Empirical Modeling of High-Performance Self-Compacting Concrete with Induction-Furnace Slag

Abstract

Abstract This study led to the creation of empirical models of the properties of high-performance self-compacting concrete (HPSCC) with inductionfurnace slag (IFS) added as an extra cementitious ingredient. The ingredients were Portland cement, IFS ranging from 0 to 50% by cement weight, granite, river sand, water, and superplasticizer. Using a slump flow test, the filling-ability property of the newly produced HPSCC was investigated. Similarly, a compressive strength test was used to determine the hardened HPSCC's compressive strength. Using already established scientific ideas, the empirical model of the filling-ability characteristic of the fresh HPSCC was generated, on the basis of the slump flow and the volume of the paste of the fresh concrete. Likewise, the empirical model of the compressive strength of the hardened HPSCC was generated, based on the combination of the parameters of the strength developed over time, with the strength developed, due to the addition of the IFS. Based on these, the empirical model of the fillingability property of the fresh HPSCC was ρ r s f 2 = 0.002 ( 1 - V P ) - 11.34 {{{\rho _r}} \over {{s_f}^2}} = 0.002{\left( {1 - {V_P}} \right)^{ - 11.34}} , while that of the compressive strength of the hardened HPSCC was f c ( t ) = t 4.52 + 0.78 t ( − 0.0109 ( P i f s ) 2 + 0.2632 P i f s + 52.446 ) {f_c}\left( t \right) = {t \over {4.52 + 0.78t}}\left( { - 0.0109{{\left( {{P_{ifs}}} \right)}^2} + 0.2632{P_{ifs}} + 52.446} \right) . The empirical models were then validated using test data from this work. Strong links between the measured and the predicted values were identified by the empirical correlations, where the coefficient of determination (R2) value for the filling ability property, gave above 94% and the R2 value for the compressive strength, gave above 86%. The estimated slump flow and the compressive strength were approximately equal to the experimental values. The outcomes demonstrated that IFS may be utilized to produce an eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable HPSCC. The models can be adopted in designing HPSCC containing IFS as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) and in predicting its filling-ability and compressive strength, which will benefit the construction industry.