Performance of Self-Compacting Concrete by Amalgamating Waste Materials Using Absolute Volume Method: A Review

Abstract

Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) is a highly flowable, non-segregating concrete that spreads into place and fills formwork without mechanical vibration. In recent years, there has been a significant interest in enhancing the sustainability of SCC by incorporating various industrial and agricultural waste materials. This paper reviews the existing literature on the performance of SCC prepared using waste materials such as fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), silica fume, rice husk ash (RHA), marble dust, and recycled aggregates. Special emphasis is placed on the application of the Absolute Volume Method (AVM) in mix design to optimize material proportions. This method ensures accuracy in volume-based mix proportioning, which is essential for maintaining the flowability and strength of SCC. The study identifies gaps in current research and outlines future directions for developing greener SCC mixes.

Introduction

1. Introduction

The growing need for high-performance, eco-friendly construction materials has driven innovation in concrete technology. Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC), known for its ability to flow under its own weight without vibration, offers significant advantages in complex structures. However, traditional SCC relies heavily on cement, a major source of CO? emissions.

To improve sustainability, researchers are exploring partial replacements of cement and aggregates with industrial, agricultural, and demolition wastes, such as:

• Fly ash

• GGBS

• Silica fume

• Rice husk ash (RHA)

• Marble dust

• Glass powder

• Recycled aggregates

• Brick powder

When properly used, these materials can enhance SCC properties and reduce environmental impact.

2. Key Methodology: Absolute Volume Method (AVM)

• AVM is a volume-based mix design approach that ensures accurate and consistent proportions of SCC components.

• It is more reliable than empirical methods, which often lead to inconsistencies when incorporating waste materials.

• This review analyzes how AVM affects workability, strength, and durability in SCC mixes using waste replacements.

3. Literature Review Highlights

Common Findings Across Studies:

• Fly Ash: Improves workability and long-term strength; reduces heat of hydration but may lower early strength.

• GGBS: Boosts long-term durability and strength due to latent hydraulic properties.

• Silica Fume: Increases strength and impermeability; needs superplasticizers to retain flowability.

• RHA: Pozzolanic; enhances durability but can reduce flowability if overused.

• Marble/Stone Dust: Acts as a filler; enhances surface finish and compressive strength.

• Glass Powder: Improves flow and mechanical properties up to 15–20%; higher contents reduce workability.

• Brick Powder: Effective as fine aggregate substitute; improves flexural and tensile strength when combined with fibers.

• Recycled Aggregates: Viable with mix adjustments; environmentally beneficial but increases porosity.

4. Performance Outcomes

• Fresh Properties (slump flow, viscosity, segregation resistance): Improved by materials like fly ash and silica fume; sensitive to water absorption (e.g., with recycled aggregates or brick dust).

• Hardened Properties (compressive/flexural strength, durability): Generally enhanced when optimal replacement levels (15–30%) are used.

• Durability: Improved chloride resistance, lower permeability, and higher resistance to cracking in fiber-reinforced or silica-rich mixes.

5. Notable Studies

• Ahmed et al. (2023): 100% RCA with fly ash and metakaolin viable in SCC with slight strength reduction but better flexural performance.

• Kumar et al. (2019): 45% stone dust + 20% fly ash yielded a 28.57% strength gain.

• Budharapu et al. (2024): Combination of glass powder, MSWI ash, and stone dust improved compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths.

• Wolde et al. (2023): Brick powder improved SCC durability and tensile strength.

• Samia Tariq et al. (2020): Fine glass particles improved long-term durability and reduced porosity.

Conclusion

This review has critically examined the current state of research on the performance of Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) incorporating various industrial and agricultural waste materials, designed using the Absolute Volume Method (AVM). The integration of waste materials such as fly ash, GGBS, silica fume, rice husk ash, marble dust, and recycled aggregates has demonstrated promising potential in improving the sustainability of SCC while maintaining or enhancing its workability and mechanical properties. The AVM has emerged as a rational and precise approach to SCC mix design, offering improved control over volumetric balance and consistency across different concrete batches. When combined with waste materials, this method ensures the desired self-compacting characteristics are achieved without compromising structural performance. However, the review also reveals that most studies have been fragmented, with a focus on specific materials or isolated properties, and limited adoption of AVM in practical applications. It is evident that the successful implementation of sustainable SCC depends on a thorough understanding of material behavior, mix optimization, and performance evaluation through standardized protocols. Future research should aim to develop comprehensive mix design frameworks that integrate AVM with multi-waste combinations and predictive modeling tools. Such efforts will not only support greener construction practices but also pave the way for high-performance, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible concrete solutions.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Mr. Yogesh Kalare , Mr. Rajesh Parve . 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.