranging from 24.6 MPa to 50.5 MPa. Moreover, all mixtures demonstrated low water penetration, even those with high water-to-cementitious material ratios. This study emphasizes the value of quarry by-products in reducing both waste accumulation and the environmental impact associated with portland cement.