Effect of Calcium Carbonate Powder on Flowing Performances and Compressive Strength of Lightweight Aggregate Self-Compacting Concrete (LWASCC)

This research presents the effect of the use of calcium carbonate powder, as a cement replacement material, on flowing performances and compressive strength of self-compacting concrete incorporating lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA) as coarse aggregate. In the experiment, calcium carbonate powder was used to replace Portland cement by 20, 35 and 50 % of total binder volume. The investigated concrete properties included slump flow, flow time to reach a diameter of 500 mm (T₅₀₀), V-funnel flow time, L-box H₂/H₁ passing index, and compressive strength of the concrete. The results revealed that the replacement of calcium carbonate powder in Portland cement decreased flowing of LWASCC. The slump flow diameter and H₂/H₁ passing index were decreased, while T₅₀₀ and V-funnel flow time were increased by of the volume of calcium carbonate replacement. In addition, the concrete containing calcium carbonate powder had the compressive strength higher than the control at 7 days, and the use of cement replacement with calcium carbonate powder of 20% obtained the highest compressive strength.