Influence of specimen shape and dimensions on the compressive strength of self-compacting concrete

Author(s): V. Boel, B. Craeye, P. Desnerck, F. Van Der Vurst, G. De Schutter
Paper category: Conference
Book title: Rheology and processing of Construction Materials – 7th RILEM International Conference on Self-Compacting Concrete and 1st RILEM International Conference on Rheology and Processing of Construction Materials
Editor(s): Nicolas Roussel and Hela Bessaies-Bey
Print ISBN: 978-2-35158-137-7
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-138-4
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Pages: 349-356
Total Pages: 8
Language: English

Abstract: 
Standard EN 12390-4 specifies the shape and dimensions of concrete test specimens for the strength tests and the methods of casting and curing in order to determine the strength class. For design purpose mostly 150x300mm cylinder compressive strength is used. However, depending on the country, other standards and subsequently other dimensions and shapes might be used as well, e.g. 100x200mm cylinders as stated in ASTM C39. Besides, even other types of test specimens than defined in the standards are used depending on local tradition, practice and research purpose.

In order to compare all measured strengths on different samples from different researchers and to convert the measured strength into the design strength, conversion formulas are needed. Those formulas are well-known for normal strength vibrated concrete (VC), whereas this is not the case for self-compacting concrete (SCC). From literature it was found that the conversion formulas of VC are not always applicable for SCC, and as such the way to convert stays rather unclear causing uncertainties. In this paper the strength results of different powder type SCC mixtures are analyzed taking into account mixture parameters like type of cement, aggregate, filler, superplasticiser, powder content and the water-to-cement and water-to-powder ratio. Cylinders and cubes of various dimensions are used to determine the compressive strength. Finally, the conclusions will lead to some suggestions for new conversion formulas.

Online publication: 2013
Publication Type: full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00