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Influence of Optimum Particle Packing on the Macro and Micro Properties of Sustainable Concrete

Author

Listed:
  • Wisam J. Abushama

    (Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, The American University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 26666, United Arab Emirates)

  • Adil K. Tamimi

    (Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, The American University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 26666, United Arab Emirates)

  • Sami W. Tabsh

    (Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, The American University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 26666, United Arab Emirates)

  • Magdi M. El-Emam

    (Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, The American University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 26666, United Arab Emirates)

  • Ahmad Ibrahim

    (Elkem Materials, Dubai P.O. Box 262213, United Arab Emirates)

  • Taghreed Kh Mohammed Ali

    (Department of Architecture Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Koya University, Koya KOY45, Kurdistan Region, Iraq)

Abstract

In this research, the possibility of making eco-friendly concrete from available materials in the local United Arab Emirates (UAE) market was investigated. Supplementary cementitious materials, such as ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) and silica fume (SF), were utilized for decreasing the cement quantity, enhancing the particle size distribution and improving packing. In sum, 130 concrete specimens—cubes, cylinders, and prisms—from 10 different concrete mixes were tested to determine the enhancement levels in the fresh and hard properties of new concrete. The results showed the improved particle packing of the concrete, especially within the region of sizes 100–10,000 microns, produced by the Elkem Materials Mix Analyser (EMMA), closely matching the Andreassen theoretical model. The green concrete incorporating SF and GGBS possessed air content in the range 1.0–1.4% and compressive strength that is on average 11% higher than the well-packed concrete that did not contain SF or GGBS. Compared to the ACI 318 code’s predictions, the experimental findings of the optimally packed concrete’s moduli of rupture and elasticity were under-estimated by 55–69% and 0.8–8.8%, respectively. The rapid chloride permeability test (RCPT) showed results as low as 392 coulombs for mixes with supplementary cementitious materials, indicating very low chloride permeability. Microstructural analysis using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) demonstrated that concrete with supplementary materials has fewer voids, more homogeneous integration of ingredients, and an abundance of C-S-H products that supported the RCPT findings and tests of mechanical properties. The study demonstrated a significant decrease in carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions of concrete utilizing GGBS and SF and the financial feasibility of eco-friendly concrete in the UAE.

Suggested Citation

  • Wisam J. Abushama & Adil K. Tamimi & Sami W. Tabsh & Magdi M. El-Emam & Ahmad Ibrahim & Taghreed Kh Mohammed Ali, 2023. "Influence of Optimum Particle Packing on the Macro and Micro Properties of Sustainable Concrete," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-23, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:19:p:14331-:d:1249953
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Khan, Mohammad Iqbal & Siddique, Rafat, 2011. "Utilization of silica fume in concrete: Review of durability properties," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 57(C), pages 30-35.
    2. Siddique, Rafat, 2011. "Utilization of silica fume in concrete: Review of hardened properties," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 55(11), pages 923-932.
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