Valorization and optimization of residue of masonry for the production of self-compacting concrete

Abstract The use of different supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) in the production of self-compacting concretes (SCCs) is an increasingly common practice. In this paper, results of a research about the use of residue of masonry (RM) as SCM are presented. Frattini test, resistance activity index and thermogravimetry testing were carried out. The influence of RM on the fresh and hardened properties of the SCC was studied by replacing the Portland cement in percentages of 0 to 50% by volume. The fresh properties of the SCCs were measured by slump flow test, L-box and V-funnel. The test results showed that the RM has pozzolanic activity and can be used as SCM. The SCC manufactured with RM presented good performance in terms of self-compactability; however, the RM, because of its low reactivity at early ages, showed a decrease in the compressive strength, that was directly proportional to the percentage of replacement.