Using aggregate flowability testing to predict lightweight self-consolidating concrete plastic properties

This paper presents the results of an experimental study on the flow properties of lightweight self-consolidating concrete (LWSCC) which utilizes a new test relating aggregate flow to concrete flow. Three types of LWSCC were tested containing differing proportions of lightweight and normal weight, coarse and fine aggregates, as well as a normal weight self-consolidating concrete (NWSCC) as a control. The flow properties of the aggregate mixes used in the LWSCC and NWSCC specimens were tested using a V-funnel. The concrete flow properties were also tested for comparison, as were the compressive and tensile strengths of the various mixtures. A relationship between the aggregate frictional resistance and the traditional concrete flowability tests—i.e., slump flow, J-ring, and T₅₀₀—was demonstrated. Compressive strengths were greater in LWSCC mixes that contained smaller sized coarse and normal weight aggregates. Finally, a design procedure is introduced that utilizes the aggregate frictional resistance, paste flow properties, and aggregate void ratio to predict the plastic properties of the concrete.     

Microstructural characteristics,porosity and strength development in ceramic-laterized concrete

Interfacial bonding between constituent materials and pore sizes in a concrete matrix are major contributors to enhancing the strength of concrete. In a bid to examine how this phenomenon affects a laterized concrete, this study explored the relationship between the morphological changes, porosity, phase change, compressive, and split tensile strength development in a ceramic-laterized concrete. Varying proportions of ceramic aggregates, sorted from construction and demolition wastes, and lateritic soil were used as substitutes for natural aggregates. Strength properties of the concrete specimens were evaluated after 7, 14, 28 and 91 days curing, but morphological features, using secondary electron mode, were examined only at 7 and 28 days on cured specimens, using Scanning electron microscope (SEM). From all the mixes, selected samples with higher 28 day crushing strength, and the reference mix, were further characterized with more advanced analysis techniques, using the mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray Diffractometer, and SEM (backscatter electron mode-for assessment of the interfacial transition properties between aggregates and paste).The reference mix yielded higher mechanical properties than the concrete containing secondary aggregates, this was traced to be as a result of higher peaks of hydration minerals of the concrete, coupled with its low tortuosity and compactness. However, a laterized concrete mix containing both 90% of ceramic fine and 10% of laterite as fine aggregate provided the optimal strength out of all the modified mixes. Although, the strength reduction was about 9% when compared with the reference case, however, this reduction in strength is acceptable, and does not compromise the use of these alternative aggregates in structural concrete.     

Influence of field recycled coarse aggregate on properties of concrete

This paper investigates the influence of different amounts of recycled coarse aggregates obtained from a demolished RCC culvert 15 years old on the properties of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC). A new term called “coarse aggregate replacement ratio (CRR)” is introduced and is defined as the ratio of weight of recycled coarse aggregate to the total weight of coarse aggregate in a concrete mix. To analyze the behaviour of concrete in both the fresh and hardened state, a coarse aggregate replacement ratio of 0, 0.25, 0.50 and 1.0 are adopted in the concrete mixes. The properties namely compressive and indirect tensile strengths, modulus of elasticity, water absorption, volume of voids, density of hardened concrete and depth of chloride penetration are studied. From the experimental results it is observed that the concrete cured in air after 7 days of wet curing shows better strength than concrete cured completely under water for 28 days for all coarse aggregate replacement ratios. The volume of voids and water absorption of recycled aggregate concrete are 2.61 and 1.82% higher than those of normal concrete due to the high absorption capacity of old mortar adhered to recycled aggregates. The relationships among compressive strength, tensile strengths and modulus of elasticity are developed and verified with the models reported in the literature for both normal and recycled aggregate concrete. In addition, the non-destructive testing parameters such as rebound number and UPV (Ultrasonic pulse velocity) are reported. The study demonstrates the potential use of field recycled coarse aggregates (RCA) in concrete.     

Compressive strength and durability properties of ceramic wastes based concrete

This paper presents an experimental study on the properties and on the durability of concrete containing ceramic wastes. Several concrete mixes possessing a target mean compressive strength of 30 MPa were prepared with 20% cement replacement by ceramic powder (W/B = 0.6). A concrete mix with ceramic sand and granite aggregates were also prepared as well as a concrete mix with natural sand and coarse ceramic aggregates (W/B = 0.5). The mechanical and durability performance of ceramic waste based concrete are assessed by means of mechanical tests, water performance, permeability, chloride diffusion and also accelerated aging tests. Results show that concrete with partial cement replacement by ceramic powder although it has minor strength loss possess increase durability performance. Results also shows that concrete mixtures with ceramic aggregates perform better than the control concrete mixtures concerning compressive strength, capillarity water absorption, oxygen permeability and chloride diffusion. The replacement of cement and aggregates in concrete by ceramic wastes will have major environmental benefits.     

