Rheological Properties and Strength of Polypropylene Fiber-Reinforced Self-compacting Lightweight Concrete Produced with Ground Limestone

In this study, self-compacting lightweight concrete (SCLC) was prepared using crushed limestone dust, and the effects of different types of polypropylene fibers and chemical admixtures on the rheological properties of SCLC were investigated. The workability of SCLC was assessed by conducting slump flow, J-Ring, and V-funnel tests, and the compressive strength of the cubic specimens was measured at the ages of 2, 7, and 28 days. Overall, specimens containing fibers displayed lower workability than the control mix; however, a simple adjustment of the dosages of the superplasticizer and viscosity-modifying admixture remedied this problem. The results reveal that the maximum fiber content is 4 kg/m³ for microfibers and 6 kg/m³ for macrofibers. Producing SCLC containing 33% limestone powder by weight as cementitious material satisfied self-compacting concrete requirements and exhibited compressive strength greater than 55 MPa at the age of 28 days.