Experimental contribution to the study of the physic-mechanical behavior and durability of high-performance concretes based on ternary binder (cement, silica fume and granulated blast furnace slag)

Abstract

High performance concrete (HPC) is an innovative concrete used widely in modern construction. New techniques of formulating and designing HPC have made it possible to obtain remarkable mechanical performance and durability compared to the conventional concrete. The main advantages of HPC are related to its low porosity, very high mechanical resistance, and excellent durability. The ease of HPC application is obtained by the combined use of superplasticizer and mineral addition, which results in a significant increase in the compressive strength while improving workability and durability. The Algerian steel industry in North Africa generates very large quantities of slag which are currently little or not used for the formulation of hydraulic binders in the field of construction materials. In the current economic climate, research on high-performance concretes in Algeria is mainly focused on their formulations with a view to producing cement-based concretes composed of better strengths and more durable. The objective of this work is to optimize a formulation of HPC based on a ternary binder integrating granulated Algerian blast furnace slag as a cement substitute. This can partially solve an environmental problem by recycling waste and by-products from the steel industry. The manufacture of a HPC with less cement could lead to both environmental benefits thanks to a reduction in CO2 emissions and financial benefits through a lower construction cost and build more sustainable structures.

Keywords

• high performance concrete
• granulated blast furnace slag
• ternary binders
• mechanical behaviors
• durability
• environment