Durability performance of waste marble-based self-compacting concrete reinforced with steel fibers

In this study, steel fibers (SF) were added in different percentages including 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0% to improve the durability aspects of self-compacting concrete (SCC). Furthermore, 10% marble waste (by weight of sand) as a filler material was also added to improve the microstructure of SCC. The filling and passing ability of SCC were calculated through slump flow, slump T500, L-box ratio, and V-funnel test. The durability of SCC was evaluated through density, permeability, water absorption, ultrasonic pulse velocity, acid resistance, and dry shrinkage test. Furthermore, the microstructure was evaluated through scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). Results reveal that the synergic effect of marble waste and SF enhanced the durability of SCC due to crack prevention of SF and micro-filling voids of marble waste. However, a decrease in filling and passing ability was observed with the addition of SF. The SEM results reveal that the microstructure of SCC improved considerably with the addition of SF and marble waste. However, the study observed that the higher dose of SF (beyond 1.5%) decreased the durability of SCC. Therefore, the study suggests that 1.5% SF (optimum) should be used for better durability.