EFFECT OF NATURAL ZEOLITES ON THE PROPERTIES OF SELF-COMPACTING CONCRETE

This article investigates the effectiveness of using local raw materials from Kazakhstan, namely natural zeolites and stone powder, as mineral fillers for self-compacting concretes (SCC). The study was based on zeolite obtained from the Chankanai deposit near Almaty and gravel from the Baltabay-1 deposit. The experiments aimed to determine the impact of various mineral additives on the rheological and strength properties of concrete mixtures. The results showed that adding up to 7% zeolite increased the strength of concrete by 80%, without negatively affecting its flow properties and preventing water separation. Furthermore, the combined use of stone powder and zeolite increased the concrete strength to 70 MPa, fully meeting the requirements for self-compacting concretes. This research demonstrates the potential for developing environmentally and economically efficient, high-quality self-compacting concretes using Kazakhstan's local minerals. The study identified the optimal proportions of different mineral fillers, which effectively controlled the viscosity and flowability of the concrete. This enhances the performance of self-compacting concretes in construction, improving their accessibility and environmental efficiency. Additionally, the findings open new ways to enhance the quality of building materials using Kazakhstan's local raw materials. Further research is planned to investigate the effects of these additives on other types of concrete, which will ensure their widespread use in the construction industry.