Topic concrete: rationale, development and laboratory performance of an environmentally friendly concrete for piling applications

Title: Topic concrete: rationale, development and laboratory performance of an environmentally friendly concrete for piling applications
Author(s): P. Fidjestol, Ó. Wallevik, I. Níelsson, I. Holton
Paper category : conference
Book title: International RILEM Symposium on Self-Compacting Concrete
Editor(s): O. Wallevik and I. Nielsson
Print-ISBN: 2-912143-42-X
e-ISBN: 2912143713
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2003
Pages: 920 - 931
Total Pages: 12
Nb references: 6
Language: English

Abstract: The overall aim of the EC funded research project TOPIC, has been the development of improved methodologies and equipment for the design and production of concrete foundation piles. One of the areas under development has been concrete performance, particularly with respect to environmental considerations. Additional technical objectives focussed on increasing concrete working stress and durability. This paper gives a review of the environmental considerations, the development of new mix designs and their performance in laboratory tests. The rationale for the work was the need to minimise the potential for groundwater pollution from organic leachates originating from concrete foundation piles, in response to the EC Groundwater Directive. SCC technology was identified as having the potential to minimise leaching of the fresh concrete. A mix development programme was undertaken in which micro-silica and SCC technology were used to compose stable, self-flowing concretes. An initial design was produced for a robust mix, containing cement and micro-silica, but with material costs approximately 25% above the reference concrete. This was then refined through the use of PFA addition, culminating in a workable design with 13% lower material cost. Laboratory testing of the new concretes has included leaching and permeability tests, strength and resistance to sulfate attack. Results obtained to date indicate low permeability and leaching potential, together with good sulfate resistance and strength characteristics.

Online publication: 2003-08-21
Publication type : abstract_only
Public price (Euros): 0.00