Eco-Efficient Concretes, with Diabase Powder, Optimized by Alfred and CPM Particle Packing Models

Abstract

The use of particle packing techniques, seeking to reduce cement consumption and partial replacement with stone powder, allows the production of eco-efficient concrete. The objective of the present work is the comparison between the Alfred model and the compressible packing model (CPM) for the mix design method of eco-efficient concretes by particle packing techniques, using stone powder. The properties of the concrete were evaluated with specific mass test, slump test, compressive strength, tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, electrical resistivity, and ultrasonic wave propagation. The sustainability parameters were also evaluated using the binder intensity (bi) and CO2 intensity (ci) indices. The concretes with the material composition according to the Alfred model presented better eco-efficiency indices, obtaining a minimum bi value of 6.37 kg/m3/MPa and a ci value of 5.75 kgCO2e/m3/MPa with a cement consumption of 238.59 kg/m3 and 37.74 MPa of compressive strength. For the CPM, the best result obtained for bi was 6.48 kg/m3/MPa and for ci was 5.75 kgCO2e/m3/MPa with a cement consumption of 264.87 kg/m3 and a compressive strength of 40.86 MPa. Finally, as a general conclusion, the use of both packing models allowed the mix design method of eco-efficient concrete, obtaining rates below those found in the literature for conventional concrete.