Transport properties of self compacting concrete with limestone filler or fly ash

The durability of a cementitious material is greatly influenced by the permeability of the material for potentially aggressive substances. As the pore structure of self compacting concrete (SCC) might be different in comparison with traditional concrete (TC), some changes in durability behaviour may occur. At this moment however, it is unclear how significant these differences will be with regard to the concrete practice. In this paper, the gas and water transport in SCC with limestone filler or fly ash is investigated experimentally. Nine different concrete compositions are considered: one TC and eight SCC mixtures. Some important parameters like the water/cement (W/C) and cement/powder ratio (C/P), type of filler (limestone filler and fly ash), type of aggregate and type of cement are considered. The results of the gas and water transport are discussed and linked to experimental data concerning pore volume. Lower transport properties can be obtained by using fly ash instead of limestone as filler material, by lowering the W/C ratio, decreasing the C/P ratio at a constant W/C ratio or using blast furnace slag cement instead of portland cement. The effect of changing from gravel to crushed limestone is small. SCC is differing strongly of TC with respect to the apparent gas permeability. This difference is probably due to the differences in pore volume, as seen from MIP results.     

Effect of coupled deterioration by freeze–thaw,carbonation and chlorides on concrete service life

Concrete performance is traditionally based on assessing the effect of a single degradation mechanism. In the field, however, concrete is simultaneously affected by degradation mechanisms, possibly with a synergetic effect on deterioration. This paper presents the results of a Finnish research project assessing coupled deterioration mechanisms including frost attack, carbonation and chloride penetration.Research was composed of an extensive laboratory testing regime, in parallel to the exposure of several concrete specimens at field stations. Testing took into account the effects of ageing and repeated exposure cycles to different conditions. More than 60 concrete mixtures were evaluated with varying binder types and air contents. Testing results together with local weather data serve as a basis for modelling and development of service life assessment tools.The results show the synergetic effect on concrete deterioration of coupled deterioration and quantitatively support that a holistic approach should be adopted for predicting deterioration.     

Compressive strength and chloride resistance of self-compacting concrete containing high level fly ash and silica fume

The influence of high-calcium fly ash and silica fume as a binary and ternary blended cement on compressive strength and chloride resistance of self-compacting concrete (SCC) were investigated in this study. High-calcium fly ash (40–70%) and silica fume (0–10%) were used to replace part of cement at 50, 60 and 70 wt.%. Compressive strength, density, volume of permeable pore space (voids) and water absorption of SCC were investigated. The total charge passed in coulombs was assessed in order to determine chloride resistance of SCC. The results show that binary blended cement with high level fly ash generally reduced the compressive strength of SCC at all test ages (3, 7, 28 and 90 days). However, ternary blended cement with fly ash and silica fume gained higher compressive strength after 7 days when compared to binary blended fly ash cement at the same replacement level. The compressive strength more than 60 MPa (high strength concrete) can be obtained when using high-calcium fly ash and silica fume as ternary blended cement. Fly ash decreased the charge passed of SCC and tends to decrease with increasing fly ash content, although the volume of permeable pore space (voids) and water absorption of SCC were increased. In addition when compared to binary blended cement at the same replacement level, the charge passed of SCC that containing ternary blended cement was lower than binary blended cement with fly ash only. This indicated that fly ash and silica fume can improve chloride resistance of SCC at high volume content of Portland cement replacement.     

Effects of nano-kaolinite clay on the freeze–thaw resistance of concrete

This paper investigates the effects of nano-kaolinite clay (NKC) on the freezing and thawing (F–T) behavior of concrete. In our experiments, we substituted NKC for 0%, 1%, 3%, and 5% of mixtures of ordinary Portland, cement, by weight. The blended concrete was prepared using w/c ratio as 0.5. A rapid freeze–thaw Cabinet was then used to measure the resistance of ordinary Portland cement concrete, as opposed to the concrete/NKC mixture, to examine deterioration caused by repeated F–T actions. We regularly measured the properties of the concrete specimens, including the pore structure, mass, electrical resistivity, chloride diffusion coefficient, compressive strength and dynamic modulus of elasticity. A computed tomography scan test evaluated the porosity characteristics of the concrete. This paper also applied scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction tests in order to investigate the micro morphology and chemical element distributions inside of the concrete. The experimental results and visual comparisons revealed that the introduction of NKC improves the F–T resistivity values, as compared to the control concrete. The samples with 5% NKC exhibited the highest compressive strength, chloride diffusion resistivity, relative dynamic modulus of elasticity, and the most electrical resistivity after 125 F–T cycles. We designated the anti-freezing durability coefficient (DF) as the index to assess the F–T resistivity of concrete. The following research discusses the relationship between the concrete’s DF and the number of F–T cycles, compressive strength, chloride diffusion coefficient, and the electrical resistivity of the concrete samples.     

