Evaluation of concrete mixes and mineral additions when used with controlled permeable formwork (CPF)

The influence of concrete mixes and commonly used mineral additions and their effects on the near surface performance of vertically cast concrete against controlled permeable formwork (CPF) are the focus of this study. Three grades of concrete (C25, C30 and C45) and mineral additives including GGBS and PFA have been tested for surface performance in situ with CPF. The various loadings were chosen to represent the minimum and maximum levels seen in standard industry practice. The range of tests used to characterise the near surface performance include subjective assessment of surface quality, surface hardness and surface tensile strength. Permeability studies of the liners after casting indicate that no excessive embedding of fine particles occurred irrespective of constituents used. Surface quality was dramatically improved in each case and changes to surface colour through densification were quantified. Near surface performance studies indicated a significant improvement for all systems studied.