The Effect of a High Amount of Micro-Fillers on the Long-Term Properties of Concrete

Abstract

Concretes in which a large portion of fine natural aggregate is replaced with inert mineral powders would offer both economic and ecological benefits for the concrete industry, and they represent eco-friendly materials. Moreover, using the powders having potential pozzolanic effect could have positive extra effect on the properties of concrete. This paper analyses the impact of a high dosage of three kinds of micro-fillers (brick, concrete and glass powders) on the properties of concrete over a three-year period. Microfillers were applied as 40% replacement of 0/4 aggregate by volume. Samples having high dosage of micro-fillers and thus a higher binder volume achieved excellent values of both compressive (from 31 to 48 MPa in 28 days, and from 67 to 93 MPa in three years) and flexural strength (from 6.3 to 8.4 MPa in 28 days, and from 7.1 to 11.1 MPa in three years). Both samples with brick powder and concrete powder achieved the biggest strength values; however, due to better performance in durability parameters (capillary water absorption coefficient and density), sample prepared with glass powder can be identified as having the biggest potential for intended use.