Strength and abrasion resistance of roller compacted concrete incorporating GGBS and two types of coarse aggregates

Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) is a zero slump concrete consisting of a mixture of cementitious materials, sand, dense graded aggregates and water. In this study, an attempt has been made to investigate the effect of aggregate type on strength and abrasion resistance of RCC made by using granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) as partial replacement of cement. Mix proportions of RCC were finalized based upon the optimum water content achieved in compaction test. Two different series of RCC mixes were prepared with two different aggregates: crushed gravel and limestone aggregates. In both series, cement was partially replaced with GGBS at a replacement level of 20%, 40% and 60%. Strength Properties and abrasion resistance of the resultant mixes was investigated. Abrasion resistance becomes an essential parameter for understanding the acceptability of RCC for rigid pavements. Experimental results show that limestone aggregates, with optimum percentage of GGBS, perform better in compressive strength and abrasion resistance as compared to the use of crushed gravel aggregates. Observed results are further supported by stoichiometric analysis of the mixes by using basic stoichiometric equations for hydration of major cement compounds.