Effects of fly ash content on the macro-performance and microstructure of self-compacting concrete using tuff powder under freeze-thaw cycles

Fly ash (FA) and tuff powder (TP) were incorporated to improve the macro-performance and microstructure of self-compacting concrete (SCC) under freeze-thaw cycles (FTCs). Three SCC mixtures with FA replacement levels of 0 %, 10 %, and 20 %, along with 15 % TP, were tested for rheological properties...

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Main Authors: Jingbin Zhang, Chongshi Hu, Dejian Shen, Ding Nie, Xiaoyun Qin, Xuehui An
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-12-01
Series:Case Studies in Construction Materials
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214509525007247
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author Jingbin Zhang
Chongshi Hu
Dejian Shen
Ding Nie
Xiaoyun Qin
Xuehui An
author_facet Jingbin Zhang
Chongshi Hu
Dejian Shen
Ding Nie
Xiaoyun Qin
Xuehui An
author_sort Jingbin Zhang
collection DOAJ
description Fly ash (FA) and tuff powder (TP) were incorporated to improve the macro-performance and microstructure of self-compacting concrete (SCC) under freeze-thaw cycles (FTCs). Three SCC mixtures with FA replacement levels of 0 %, 10 %, and 20 %, along with 15 % TP, were tested for rheological properties (slump flow and V-funnel), mechanical performance (compressive and splitting tensile strength), freeze-thaw resistance, and microstructural characteristics. Freeze-thaw resistance was evaluated using mass loss rate, relative dynamic elastic modulus (RDEM), and relative compressive strength. The results indicate that FA improves the SCC flowability but reduces segregation resistance. While FA decreases compressive and splitting tensile strengths, it enhances compressive strength development over time. Additionally, FA lowers mass loss rates, mitigates RDEM deterioration, and increases relative compressive strength during FTC exposure. Microstructural analysis reveals that FA decreases overall porosity and significantly reduces the volume of harmful and multi-harmful pores. A decline in harmful and multi-harmful pores corresponds with lower mass loss rates and higher RDEM values. Finally, damage models based on mass loss and dynamic elastic modulus are developed to predict SCC service life under FTC conditions, providing a valuable reference for SCC production in the Xizang Autonomous Region.
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issn 2214-5095
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publishDate 2025-12-01
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series Case Studies in Construction Materials
spelling doaj-art-4cc24b368c8a48038658f86b07b5290c2025-08-20T03:22:58ZengElsevierCase Studies in Construction Materials2214-50952025-12-0123e0492610.1016/j.cscm.2025.e04926Effects of fly ash content on the macro-performance and microstructure of self-compacting concrete using tuff powder under freeze-thaw cyclesJingbin Zhang0Chongshi Hu1Dejian Shen2Ding Nie3Xiaoyun Qin4Xuehui An5College of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; Key Laboratory of Construction and Safety of Water Engineering of the Ministry of Water Resources, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing 100038, ChinaCollege of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, ChinaCollege of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; Corresponding author.Key Laboratory of Construction and Safety of Water Engineering of the Ministry of Water Resources, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing 100038, ChinaCollege of Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, Xizang Agricultural and Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China; Research Center of Civil, Hydraulic and Power Engineering of Xizang, Xizang Agriculture and Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Hydroscience and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, ChinaFly ash (FA) and tuff powder (TP) were incorporated to improve the macro-performance and microstructure of self-compacting concrete (SCC) under freeze-thaw cycles (FTCs). Three SCC mixtures with FA replacement levels of 0 %, 10 %, and 20 %, along with 15 % TP, were tested for rheological properties (slump flow and V-funnel), mechanical performance (compressive and splitting tensile strength), freeze-thaw resistance, and microstructural characteristics. Freeze-thaw resistance was evaluated using mass loss rate, relative dynamic elastic modulus (RDEM), and relative compressive strength. The results indicate that FA improves the SCC flowability but reduces segregation resistance. While FA decreases compressive and splitting tensile strengths, it enhances compressive strength development over time. Additionally, FA lowers mass loss rates, mitigates RDEM deterioration, and increases relative compressive strength during FTC exposure. Microstructural analysis reveals that FA decreases overall porosity and significantly reduces the volume of harmful and multi-harmful pores. A decline in harmful and multi-harmful pores corresponds with lower mass loss rates and higher RDEM values. Finally, damage models based on mass loss and dynamic elastic modulus are developed to predict SCC service life under FTC conditions, providing a valuable reference for SCC production in the Xizang Autonomous Region.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214509525007247Self-compacting concreteFly ashFreeze-thaw cycleMacro-performanceMicropore structureDamage model
spellingShingle Jingbin Zhang
Chongshi Hu
Dejian Shen
Ding Nie
Xiaoyun Qin
Xuehui An
Effects of fly ash content on the macro-performance and microstructure of self-compacting concrete using tuff powder under freeze-thaw cycles
Case Studies in Construction Materials
Self-compacting concrete
Fly ash
Freeze-thaw cycle
Macro-performance
Micropore structure
Damage model
title Effects of fly ash content on the macro-performance and microstructure of self-compacting concrete using tuff powder under freeze-thaw cycles
title_full Effects of fly ash content on the macro-performance and microstructure of self-compacting concrete using tuff powder under freeze-thaw cycles
title_fullStr Effects of fly ash content on the macro-performance and microstructure of self-compacting concrete using tuff powder under freeze-thaw cycles
title_full_unstemmed Effects of fly ash content on the macro-performance and microstructure of self-compacting concrete using tuff powder under freeze-thaw cycles
title_short Effects of fly ash content on the macro-performance and microstructure of self-compacting concrete using tuff powder under freeze-thaw cycles
title_sort effects of fly ash content on the macro performance and microstructure of self compacting concrete using tuff powder under freeze thaw cycles
topic Self-compacting concrete
Fly ash
Freeze-thaw cycle
Macro-performance
Micropore structure
Damage model
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214509525007247
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