Characterization and Modeling Using Non-Destructive Test (NDT) and Experimental Design Methods of a Self Compacting Concrete (SCC) Based on Mineral Additions

The formulation of an innovative concrete that meets the requirements of a self-compacting concrete (SCC), with acceptable performance in terms of rheology in the fresh state; good fluidity, ease of placing, without segregation as well as good mechanical strength and durability at hardened state has become of great research interest for the last decades. Numerous studies have shown the favorable effects of limestone fillers on the SCC properties. This study aims at investigating the effect of inert mineral addition of limestone fillers with dosages of 10% and 20% grinded to different fine nesses 2000, 3000 and 4000 cm2/g on the physico-mechanical properties of a fresh self-placing concrete using slump, the L-box and the sieve stability tests. Also, the means of destructive and non-destructive tests (NDT) methods to the assessment of the mechanical performances of SCC at hardened state were used. The use of experiment factorial design method allows us to have behavior laws to predict the mechanical strength response when combined with (NDT) according to a numerical model in such study. Hence, a numerical modeling of mechanical response could be derived by such statistical analysis in regards to the effects of factors and their interaction. The results obtained showed that the incorporation of limestone filler in the composition of the SCC improves the fluidity with limited segregation, as well as the good mechanical performances (resistance to compression and flexion). The numerical modeling of the predicted compressive strength response, in particular at the age of 28 days, is judged to be with an acceptable determined coefficient R2 equal to 0.994.