Metrological significance of the column test in the assessment of the static segregation of self-compacting concrete in the fresh state

As stated by previous studies, the column test seems to be relevant for the evaluation of the state of segregation of self compacting concrete (SCC) at rest. However, the available information shows a great diversity of apparatus, procedures, aggregate sizes analyzed and segregation indexes. Based on repeatability procedures and statistical analysis of SCC compositions of the French National Project on SCC (PN B@P), this study is aimed particularly at defining what objective sieve size must be chosen to discriminate a real segregation state. When the values of the various indexes proposed in the literature are calculated as a function of sieve size from 2.5 mm, the results show significant variations in the indexes, which are not always explained by a significant segregation in the coarsest aggregate sizes. When segregation does not exist, these variations may be due to a random distribution of the coarsest aggregates. An optimal sieve size D_opt ranging from 0.5.D_max to 0.625.D_max is suggested (D_max, maximum gravel size in the grading curve of concrete) which should ensure correct segregation analysis. In addition trends, but no strong relationships, are noted between the index values calculated from D_opt and the associated criteria.     

Effectiveness of fly ash on the restrained shrinkage cracking resistance of self-compacting concrete

This paper presents results from restrained shrinkage tests to assess the effectiveness of fly ash on cracking and relaxation behavior of Self Compacting Concrete (SCC). The effects of fly ash (FA) proportion, degree of restraint and curing regime are specifically addressed. The results show that curing condition and degree of restraint play a significant role on the effectiveness of FA on the cracking and relaxation behavior of SCC mixes. It was also found that addition of FA improves the cracking resistance and relaxation behavior of SCC relative to the control. The results further suggest that FA can replace cement by up to 50% for low degree of restraint, and up to 35% for high degree of restraint with significant improvement in cracking resistance, provided that appropriate moist curing is adopted. The normalized results presented may also prove to be an important tool in devising mixes best suited for onsite conditions.     

Sludge conditioning characteristics of copper chemical mechanical polishing wastewaters treated by electrocoagulation

Treatment of copper chemical mechanical polishing (Cu-CMP) wastewaters by batch electrocoagulation was found effective in simultaneously removing the very fine metal oxide particles, copper ion and organic pollutants in the previous investigations. In the present work, the continuous electrocoagulation tests were performed to explore their treatment efficiencies and to identify the optimum operating conditions. Inherently, this electrocoagulation process, in either batch or continuous operating mode, generates a significant amount of sludge that needs to be properly disposed. In this study, the freeze/thaw conditioning of sludge obtained from this process was investigated in an aim to greatly reducing the sludge volume. Experimental tests were conducted to identify proper freeze/thaw operating conditions. Several fundamental aspects, such as the moisture bonding energy estimated using DSC test data, were examined to elucidate the conditioning results.     

Comparative study of different test methods for reinforced concrete durability assessment in marine environment

There are many different test methods to assess reinforced concrete durability. As in marine environment reinforcement corrosion due to chloride attack is the most important degradation process, chloride penetration rate has been compared with different durability tests results (concrete strength, porosity, water absorption, water penetration depth under pressure, capillarity, water and oxygen permeability) carried out on concrete cores obtained from the caissons of seven Spanish wharves. Data have been studied separately, depending on concrete location (chloride penetration rate is faster in submerged concretes than in tidal zone concretes) and cement type (mineral admixtures reduce permeation rate due to pore size refinement). Results show that it is advisable to control concrete water tightness through water penetration under pressure test; additionally, in order to make sure a slow corrosion rate, it should be advisable to control oxygen permeability in tidal zone concretes.     

Behavior of self compacting concrete containing ladle furnace slag and steel fiber reinforcement

Self compacting concrete mixtures with the use of ladle furnace slag as filler and steel fibers as reinforcement were produced and tested in the laboratory. Different contents of ladle furnace slag filler, ranging from 60 to 120 kg/m³, and steel fibers, ranging from 0% to 0.7%, were used. The different mixtures were tested in the fresh state for fluidity, passing ability and resistance to segregation and in the hardened state for compressive strength, fracture toughness, freeze-thawing resistance and chloride penetration resistance. The test results showed that ladle furnace slag can be used as filler for self compacting concrete, as adequate consistency and workability was achieved, while compressive strength and durability were improved. Ladle furnace slag can also be combined with steel fibers, which considerably increase fracture toughness, in order to produce a high performance self compacting concrete using a low-cost industrial by-product such as ladle furnace slag.     