Influence of the method of fabrication on strength properties of steel fibre concrete

The properties of fibre reinforced composites are largely determined by the method of fabrication. With steel fibre concrete, the geometry of the fibre, the method of casting and compaction, and the compactibility of the fibre concrete mix all significantly influence the disposition of the fibres in the hardened composite. Tests on fibre concrete mixes with adequate flowability characteristics are reported to show that apart from these factors, the size, shape and surface texture of the aggregates all very much affect not only the fibre orientation but also the fibre distribution during the manufacturing process. The degree of compaction as measured by the solidity of the compacted concrete is influenced both by the method of compaction, and when vibrated, by the duration of vibration. Internal vibration increased compressive strength marginally compared to external vibration, but the latter increased the flexural strength substantially compared to internal vibration. The effect of vibration was more pronounced with dry mixes. Increasing the size and the roughness of the surface texture of the aggregates reduced the flexural strength by as much as 25%. Vertical casting reduced not only flexural strength but also the capability of the fibres in resisting stress in the post-cracking stages. Loading in the “as cast” direction produced a small, but noticeable, increase in flexural strength but had negligible effect in compression. Round and smooth aggregates encouraged fibre settlement in the bottom half of the ‘as cast’ section, but this was counteracted by larger aggregate sizes, crushed aggregates and higher fibre volumes. The results show that good mix design and external vibration are necessary to optimise the performance of the fibres.     

Properties of self-compacting concrete prepared with recycled glass aggregate

The effects of recycled glass (RG) cullet on fresh and hardened properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC) were investigated. RG was used to replace river sand (in proportions of 10%, 20% and 30%), and 10 mm granite (5%, 10% and 15%) in making the SCC concrete mixes. Fly ash was used in the concrete mixes to suppress the potential alkali-silica reaction. The experimental results showed that the slump flow, blocking ratio, air content of the RG–SCC mixes increased with increasing recycled glass content. The compressive strength, tensile splitting strength and static modulus of elasticity of the RG–SCC mixes were decreased with an increase in recycled glass aggregate content. Moreover, the resistance to chloride ion penetration increased and the drying shrinkage of the RG–SCC mixes decreased when the recycled glass content increased. The results showed that it is feasible to produce SCC with recycled glass cullet.     

Thermal properties of lightweight dry-mix shotcrete containing expanded perlite aggregate

This paper describes the thermal properties of lightweight dry-mix shotcrete using expanded perlite aggregate (EPA). Mixes made with different EPA/sand ratios were sprayed through the dry-mix shotcreting technique onto wooden molds to produce panels for mechanical and thermal testing. The density, uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), splitting tensile strength (STS), and the ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) were measured at various ages. Further, the ISO approved transient plane source (TPS) technique was employed to measure the thermal properties at 28 days. The results illustrate that shotcrete mixes with EPA have similar UCS and superior STS compared to cast concrete. Adding EPA led to a drop in thermal conductivity and diffusivity. When compared with cast concrete, shotcrete had lower specific heat capacity. This study found dry-mix shotcrete incorporating EPA at up to 75% sand substitution as a mechanically viable and thermally resistant alternative to cast concrete containing regular aggregates.     

The role of 0–2 mm fine recycled concrete aggregate on the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of recycled concrete aggregate concrete

The aim of this study is to investigate the role of 0–2 mm fine aggregate on the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) concrete with normal and high strengths. Normal coarse and fine aggregates were substituted with the same grading of RCAs in two normal and high strength concrete mixtures. In addition, to keep the same slump value for all mixes, additional water or superplasticizer were used in the RCA concretes. The compressive and splitting tensile strengths were measured at 3, 7 and 28 days. Test results show that coarse and fine RCAs, which were achieved from a parent concrete with 30 MPa compressive strength, have about 11.5 and 3.5 times higher water absorption than normal coarse and fine aggregates, respectively. The density of RCAs was about 20% less than normal aggregates, and, hence, the density of RCA concrete was about 8–13.5% less than normal aggregate concrete. The use of RCA instead of normal aggregates reduced the compressive and splitting tensile strengths in both normal and high strength concrete. The reduction in the splitting tensile strength was more pronounced than for the compressive strength. However, both strengths could be improved by incorporating silica fume and/or normal fine aggregates of 0–2 mm size in the RCA concrete mixture. The positive effect of the contribution of normal sand of 0–2 mm in RCA concrete is more pronounced in the compressive strength of a normal strength concrete and in the splitting tensile strength of high strength concrete. In addition, some equation predictions of the splitting tensile strength from compressive strength are recommended for both normal and RCA concretes.     

