Mechanical and durability properties of ground calcium carbonate-added roller-compacted concrete for pavement

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate the mechanical and durability properties of roller-compacted concrete (RCC) containing ground calcium carbonate (GCC). Five different mixture combinations were prepared by replacing cement with GCC at the levels of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% by weight. The water contents of the mixture were optimised with the maximum density method. The compressive and flexural strengths of the RCC mixtures were evaluated up to 90 days. Durability characteristics, such as water absorption rates, sulphate and freeze–thaw resistances, were also evaluated in this study. The GCC inclusion of up to 15% increased the mechanical strength values and enhanced the durability characteristics of the RCC mixtures. Scanning electron microscopy images of the additional 15% GCC were also utilised. Results revealed that GCC inclusion exhibited an improvement in the durability properties of the specimens.

Keywords

• Roller-compacted concrete
• Ground calcium carbonate
• Freeze–thaw cycles
• Magnesium sulphate resistance
• Durability properties