Effects of different curing regimes on the compressive strength properties of self compacting concrete incorporating fly ash and silica fume

This paper presents the effect of air curing, water curing and steam curing on the compressive strength of Self Compacting Concrete (SCC). For experimental study, SCC is produced with using silica fume (SF) instead of cement by weight, by the ratios of 5%, 10% and 15%, and fly ash (FA) with the ratios of 25%, 40% and 55%. It is observed that mineral admixtures have positive effects on the self settlement properties. The highest compressive strength was observed in the concrete specimens with using 15% SF and for 28 days water curing. Air curing caused compressive strength losses in all groups. Relative strengths of concretes with mineral admixtures were determined higher than concretes without admixtures at steam curing conditions.     

Microscopic analysis of paste and aggregate distresses in pervious concrete in a wet, hard freeze climate

In a recent survey, the durability and condition of 29 in service pervious concrete pavements built in a wet, hard freeze environment were assessed, and 33 core samples were collected. Following up on this survey, this paper identifies some of the common subsurface distresses observed in the core samples with optical microscopy instruments. In the distressed samples, cracks went through the aggregate, paste, and interfacial transition zone (ITZ). The cracks were similar to cracks in conventional concretes that formed due to known freeze/thaw damage. In addition to cracking patterns, it was discovered that none of the 33 pervious concrete samples contained the recommended quantity or spacing of entrained air bubbles. There was a lack of entrained air bubbles despite the addition of air-entraining admixtures to all of the pervious concrete mixtures. It is unknown if the lack of entrained air bubbles contributed to the cracks in the pervious concretes.     

Characterization of Cementitious Materials Exposed to Freezing and Thawing in Combination with Deicing Salts Using 3D Scans

Surface deterioration of concrete subjected to freezing and thawing in combination with deicing salts is one of the most important factors determining the durability of concrete infrastructure in cold climates. The freeze–thaw deicing salt (FTDS) resistance of cementitious materials can be determined by the capillary suction of de-icing chemicals and freeze–thaw (CDF) test. Specimens are subjected to repeated freeze–thaw cycles with simultaneous addition of deicing salt and the amount of material scaled off near the surface is determined. For concretes with adequate FTDS resistance, this test method works very well. However, specimens with unknown performance often experience increased edge scaling. This leads to a falsification of results and consequently to an underestimation of the actual freeze–thaw resistance. In materials research, however, concretes with high levels of surface deterioration are studied in order to investigate various factors of influence on the freeze–thaw resistance of concretes in a targeted manner. This article presents a novel methodology that delivers new information regarding surface deterioration of CDF samples using high-resolution 3D scan data. Change of volume is used to support deterioration results of the standard CDF methodology. Increase of surface area is used to estimate change in roughness of samples.     

Self compacting concrete from uncontrolled burning of rice husk and blended fine aggregate

This paper presents an experimental study on the development of normal strength Self compacting concrete (SCC) from uncontrolled burning of rice husk ash (RHA) as a partial replacement to cement and blended fine aggregate whilst maintaining satisfactory properties of SCC. Experiments on the fresh and hardened state properties have been carried out on RHA based SCC from uncontrolled burning. The dosages of RHA are limited to 0%, 20%, 30% and 40% by mass of the total cementitious material in the concrete. The experiments on fresh state properties investigate the filling ability, the passing ability and the segregation resistance of concrete. The experiments on hardened state properties investigate the compressive and the splitting tensile strengths. The water absorption level of the concrete with changing RHA levels has also been monitored. The experimental studies indicate that RHA based SCC developed from uncontrolled burning has a significant potential for use when normal strength is desired.     

Field validation of models for predicting lateral form pressure exerted by SCC

One obstacle to increased use of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) in cast-in-place applications is a fear of high, lateral formwork pressure. The literature has repeatedly shown that pressures far lower than hydrostatic can be obtained, but still a widespread concern of high pressure exists. Several models for predicting the lateral pressure when casting SCC have been developed. A number of experts representing these models gathered in Stockholm, Sweden to carry out a field evaluation. Eight instrumented wall elements with various geometries were cast with SCC using different mix designs as well as various casting rates. Pressure transducers were used to determine the lateral pressure. All necessary parameters for the respective models were characterized simultaneously by the participants using samples taken from the same batch. Results show a wide range of form pressures, and the evaluation of the ten included models reveals that all of them predict the lateral form pressure satisfactorily.     

纳米沉淀二氧化硅的硅烷偶联剂原位表面改性

在沉淀二氧化硅的制备过程中,表面活性剂可以起到提高粒子分散性的作用.通过在沉淀二氧化硅制备过程中加入硅烷偶联剂,研究了硅烷偶联剂原位表面改性对沉淀二氧化硅性质的影响,并通过SEM、FTIR等分析手段对改性机理进行了分析.结果表明,当硅烷偶联剂(牌号为SCA-1613)的用量达到沉淀二氧化硅质量的6.0%时,制备得到的沉淀二氧化硅的物化指标明显改善.制得的样品白度97.1,比表面积223m2/g,吸油率为2.42ml/g,堆积密度为0.23g/ml.对改性前后的样品的SEM和FTIR分析表明,制得的沉淀二氧化硅原级粒度为纳米级,经过原位改性处理后,其团聚现象明显改善.FTIR分析表明,用硅烷偶联剂SCA-1613对沉淀二氧化硅在制备过程中进行表面改性时,改性剂分子吸附在二氧化硅颗粒的表面并与其形成化学键合.     

