Granite Powder and Blended Supplementary Cementitious Materials in Sustainable Self-Compacting Concrete: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is an advanced concrete capable of flowing through congested reinforcement and filling complex formwork under its own weight without mechanical vibration. However, its comparatively high powder and cement requirements may increase production costs and environmental impact. This review examines the use of granite powder as an alternative fine aggregate and supplementary cementitious materials such as fly ash, silica fume, and ground granulated blast-furnace slag in sustainable SCC. Published studies indicate that granite powder can improve particle packing, matrix compactness, flowability, mechanical strength, and certain durability properties when incorporated at suitable replacement levels. Silica fume contributes micro-filling and pozzolanic effects, fly ash improves workability and long-term strength, and slag enhances matrix density and resistance to aggressive exposure. Nevertheless, excessive replacement of river sand with very fine waste materials may increase water demand, reduce passing ability, and adversely affect strength. The literature demonstrates that optimum replacement depends on granite-powder characteristics, concrete grade, water-to-powder ratio, superplasticiser dosage, curing age, and the proportions of supplementary materials. Important research gaps remain concerning combined replacement systems, long-term durability, structural behaviour, life-cycle assessment, cost effectiveness, and field-scale performance. The review concludes that granite powder-based SCC is a promising sustainable construction material when its constituents are carefully characterised and proportioned.