Utilization of industrial waste perlite powder in self-compacting concrete

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production 2017-07, Vol.156, p.507-517
• Main Authors: El Mir, Abdulkader, Nehme, Salem G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Eco-friendly self-compacting concrete; Fresh properties; Hardened properties; Waste perlite powder
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.04.103

Different stages in the production of expanded perlite provide various types of waste by-products that could be used in the building industry, thus supporting a sustainable environment. In this study, the use of waste perlite powder (WPP) at a high content as a filler material in self-compacting concrete (SCC) was investigated. The combination of blast furnace slag cement as the main binder, along with metakaolin (MK) as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM), helped us produce several normally vibrated concrete (NVC) and SCC mixtures with low clinker content (190–220 kg/m3). To ensure the appropriate rheological properties for SCC production, filler materials were added to the SCC mixtures, and the rheological properties of the fresh concrete and the mechanical and durability properties of the hardened concrete were investigated. The results indicated that WPP had a significant pozzolanic effect on the concrete microstructure, resulting in a positive impact on the compressive strength of the concrete. Furthermore, enhanced durability properties of SCC mixtures incorporating WPP was obtained. •Waste perlite powder (WPP) can be applied as a filler in the production of self-compacting concrete (SCC).•WPP has a positive pozzolanic effect on the strength gain of SCC at a low clinker content.•Metakaolin can be used along with WPP for enhanced mechanical and durability properties.