Development of high performances concrete based on the addition of grinded dune sand and limestone rock using the mixture design modelling approach

This paper presents the results of an experimental program in which the mixture design modelling approach was used in order to optimize the composition of a high performance concrete (HPC) formulated from local materials of the area of Laghouat (Algeria). The valorised materials are mineral additions: siliceous and limestone additions, obtained by fine grinding of dune sand and sieving aggregate crushing waste respectively. Both additions are added by substitution to the cement content. In order to model the influence of cement content and the dosages of these additions on the properties of high performance concrete, an experimental plans method with three factors was used. Mathematical models that explain at best test results which were identified and developed in this work. The modelling was performed thanks to statistical analysis software JMP7 of Statistical American Systems SAS-Institute. The obtained results showed that the introduction of siliceous fillers (SF) and limestone fillers (LF) in cement (by substitution) leads to a significant improvement in mechanical strength in the medium and long term which allows us to formulate a high performance concrete. In addition, the workability has been also improved with this substitution. Moreover, it was also shown that the use of the derived models based on the experimental design approach is very interesting and helps us to understand the interactions between the different parameters of the studied mixture (cement content, SF-content and LF-content). Finally it should be noted that not only the physic-mechanical properties are encouraging, but the economic aspect is also very interesting.