Concrete with recycled aggregates: the Portuguese experimental research

The main objective of this study is to define expedient procedures to estimate the properties of structural concrete that contains recycled aggregates. Experimental results from Portuguese research, most of which supervised by the first author, were used to establish a relationship between some properties of hardened concrete (compressive strength, splitting and flexural tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, abrasion resistance, shrinkage, water absorption, carbonation penetration and chloride penetration) and the density and water absorption of the aggregates’ mixture and also the compressive strength of concrete at the age of 7 days. The workability and density were also analysed for fresh concrete. The graphic analysis of each property shows the relationship between those for recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) mixes and a reference mix using natural aggregates only (RC). The density and water absorption of all the aggregates in the mixture, for each substitution rate, were calculated in order to represent the exact proportion of each type of aggregate (natural and recycled). This method proved to be viable to estimate the variation of the properties of concrete with recycled aggregates by obtaining results for the three parameters mentioned above. This innovative procedure can contribute to increasing the use of recycled aggregates in the construction sector and make it a sustainable activity.     

Use of rice husk ash in sandcrete blocks for masonry units

Different mix proportions of sand, cement and rice husk ash (RHA) were studied for use in sandcrete blocks. Optimum water/(cement+RHA) ratios were determined at different mix proportions. Compressive strengths of various mix proportions at 7, 28 and 60 days were also determined. The optimum water/(cement+RHA) ratio increased with rice husk ash contents. Test results showed that up to 40% RHA could be added as a partial replacement for cement without any significant change in compressive strength at 60 days. Compressive strengths of various mix proportions were compared with British Statutory minimum compressive strengths of bricks for various walls and it was found that sandcrete blocks of 1∶5 mortar mixes with 40% RHA (by weight of cement) could be used in both load and non-load bearing walls.     

Carbonation behaviour of recycled aggregate concrete

This paper reviews the effect of incorporating recycled aggregates, sourced from construction and demolition waste, on the carbonation behaviour of concrete. It identifies various influencing aspects related to the use of recycled aggregates, such as replacement level, size and origin, as well as the influence of curing conditions, use of chemical admixtures and additions, on carbonation over a long period of time. A statistical analysis on the effect of introducing increasing amounts of recycled aggregates on the carbonation depth and coefficient of accelerated carbonation is presented. This paper also presents the use of existing methodologies to estimate the required accelerated carbonation resistance of a reinforced recycled aggregate concrete exposed to natural carbonation conditions with the use of accelerated carbonation tests. Results show clear increasing carbonation depths with increasing replacement levels when recycled aggregate concrete mixes are made with a similar mix design to that of the control natural aggregate concrete. The relationship between the compressive strength and coefficients of accelerated carbonation is similar between the control concrete and the recycled aggregate concrete mixes.     

Properties of laterite aggregate concrete

The paper presents the results of tests conducted on fresh and hardened concrete using laterite as aggregate. Several mixes of laterite aggregate concrete were made with varying watercement and aggregate-cement ratios to study the properties like workability, compressive, flexural, tensile strength and Modulus of elasticity. The tests indicate that the workability decreases with increasing aggregate-water ratio. The compressive strength of laterite aggregate concrete is considerably lower than that of gravel or crushed granite aggregate concrete, while the average ratio of cylinder to cube strength compared favourably with that for normal aggregate concrete, for the range of aggregate and water-cement ratios covered in this investigation.     

Anchorage of steel bars in concrete by geopolymer paste

This paper presents the bonding strength between the embedded rebar and substrate concrete by using geopolymer paste as the bonding agent. The determination of the suitable mix proportions of geopolymer paste as bonding agent was the main interest. Twelve different mix proportions of geopolymer paste by varying the amount of starting binder materials and alkaline concentration were prepared and tested for compressive and bonding strengths. The tested results indicated that both RHBA and SF incorporating with FA could be used in preparation of geopolymer paste. Mixes with SF gave the higher compressive and bonding strengths while the mixes with RHBA required the longer curing time. The bonding strengths of round bar and geopolymer pastes were slightly higher than that of control concrete (1.05–1.12 times) and there were significantly high in case of deformed bars (1.03–1.60 times). The ratios of bonding strength on the compressive strength were also presented. In comparison with commercial repair materials, the bonding strengths of geopolymer paste were higher than those of epoxies about 1.24–1.81 times. These tested results indicated that the bonding strengths using geopolymer paste were high enough and possibly used as bonding material for repair works. The mixtures containing high SF content and high NaOH concentrations were recommended to enhance both compressive and bonding strengths.     

