Mix Design, Mechanical Properties, and Impact Resistance of Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC)

Title: Mix Design, Mechanical Properties, and Impact Resistance of Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC)
Author(s): Marios N. Soutsos, Stephen G. Millard, Konstantinos Karaiskos
Paper category : conference
Book title: International RILEM Workshop on High Performance Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Composites in Structural Applications
Editor(s): G. Fischer and V. C. Li
Print-ISBN: 2-912143-93-4
e-ISBN: 2912143942
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2006
Pages: 549 - 560
Total Pages: 12
Nb references: 11
Language: English

Abstract: High performance concretes with compressive strengths of 100 to 120 MPa have been developed and are being increasingly used for the construction of structural elements. More recently, Reactive Powder Concretes (RPCs) have been developed which have enhanced homogeneity (by the elimination of coarse aggregates and the replacement of natural sand with very fine quartz sand), enhanced microstructure (by the use of a high dosage of silica fume and post-set heat-treating), and enhanced ductility (by the incorporation of small specially developed steel fibers. In order to determine guidelines for the production of RPCs the effects of the following parameters on fresh and/or hardened properties have been determined: (a) superplasticizers obtained from different suppliers, (b) water-binder ratio, (c) quartz sand grading, (d) silica fume content, (e) ternary blends, i.e. pulverised fly ash or ground granulated blast furnace slag in combination with silica fume, and (f) volume and type of fibers. Tests on the mechanical properties indicate that RPC has enhanced tensile strength and ductility, i.e. flexural strengths are likely to be between 30 and 60 MPa and fracture energies above 10000Jm-2. Initial results from simple impact load tests, without instrumentation, on 1000mm square x 100mm thick unreinforced slab supported on all sides, were very encouraging; the concrete at the top powdered under repeated impacts but there was no indication of tensile cracking. A cone of concrete sheared off from the underside of the slab after about 70 impacts when the thickness of the slab had been reduced considerably by the powdering on the top surface.

Online publication: 2005-05-15
Classification: Special Considerations
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00
doi: 10.1617/2912143942.059