Synergistic effect of lignosulfonate and nano ground granulated blast furnace slag on the properties of micro steel fiber reinforced self compacting concrete

In this paper, the effect of lignosulfonate (LS) and nano ground granulated blast furnace slag on the properties of self compacting concrete containing brass coated micro steel fibres are discussed. The workability, mechanical strength and durability properties were studied by varying the proportions of lignosulfonate and nano ground granulated blast furnace slag in the steel fibre reinforced self compacting concrete (SFRSCC). The flow characteristics of the fresh SFRSCC were studied using slump flow, J ring; V funnel and L box tests. The mechanical and durability properties were studied by varying proportions of nano ground granulated blast furnace slag and LS. The results showed that the self compacting properties of concrete can be enhanced by using Nano ground granulated blast furnace slag and LS. The strength and durability tests also showed promising results due to nano ground granulated blast furnace slag and LS inclusion. However the results indicate that there exists a maximum steel fibre content which is obtained as 1% by weight of main binder content that can be used for the production of self compacting concrete with best performance. The SEM and XRD results also established a strong relationship between the strength and the microstructure of the SFSRCC.