WASTE SULFUR AS A PARTIAL FILLER REPLACEMENT IN SELF-PLACING CONCRETE
The effect of the partial replacement of natural filler by ground waste sulfur originating from the oil refining process on the fresh and hardened properties of self-compacting concrete was investigated. Properties investigated were slump flow, V-funnel, L-box, and sieve segregation of fresh concrete mixes; compressive, flexural, and bond (pull off) strengths, dynamic modulus of elasticity, ultrasonic pulse velocity, dynamic Poisson’s ratio, specific electrical resistance, density, and microstructure of hardened concrete. Results showed a slight decline in compressive, flexural, and bond strengths and dynamic elasticity modulus with increased addition of sulfur. Specific electrical resistance and density were higher for samples containing sulfur. Also, scanning electron microscopy indicated a slight porosity increase in the samples containing sulfur. Having in mind that, in the case of waste valorization in concrete, all properties of self-placing concrete should remain within acceptable levels or improve, this study proved that mixtures containing ground sulfur as a partial replacement for filler could be used for structural applications.