Effect of Microcalcite on the Workability, Mechanical Properties and Durability of Concrete

Effect of Microcalcite on the Workability, Mechanical Properties and Durability of Concrete Due to their pozzolanic activity, silica fume and fly ash are mostly used for the production of high performance concrete. However, quality control of these materials exhibit a challenge since these materials are industrial by-products. In this study, microcalcite, fly ash and silica fume are added to concrete, and workability, setting time, heat development, strength development, fracture energy, permeability and sulphate resistance properties are tested. Microcalcite concrete exhibited loss of workability and decrease in setting time. Compared to fly ash and silica fume concretes, microcalcite concretes exhibited higher early age compressive and split tensile strength, while their long term strength development and sulphate resistance were lower.