Title:
Influence of Mixture Proportions and Curing Conditions on Compressive Strength of High-Performance Concrete
Author(s):
Konstantin Kovler, Isaak Schamban, Shin-ichi Igarashi, and Arnon Bentur
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
97
Issue:
1
Appears on pages(s):
21-26
Keywords:
age; compression; curing; high-performance concretes; silica fume; strength.
DOI:
10.14359/801
Date:
1/1/2000
Abstract:
The objective of this paper is to study the influence of the mixture proportions and curing conditions on the development, with time, of the compressive strength of high-performance concrete (HPC) by the methods of experimental design. The statistical relationships obtained in the present work can be used for predicting the strength of HPC with different water-binder ratios (w/ b) and different contents of silica fume (SF) incorporated in the mixture. The statistical relationships between the compressive strengths of HPC, and w/ b, SF replacement, and concrete age are determined. It is sometimes observed that the compressive strength of HPC attains a maximum value that corresponds to a certain optimum percentage of SF. This optimum depends on the w/ b, concrete age, and curing conditions. Similarly, it is found that the compressive strength of HPC starts to increase considerably when the w/ b becomes lower than a certain value. Nomograms for the prediction of compressive strength of HPC depending on a) w/ b; b) SF replacement; and c) concrete age are presented. This method for establishing nomograms with minimum amount of testing can be a working tool for practicing engineers. The expected strength can be predicted easily, starting from the known w/ b, moving through the given SF content, and finishing with the desired age of the concrete. Finally, the suggested nomograms can also be used for choosing the dosage of SF and w/ b to achieve a specific compressive strength of HPC at a certain age.