Influence of an over calcined calcium oxide-based shrinkage-compensating admixture on some properties of a self-compacting concrete

Abstract

The demand for self-compacting concrete grows continuously due to investments in new infrastructure, upgrades, or replacement of old infrastructure. This type of concrete can mold itself into the spaces intended for it on its own and fill them without the need for any vibration or external compaction. It must achieve three main properties: fluidity, passing ability, and resistance to segregation. Monitoring these properties, the quality, and the increase in the performance of concrete structures is essential to keep up with this growth. In this work, we explore the effect of adding a commercial over calcined calcium oxide-based compound, as a shrinkage-compensating admixture, on the properties of fresh and hardened concrete, particularly on the shrinkage and curing of self-compacting concrete specimens (SCC). Also, an experimental protocol is proposed for the electrical impedance analysis of concrete samples. Fluidity, compression, shrinkage, elastic modulus, and impedance spectroscopy tests were performed, in addition to scanning electron microscopy images. The additive slightly modifies the concrete properties in the fresh state. In hardened concrete, the compressive strength and modulus of elasticity increase, in addition to a reduction in shrinkage with 2.8% of the additive.