On the use of self-compacting concrete based on desert sand and granite powder

This article is dedicated to the valorization of local materials as substitutes in self-compacting concrete. We were interested in studying the effect of adding granite powder as a substitute for cement in a self-compacting concrete made of 100% desert sand, and also as a substitute for river and/or quarry sands. First, the dosage of the superplasticizer on the cementitious paste is optimized and then confirmed this percentage in the case of concrete. Subsequently, several concrete formulations were produced. Then, the rheological, mechanical, and durability behavior of these self-compacting concretes with different percentages of granite powder and superplasticizer were studied by carrying out characterization tests in the fresh state [slump-flow, L box, sieve stability test, density] and the hardened state [Compressive strength, verification of static segregation, etc.]. From the results obtained, the concrete composition with 1.7 % superplasticizer and 10 % granite was found optimal, following the recommendations of the AFGC 2008 standard. The durability tests results of this concrete and the analysis of its behavior at high temperatures have confirmed that the formulation adopted can be used in severe working conditions.