Stabilization of limestone dust in self-compacting concrete and its effect on workability, mechanical and durability properties

Limestone dust is the by-product of limestone grinding in the process of concrete aggregate production. Such waste material causes various environmental problems. The present experimental study has focused on stabilization of limestone dust in self-consolidating concrete (SCC) in order to decrease its negative environmental effects; the workability, mechanical and durability properties of different SCC samples were investigated. With that regards, nine SCC mixtures containing different percentages of limestone dust, Portland cement and silica fume were devised and casted. Overall, compressive strength, indirect tension, rapid chloride penetration, density, absorption, voids, slump flow, and L Box tests were performed on all mixtures. Considering the results, concrete mixtures which contained 10 percent limestone dust performed the best compared to the control sample and other blends form the point of view of workability, compressive and tensile strength, absorption, and resistance against chloride ions penetration. Accordingly, in addition to stabilization of limestone dust in concrete, which well satisfies the global approach towards sustainable development, workability, mechanical, and durability properties of SCC samples were considerably improved.