Effect of micro silica on fiber-reinforced self-compacting composites containing ceramic waste

This paper aims to evaluate the impact of ceramic waste powder (CWP), micro silica (MS) and steel fiber (SF) on self-compacting mortar. CWP at ratios of 10 and 20%, and MS at 1 and 5% by weight of cement were replaced the cement. Beside, SF was added at ratios of 0.5 and 1% of cement. Mini slump flow diameter and mini V-funnel flow time tests were carried out to determine the workability of fresh composites. Compressive strength, flexural strength, water absorption, electrical resistivity and drying shrinkage tests were performed on hardened mortars. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) technique was employed to assess the microstructure. The results indicated that CWP reduced the mechanical properties by about 20% and increased permeability by about 14%. However, inclusion of micro silica particles improved the properties outstandingly. Compressive strength increased about 30% by inclusion of MS. It was also observed that the addition of fibers from 0.5% to 1% increased the flexural strength. This improvement was more obvious in samples with higher contents of micro silica. It can be reported that by including the both micro silica and steel fibers, the bonding between the cement paste and fibers was developed. Replacement of micro silica led to increase of electrical resistivity by about 99% in samples containing 20% ceramic waste powder. The microstructure studies confirmed the significant increase of density and uniformity of the hydration products in the presence of micro silica particles.