Variation in mechanical properties of natural and recycled aggregate concrete as related to the strength of their binding mortar

Experimental work was performed to study the effect of binding mortar strength on the mechanical properties of recycled natural aggregate concrete mixes as well as reference corresponding natural aggregate concrete mixes. The moduli of elasticity of both NAC and RAC were found to be higher than that of corresponding mortar by about 40% and 10% respectively, for all compressive strengths investigated. It was possible to reach compressive strength for RAC of 53.5 MPa. The ratios of compressive strength of NAC or RAC to that of mortar varied between (1.05–1.56) and (1.02–1.26) respectively, these ratios decreased with the increase in compressive strength. Also from the results of compressive strength, it was found that the ratios cylinder/cube compressive strengths of RAC and mortar were smaller than those of NAC. The ranges of values obtained were (0.71–0.84) and (0.69–0.75) for RAC and mortar respectively, while for NAC this ratio ranged between (0.81–0.92), these values were obtained for compressive strengths ranging between 15 to 55 MPa. It was found that it is better to relate the cylinder/cube strength ratio to the modulus of elasticity of the concrete or mortar rather than to its compressive strength. The flexural strength showed an opposite trend, the ratios of NAC and RAC to that of mortar ranged between (0.72–0.95)% and (0.61–0.80)% respectively. These ratios increased with the decrease in compressive strength of mortars. On the other hand, the splitting tensile strength of NAC was higher than that of RAC and mortar for all strength levels investigated. The ratio of NAC to mortar splitting tensile strength ranged between (1.13–1.69), while this ratio for RAC ranged between (0.87–1.36). Finally, several regressions were developed that can relate the mechanical properties of the three materials investigated.     

Effects of cold-bonded fly ash aggregate properties on the shrinkage cracking of lightweight concretes

This paper presents an experimental study on the restrained shrinkage cracking of the lightweight concretes made with cold-bonded fly ash lightweight aggregates. Two types of fly ash having different physical and chemical properties were utilized in the production of lightweight aggregates with different strengths. Afterwards, lower strength aggregates were also surface treated by water glass and cement–silica fume slurry to improve physical and mechanical properties of the particles. Therefore, a total of eight concrete mixtures were designed and cast at 0.35 and 0.55 water–cement ratios using four types of lightweight coarse aggregates differing in their surface texture, density, water absorption, and strength. Ring type specimens were used for restrained shrinkage cracking test. Free shrinkage, creep, weight loss, compressive and splitting tensile strengths, and modulus of elasticity of the concretes were also investigated. Results indicated that improvement in the lightweight aggregate properties extended the cracking time of the concretes resulting in finer cracks associated with the lower free shrinkage. Moreover, there was a marked increase in the compressive and splitting tensile strengths, and the modulus of elasticity.     

Post-fire mechanical performance of concrete made with selected plastic waste aggregates

This paper presents an experimental study about the effects of elevated temperatures on the residual mechanical properties of concrete incorporating selected plastic waste aggregates (PWAs). Six different concrete mixes were prepared: a reference concrete (RC) made with natural aggregates (NAs) and five concrete mixes with replacement ratios of 7.5% and 15% of natural aggregate by three types of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic waste aggregate (CPWA). Specimens were exposed to temperatures of 600 °C and 800 °C for a period of 1 h, after being heated in accordance with the ISO 834 time–temperature curve. After cooling down to ambient temperature, the following properties were evaluated and compared with reference values obtained prior to fire exposure: (i) compressive and (ii) splitting tensile strengths, (iii) elastic modulus, (iv) ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), (v) surface hardness, and (vi) water absorption by immersion. For the replacement ratios used in these experiments, the maximum temperatures reached in CPWA were higher than those measured in RC, due to the higher porosity increase with temperature of the former type of concrete that facilitated the propagation of heat inside concrete, and the exothermic thermal decomposition of plastic aggregates that generated additional heat. After exposure to elevated temperatures, the degradation of compressive strength and elastic modulus of CPWA was higher than that of RC, particularly for the highest replacement ratio, as a consequence of the higher porosity increase experienced by CPWA. The reduction of residual splitting tensile strength of CPWA was found to be similar to that of RC, possibly because the incorporation of PWA led to lower internal stresses due to thermal gradients and allowed an easier dispersion of gases confined in pores, thus reducing crack development in the matrix. The magnitude of the degradation of concrete’s residual mechanical properties was seen to depend on the type of PWAs and the replacement ratio. The residual compressive strength of CPWA proved to be strongly correlated with both UPV and water absorption by immersion, but its correlation with surface hardness was less significant.     

