Influence of Limestone Powder and calcium Carbide Waste on the Properties of Self Compacting Concrete

Abstract

Concrete is a widely used material. Among its constituents, cement contributes most to its strength development. This study evaluated the influence of Limestone and Calcium carbide waster contents on the properties of the blended Mixes. Sixteen mixes with PC as control and others containing varying content of LP and CCW as a replacement of PC, were prepared and evaluated in terms of consistency, setting times, flow and passing abilities as well as compressive and splitting tensile strengths respectively. Concrete cubes and cylinders were cast, cured to determine compressive and splitting tensile strengths at 28 and 56 days respectively. Test results show that consistency of the blended cements slightly increased compared with control value. Similarly, the setting times were elongated compared with control values. The flow ability and passing ability of mixes up to 20 % and 10 % by weight of PC for LP and CCW contents met EFNARC 2005 Provisions while mixes with LP content exceeding 20 % did not meet the aforementioned code provisions. The compressive and splitting tensile strengths also depicts similar trends with mix PC +LP20 +CCW10 attaining a compressive strength of 46.25 N/mm2 after 56 days of curing. Beyond the aforementioned LP content of 20 %, compressive strength decreased. Mixes are susceptible to segregation. The pastes of blended mixes exhibited retardation which is useful for concretes requiring long time for setting. Mix PC + LP20 +CCW10 which produced a strength of 46.25 N/mm2 yielded the most synergy between LP and CCW and can be used to attain self-compatibility of SCC.