High Performance Concrete Ken Day www.kenday.id.au
Apr 01, 2015
High Performance Concrete
Ken Daywww.kenday.id.au
High Performance Concrete
Concrete may be regarded as high performance for several different reasons: high strength, high workability high durability
– and perhaps also improved visual appearance.
High Performance Concrete
High strength concrete (HSC) might be regarded as concrete with a strength in excess of 60MPa and such concrete can be produced as relatively normal concrete with a higher cement content and a normal water-reducing admixture.
However ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) will more usually contain cement replacement materials and a high-range water-reducer (HRWR) or superplasticiser(SP) (different names for the same thing).
Ultra High Strength Concrete
How High?Strengths of 150-200MPa were reported in several papers at a recent symposiumHow is it done?Using only fine sand as an aggregate, a high content of cement and silica fume, a high dosage of HRWR admixture plus steel fibres
Ultra High Strength Concrete
In what kind of structures?Thin shell roofing (2cm thick) and “bulb” double and single tees were reportedBoth insitu and precast applicationsFlexural and tensile strengths also high, allowing omission of secondary reinft.Concrete in tees was generally self- compacting
Self-Compacting Concrete
Ken Daywww.kenday.id.au
The Important Properties
Self-compactability
Avoidance of bleeding and segregation
Low shrinkage
Low permeability
Strength as needed
The Benefits
Less dependent on skill on site
Safer, quieter sites (no vibration)
Better appearance
Better durability
Strength as needed
What’s Different?
Segregation resistance from mortar viscosity, not aggregate grading
Workability through admixtures, not water content
What’s The Snag?
Higher cost – especially if high strength not needed
Plant control has to be better
Will it happen?
My guess is that 50% of concrete will be self-compacting within 10 years
In USA a very large proportion of precast concrete is already SCC
What is the secret?
Paste Viscosity! Attained by one of three means:High cement contentHigh content of Fly Ash, Silica Fume etcUse of Viscosity Modifying Admixture
Plus low water content using HRWR
How to Check Suitability?
There are many new tests: V-funnel, L-box, U-box, Fill-box, Orimet, GTM Screen + Slump Flow and J-ring
While several of these may be used in mix development, only the latter will find site use
What is Slump Flow Test?
Measuring spread rather than height plus:
Speed of flow outwards
Ability to pass through J-ring
Observation of edge during flow
Interesting to note that it works better with the cone upside down!
Why Does It Look Better?
Perfect compaction
No bleeding
Conclusion
We are going to expect concrete that is a little more expensive per cubic metre to buy
BUT
It will require less skill and effort to place
It will look better with no appearance defects
It will be more durable
It will require more skill at the batching plant
I leave you with a look at my website:
www.kenday.id.au