Improving the Self-Compacting Concrete Properties by Incorporating a New Micronized Limestone Filler

Abstract Self -compacting concrete composition results from several approaches to satisfy specific criteria. SCCs must be able to fill small, confined formwork without the need for vibration. To ensure the homogeneity and mechanical characteristics of the concrete, they must have good resistance to segregation throughout the setting time. The self-compacting aspect is controlled by a high volume of paste and an important fines content ensured by incorporating mineral additions that are expensive and not always available. The main objective of this paper is to utilize a new type of micronized limestone filler that may be characterized and incorporated into concrete to guarantee self-compacting quality. In the first part, a detailed characterization of the limestone filler was carried out to investigate its effects on the concrete properties. The identification has been physical, chemical, and specific to the concrete’s formulation. The second part is devoted to the experimental tests on different SCCs mixed with various amounts of filler to determine the optimal incorporation percentage. Moreover, a parametric study, involving the content of filler, the granular structure, and the quantity of superplasticizer, allowed an evaluation of the effect of limestone filler incorporation on fresh and hardened concrete characteristics. Through this study, it was demonstrated that with a proportion of limestone filler of about 25% of the quantity of cement used, the quality of the concrete has recognized appreciable improvements.