Consequences of using GGBS and M-sand on the properties of high strength concrete

Abstract

Complimentary cementitious materials have occupied a pivotal position in the production of high-strength concrete blends as a substitute for binding components. These additional cementing compounds have been used in concrete for decades and their effects are well known and understood. The practise of using supplementary cementitious materials in the construction sector is favorable to concrete technologists, which generally results in a lower cost of concrete production without compromising on the short-term and long-term attributes of concrete. One of the well-known cementitious materials like Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS), which is obtained as a by-product of steel producing units, is being used as partial substitute of cement in producing M60 grade of high strength concrete. The present work is focused on the utilization of manufactured sand and stone powder as finer aggregate content and GGBS as a fractional binding element. Various tests were performed to find the mechanical properties and microstructure of high strength mixes. The analyses revealed that GGBS made significant contributions to the mechanical properties of concrete through void filling ability and the formation of calcium-silicate-hydrate gel. The micro-structural tests performed through scanning electron microscopy and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the dense microstructure of the high-strength mix of concrete at 45% substitution levels of GGBS.