Effect of alccofine and fly ash on analytical methods of self-compacting concrete

Cement is the most significant component in concrete. Large-scale manufacturing of cement consumes more energy and releases harmful products (carbon dioxide) into the atmosphere, adversely affecting the environment and depleting natural resources. A lot of research is going on globally, concentrating on the recycling and reuse of waste materials from many industries. A significant share of research is focused on finding cementitious materials alternatives to ordinary Portland cement. Many industrial waste by-products, such as quartz powder, metakaolin, ground granulated blast furnace slag, silica fume, and fly ash, are under investigation for replacement of cement in concrete to minimize greenhouse gases and improve the sustainable construction. In this research, the effect of a new material, i.e., alccofine as a partial replacement (i.e., 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%) and constant fly ash dosage (i.e., 25%) on thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electronic microscopy analysis on concrete were studied. Adding alccofine and fly ash showed a significant improvement on the analytical methods of self-compacting concrete.