Performance of manufactured sand in self-compacting concrete RC beam under flexure

This study investigates the impact of self-compacting concrete (SCC) with manufactured sand (M-sand) on improving the flexural behaviour of reinforced concrete (RC) beams. M-sand is finely crushed aggregate sourced from rocks or quarry stones, providing a sustainable substitute for natural river sand in construction. It ensures uniform quality, cost-efficiency, and diminished environmental impact compared to natural river sand. Mineral additives such as Alccofine 1203 and silica fume, along with a superplasticizer like Conplast SP430, were incorporated to achieve higher workability. The main focus of the study is the structural behaviour of M-sand concrete with Alccofine and silica fume. Beam specimens with dimensions of 150 mm width, 230 mm depth, and 2100 mm length were prepared for experimentation. The outcomes demonstrate a significant improvement in the flexural performance of SCC beams with the substitution of M-sand at various percentages. Replacing natural sand entirely with M-sand notably showcased superior flexural performance when compared to varying proportions of M-sand. The utilization of mineral additives elevated the load-bearing capacities of the incorporated M-sand in RC SCC beams compared to conventional RC SCC beams. Additionally, the presence of M-sand led to a reduction in crack spacing and crack width. These findings highlight the potential of SCC in enhancing the structural performance of concrete elements.