Parameters for Self-Compacting Concrete Mortar Phase

Abstract

This paper reports on an experimental study that was conducted on mortar phase for self-compacting concrete. A series of mortars were produced with similar flow properties, measured by spread and v-funnel tests, adequate to produce self-compacting concrete. The water content and the modified carboxylic superplasticizer dosage were determined experimentally for each mortar. Different percentages of cement replacement materials were used in binary blends, each one combining one of the two types of cement with one of the three mineral additions selected: limestone powder, granite filler, and fly ash. Each of the binary blends of powders was combined in five different proportions in volume with the fine aggregate (Vp/Vs). Mortars were tested for compressive strength at 28 days and this value was related to the water/cement ratio, the percentage of replacement materials, and Vp/Vs parameter. The analysis revealed the possibility of establishing adequate mortar parameters to obtain simultaneously the self-compactability and the required compressive strength of self-compacting concrete.