Durability Studies on Self-Compacting Concrete Containing Sepiolite Powder and Recycled Coarse Aggregates

The properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC) made from recycled coarse aggregate and cement binder alternatives, including fly ash and sepiolite powder, are the focus of this experimental investigation. Ternary blended SCC mixes are made in a variety of configurations according to IS 10262-2019 and EFNARC specifications. Various tests, including the V-funnel, L-box test, J-ring, and slump flow, were performed to examine the new properties. To evaluate the SCC's mechanical qualities, a compressive strength test was performed, and the material's resistance to carbonation and sulphate-chloride was measured. The results show that the workability required by EFNARC can be achieved by adding sepiolite and increasing the fly ash content in the SCC. Up to a particular level of replacement (10% sepiolite and 20% recycled aggregate), the mechanical parameters of ternary blended SCC were superior to those of the control SCC. When cement is swapped out with sepiolite powder, SCC has improved durability. Carbonation depth was shown to increase as there were higher replacement amounts of sepiolite powder and the corresponding recycled aggregates. The sulphate and chloride resistance of SCC was also significantly aided by the incorporation of up to 15% sepiolite and 30% recycled aggregates.