Influence of ultra-fine steatite powder on the fresh and hardened properties of self-compacting concrete

Abstract

Being one of the globally used construction material, upgrading in the concrete has always become the cardinal motif for the researchers inducing the advancements in the same. Self compacting concrete being one such special concrete has eased much of the work for the constructors in many aspects. Steatite powder (Hydrated magnesium silicate powder) is introduced as an additive in the self compacting concrete in this experimental study. The fresh properties of self-compacting concrete such passing ability, filling ability flowing ability and segregation resistance along with the hardened concrete studies such as compressive strength as well as split tensile strength were studied. An entire powder content of 530Kg/m3 and a water/powder ratio of 0.43 were adopted throughout the study for the mix proportions. Different percentages of Ultra Fine Natural Steatite Powder (UFNSP) were incorporated to the complete weight of the OPC at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% as an additive. The flow properties of the SCC developed with UFNSP were noted to be within the permissible limits of the European guidelines for SCC. Whereas on the other side, the mechanical properties remain elevated up to 20% of addition of UFNSP by developing optimum strength at 15% of UFNSP owing to the finer particle size of the UFNSP along with the presence of Mg in the SCC mixes thus developed.