Title:
High Volume Fly Ash RCC for Dams/Mixture Optimization and Mechanical Properties
Author(s):
0. Lahus and S. Jacobsen
Publication:
Symposium Paper
Volume:
202
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
331-348
Keywords:
cement; dam; durability; fly ash; mechanical properties;
mixture proportion; roller compacted concrete; supplementary
cementing materials
DOI:
10.14359/10792
Date:
8/1/2001
Abstract:
A series of roller-compacted concretemixtures were developed for the Norwegian Skjerka hydropower project. The mixture optimization was based on the medium-paste concept of the International Committee On Large Dams (ICOLD) using crushed aggregate from the dam site. The mixture optimization consists of a two-step procedure minimizing the paste content, keeping the compacted density above 97.5 % of the theoretical air-free density, and giving an optimal loaded Vebe time of 10 - 20 seconds. Nine mixtures were produced using low calcium fly ash and portland cement with various fly ash-cement propotions. The water-binder ratio was kept constant at 0.53 according to the Norwegian code for mass concrete for dams. The laboratory test results showed that 8 of 9 binder combinations produced RCC within the design criteria. The compressive strength development of the water-cured specimens was impressive despite the rather low cement contents, giving 1 year strengths of 2 times the 28-day strengths. The use of high-volume fly ash concrete for RCC dams is one example of concrete in harmony with lower environmental impact and less use of resources.