Effectiveness of fine aggregate particle size distribution on the properties and the sustainable of self-consolidating concrete (SCC)

Self-consolidating concrete (SCC) is the complex three-phase composite materials, the characteristics of fine aggregate in SCC play an important role on the properties of SCC. Series SCC mixtures were prepared using river sand fine aggregates at different grain size distributions (fineness modulus: FM). The effectiveness of river sand FM on the behaviors and the sustainability of SCC was evaluated. The employment of finer river sand particles in SCC lowers the initial fluidity, fluidity retention, passing ability, segregation risk and air content of SCC. River sand of fine particle size distribution in SCC positively effects the early strength of SCC. Prolonged curing time reduces the benefits of fine river sand grain on the long-term mechanical strength of SCC. SCC made by finer grain river sand exhibits the higher apparent density and lower permeable void volume, compared to SCC made by coarse-grain river sand (FM:3.43). The application of finer river sand to SCC enhances the risk of absorbing water into SCC and dry shrinkage of SCC, it limits the carbon dioxide and chloride-ion penetrations inside hardened SCC. The grain size distribution reduction of river sand has a positive help to improve the energy efficiency and economic efficiency in the production of SCC. Practical, durability and sustainability SCC can be obtained by controlling river sand particle size at a proper range.