Development of High Strength GGBS based Self Compacting Concrete by Partial Replacement of Silica Fume in Cement and Granite Powder in Fine Aggregate

Abstract

This study focuses on the development of M60 grade Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) incorporating silica fume (SF) and granite powder (GP) for sustainable and high-performance applications. Silica fume was used as a partial replacement of cement at 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% to enhance strength and durability. Fine aggregate was partially replaced with granite powder at 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% to evaluate its effect on workability and mechanical properties. The fresh properties of SCC were ensured to satisfy standard flowability requirements. Mechanical properties including compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength were systematically evaluated. The results indicated a significant improvement in strength characteristics with the incorporation of mineral admixtures. The optimum performance was observed at 5% silica fume and 30% granite powder replacement levels. The improved performance is attributed to enhanced particle packing and pozzolanic reactions. This study demonstrates that the use of silica fume and granite powder can produce sustainable, high-strength SCC while reducing dependency on natural materials and cement.

Introduction

This text discusses the development of sustainable high-strength Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) aimed at reducing the environmental impact of conventional cement usage. It highlights that OPC 53-grade cement production significantly contributes to CO? emissions and resource depletion due to energy-intensive manufacturing processes. To address this, the study proposes replacing part of cement and fine aggregate with eco-friendly industrial by-products such as Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS), silica fume, and granite powder. These materials improve concrete properties by enhancing strength, durability, particle packing, and microstructure while also reducing environmental burden.

The literature review shows that partial replacement of cement with materials like fly ash, silica fume, and GGBS generally improves compressive strength, durability, and workability up to optimal levels, while excessive replacement can reduce performance. Similarly, granite powder as a substitute for natural sand enhances density and sustainability when used in controlled proportions.

The study materials include OPC 53 cement, GGBS, silica fume, granite powder, fine and coarse aggregates, water, and a superplasticizer. The mix design follows EFNARC and IS guidelines for M60 grade SCC, with varying percentages of cement and sand replacements to identify optimal combinations. A constant chemical admixture is used to ensure high flowability required for self-compacting behavior.

Conclusion

1) Mix M0 (reference SCC mix) established the baseline performance with compressive strength of 68 MPa, split tensile strength of 5.02 MPa, and flexural strength of 7.01 MPa for comparison of all modified SCC mixes. 2) Mix M2 containing 5% silica fume showed improved mechanical performance with compressive strength of 68.5 MPa, split tensile strength of 6.02 MPa, and flexural strength of 8.02 MPa due to enhanced pozzolanic reaction, refined pore structure, and better particle packing. 3) Mix M7 with 30% granite powder achieved satisfactory strength performance with compressive strength of 67 MPa, split tensile strength of 4.8 MPa, and flexural strength of 6.01 MPa owing to filler effect and improved aggregate gradation in the SCC matrix. 4) Mix M9 containing combined replacement of 5% silica fume and 30% granite powder exhibited optimum overall performance with maximum compressive strength of 70 MPa, split tensile strength of 6.9 MPa, and flexural strength of 8.21 MPa due to synergistic densification and improved interfacial bonding within the concrete matrix. 5) Silica fume replacement improved the fresh and hardened properties up to 5–7.5%, while higher replacement of 10% reduced workability and strength because of excessive fineness, higher water demand, and reduction in effective cementitious content. 6) Granite powder replacement enhanced SCC performance up to 30% due to better packing density and filler action, whereas 40% replacement resulted in reduced strength and flowability because of increased fines and reduced cohesiveness. 7) All SCC mixes satisfied EFNARC workability requirements and exhibited good filling ability, passing ability, and resistance to segregation. The results confirmed the suitability of the mixes for self-compacting concrete applications.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 T. Ashwini, J. Sravani. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.