Abstract:
This paper presents a self compacting cement paste formulation using Algerian local
materials (binary cement consisting of natural pozzolana and limestone fillers). In this study,
simple laboratory instruments were used i.e: mini-slump for spreading out diameters and
Marsh cone for flow times measurements. A wide variation of combinations was used as
preliminary tests to select pastes with acceptable properties and the use of the mixture plans
method has shown that it is possible to define an experimental field inside which optimal
measurements can be obtained. This field has been put mathematically into equation form
conditioned by implicit constraints, defining zones of minimal shearing threshold and
maximum viscosity and was then solved numerically. The optimization criterion was checked
in addition to the interactivity between components utilizing the multiple combinations of
proportioning of these materials. From results given by ternary diagrams and desirability
functions, an optimal self-compacting cement paste mixture was defined. Experimental
checking was performed to validate the obtained results.