Performance of mortar prepared with recycled concrete aggregate enhanced by CO2 and pozzolan slurry

One of the most promising strategies to manage the large volume of construction and demolition (C&D) waste is recycling and utilizing it for the production of new concrete. However, recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) derived from C&D waste possesses relatively higher porosity and water absorption capability, which often limits its wild utilization. In this study, pozzolan slurry (includes silica fume, nano-SiO₂, and fly ash slurries) and CO₂ treatments as enhancement methods for RCA were investigated. Test results showed that CO₂ treatment was more effective in reducing water absorption and enhancing fluidity, whereas pozzolan slurry treatment could decrease fluidity. Mortars prepared with treated RCA exhibited better mechanical strength and higher resistance towards carbonation and chloride-ion diffusion than those with untreated RCA. Both pozzolan slurry and CO₂ treatments enhanced not only the properties of RCA, but also the old and new interfacial transition zones (ITZs) as demonstrated in the measured micro-hardness and SEM observation.     

Enhancement of oxidation and wear resistance of Fe-based amorphous coatings by surface modification of feedstock powders

Surface oxidation of the in-flight powders during the preparation of amorphous coatings in high velocity oxygen fuel process causes the formation of oxygen-rich intersplat regions. These regions are brittle in nature and can dramatically deteriorate the mechanical performance of the coatings. To solve this problem, the starting FeCrMoCBY amorphous feedstock powders were modified by electroless plating a thin layer of Ni–W–P amorphous phase. It was found that the covering of the Ni–W–P layer can significantly reduce the oxygen content in the resultant Fe-based amorphous coatings. The wear resistance of the coatings with and without the modification of Ni–W–P thin layer was comparatively studied by ball-on-disk wear tests against Si₃N₄ counterpart in air. It revealed that the wear of two types of coatings follows the same oxidation wear mechanism but the modified coating exhibits much better wear resistance due to the improved oxidation resistance.     

Influence of surface modification by 2-aminothiophenol on optoelectronics properties of ZnO nanoparticles

In this study, a precipitation method was used to synthesise ZnO nanoparticles using suitable precursors. An efficient surface modification method was proposed in order to reduce the agglomeration among synthesised small sized ZnO nanoparticles using 2-aminothiophenol as a capping agent. This article briefly investigated the effects of capping agent like 2-aminothiophenol on the optoelectronic properties of ZnO nanoparticles. The modified effectivity of 2-aminothiophenol has been examined on the nanosized ZnO nanoparticle for fluorescence and UV–visible (UV–vis) studies. The mechanism was studied for ZnO nanoparticles light emitting capability under different conditions. By facilitating the capping of ZnO with 2-aminothiophenol, fluorescence emission of the surface defects vanishes and ultraviolet (UV) emission increases. Surface capping by 2-aminothiophenol effectively covers most of the surface defects of ZnO and results in quenching of the visible region. The UV–vis absorption spectra of modified ZnO nanoparticles has been influenced by modified ZnO nanoparticles as a result of surface modification; where marked blue shift in absorption edge results. By surface modification of ZnO nanoparticles, change in optoelectronics properties has opened the new scope and possibilities to explore and fine tune the optical character of the modified ZnO for various optoelectronics applications such as UV laser.     

Microstructural evaluation and corrosion properties of aluminium matrix surface composite adding Al-based amorphous fabricated by friction stir processing

A novel aluminium matrix surface composite adding Al_84.2Ni₁₀La_2.1 amorphous, which the layer depth was 5 mm, was fabricated by friction stir processing. The surface composite region shows obvious sandwich structure. The average hardness of the surface composite is about HV97, higher than the base metal is about HV80. The maximum tensile strength of the processed aluminium plate with the surface composite is 410 MPa. The surface composite was mainly composed of phases α-Al, Mg₂Al₃, MnAl₆ and La₃Al₁₁. The surface composite added the amorphous strip had the lower icorr, corrosion current density, and the higher passivation current than the surface composite not added amorphous strip. And there is obvious passivation zone for the surface composite. However, a large number of ultrafine grained which was composed of the α-Al and α-Al amorphous structures can be observed in the surface composite. And the grain size range of them is 90–400 nm. It is conceivable that the existence of these ultrafine grained structures and change of crystal plane would contribute greatly to improve the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the aluminium matrix surface composite.