PRINCIPLES AND FACTORS INFLUENCING HIGH-STRENGTH CONCRETE PRODUCTION

Abstract

Factors that control concrete strength, aggregates, cement, and superplasticizers are discussed. Ways of achieving low porosity in cement paste are noted, and laboratory tests are described that have applied the priciples to obtain the maximum possible strength with normal packing on a vibrating table. The results show that it is possible to make mortar and concrete with exceptionally high strength using traditional procedures and the principles discussed. Cement type, amount of silica fume, gap grading of aggregates, size and quality of aggregates, and water-to-binder ratio are major factors that determine concrete strength. Using portland cement, silica fume, high dossages of superplasticizer, normal aggregates, and steel fibers, mortars with a compressive strength of more that 200 MPa were achieved.