Short and long-term behavior of structural concrete with recycled concrete aggregate

Recycling concrete construction waste is a promising way towards sustainable construction. Coarse recycled concrete aggregates have been widely studied in recent years, however only few data have been reported on the use of fine recycled aggregates. Moreover, a lack of reliable data on long-term properties of recycled aggregate concrete has to be pointed out.In this paper the effects of both fine and coarse recycled concrete aggregates on short and long-term mechanical and physical properties of new structural concrete are investigated. The studied concrete mixes have been designed by adjusting and selecting the content and grain size distribution of concrete waste with the goal to obtain medium–high compressive strength with high content of recycled aggregates (ranging from 27% to 63.5% of total amount of aggregates).Time-dependent properties, such as shrinkage and creep, combined with porosity measurements and mechanical investigations are reported as fundamental features to assess structural concrete behavior.     

Durability performance of a range of marine concretes and the applicability of the South African Service Life Prediction Model

The paper describes a study that examined and compared the potential durability performance of various geographically distinct South African marine concrete mix types. Mix proportions were designed at two water/binder ratios (0.40 and 0.55) for different material combinations of binder and aggregate types. Sampling was done at 28, 91 and 182?days. Durability performance was inferred from durability index (DI) tests that measure the resistance of concrete to ion, gas and fluid penetration. Comparison was made on the basis of regional concrete type, w/b ratio and mix constituents (binder and aggregate type). All the concrete mixes were further compared to plain CEM I control concrete mixes at each w/b ratio. Results indicate that low w/b ratio and blended binder concrete mixes have low penetrability characteristics. Aggregate type was seen not to have an appreciable influence on the transport properties of concrete. Across the range of geographically different mixes, it was found that with a given concrete grade and binder type, marine concrete mixes are practically comparable. This permits the existing Service Life Prediction Model to be more confidently applied for all marine zones in South Africa with possible application in other geographic regions following further research.     

Mechanical and thermal properties of prepacked aggregate concrete incorporating palm oil fuel ash

Prepacked aggregate concrete (PAC) is a special type of concrete which is made by placing coarse aggregate in a formwork and injecting a grout either by pump or under the gravity force to fill the voids. Use of pozzolanic materials in conventional concrete has become increasingly extensive, and this trend is expected to continue in PAC as well. Palm oil fuel ash (POFA) is one of these pozzolanic ash, which has been recognized as a good pozzolanic material. This paper presents the experimental results of the performance behaviour of POFA in developing physical and mechanical properties of prepacked aggregate concrete. Four concrete mixes namely, prepacked concrete with 100% OPC as a control, and PAC with 10, 20 and 30% POFA were cast, and the temperature growth due to heat of hydration and heat transfer in all the mixtures was recorded. It has been found that POFA significantly reduces the temperature rise in prepacked aggregate concrete and delay the transfer of heat to the concrete body. The compressive and tensile strengths, however, increased with replacement up to 20% POFA. The results obtained and the observation made in this study suggest that the replacement of OPC by POFA is beneficial, particularly for prepacked mass concrete where thermal cracking due to extreme heat rise is of great concern.     

Influence of recycled aggregate on slump and bleeding of fresh concrete

The recycling of construction and demolition (C&;D) waste as a source of aggregates for the production of new concrete has attracted increasing interests from the construction industry. While the environmental benefits of using recycled aggregates are well accepted, some unsolved problems prevent this type of material from wide application in structural concrete. One of the major problems with the use of recycled aggregates in structural concrete is their high water absorption capacity which leads to difficulties in controlling the properties of fresh concrete and consequently influences the strength and durability of hardened concrete. This paper presents an experimental study on the properties of fresh concrete prepared with recycled aggregates. Concrete mixes with a target compressive strength of 35 MPa are prepared with the use of recycled aggregates at the levels from 0 to 100% of the total coarse aggregate. The influence of recycled aggregate on the slump and bleeding are investigated. The effect of delaying the starting time of bleeding tests and the effect of using fly ash on the bleeding of concrete are explored.