Impact of Micro-sized Supplementary Cementitious Materials on Concrete Properties

Portland cement concrete with compressive strength ranging from 28 to 56 MPa are widely used in today’s construction market. Recently, the need for smaller structural sections necessitated the development of concrete mixes with higher strength and superior mechanical properties to satisfy the construction market needs. This paper presents the impact of using micro-sized supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) as silica fume, quartz flour, and fly ash on the final compressive strength of concrete. SCMs are used to replace up to 30% of cement (by weight), which improves the sustainability and environmental compliance of construction projects as it lowers the carbon footprint developed due to cement manufacturing. In this research project, high-energy mixers were used in mix development, and high-range water reducers were incorporated to attain sufficient workability while maintaining the mix’s high strength. Concrete mixes with 28-day compressive strength of 100 MPa were achieved. The main advantages of high-strength SCM-incorporated mixes include the development of smaller structural sections, reducing material consumption, and reducing the need for frequent future maintenance. The inclusion of SCMs in concrete mix development significantly increases the project sustainability. SCMs incorporation in the construction industry will positively impact the infrastructure conditions within the United States.