Behaviour of Normal Concrete Us ing Superplasticizer under Different Curing Regimes
The performance of concrete primarily depends upon the type and ratio of its constituents, compaction, curing conditions and admixtures used during curing process. Part of this research emphasis to calculate the consequences on strength of concrete when water-cement ratio is constant and the increase in slump occurs with the increase in amount of superplasticizer by percentage. The rest of the investigation is carried out to study the effects of superplasticizer with different dosages under different curing regimes at an ambient field temperature ranges between 45°C-50°C. For this purpose, a concrete mix at 20MPa with all parameters constant was prepared by using an ASTM C494 type A, and F, anionic melamine polycondensate non-toxic superplasticizer with no chlorides. Different dosages of superplasticizer were used in different batches of all 95 specimens, and cured under different curing conditions and then tested for compressive and tensile strengths following ASTM standards. In all cases, th e water curing up to 28 days testing showed maximum strength. The highest and lowest values of compressive strength were obtained with the addition of 0.5% and 1% superplasticizer respectively. It was found that without increasing the W/C ratio, the addition of superplasticizer exhibits increase in strength.
Effect of Adding Carbon Nanotubes on Corrosion Rates and Steel-Concrete Bond
This paper presents a continuation of the evaluation of utilizing Nano Carbon Tubes (CNTs) in reinforced concrete (CNT-CRETE). The compressive, tensile and bond strengths of the samples with and without CNTs were investigated. Scanning Electron Microscope (SME) was utilized to study the microstructure of the prepared samples. In addition, the corrosion resistance of CNT-CRETE, was measured and compared to traditional concrete. Four mixes were prepared, with 0.01%, 0.02%, and 0.03%, CNTs by weight of cement, along with a control mix without CNTs. The results of the experimental work showed that adding CNTs led to an increase in the compressive, tensile and bond strengths of specimens compared to those of the control specimen. SEM examination for control and CNTs specimens showed that CNTs specimen were well structured compared with the control specimen and this affirms that CNTs act as bridges across micro cracks, which explains the improvement in mechanical properties. The diameter of steel bars played a significant role in failure mechanism for pull-out testing and corrosion resistance. In general, adding CNTs to the concrete mix increased the rate of corrosion for steel bars within the low risk limits. Benefits from using CNTs were limited to moderate. Mineral/chemical admixtures or fibers provide better improvements in the mechanical properties of concrete without the problems associated with dispersing CNTs and the health hazard of handling a Nano material.
Early age cracking of reinforced concrete bridge decks
This paper describes the instrumentation and test results of a reinforced concrete bridge deck constructed on three-span continuous steel girders in Evansville, West Virginia. An instrumentation system consisting of 232 sensors is developed and implemented specifically to measure strains and temperature in concrete deck, strains in longitudinal and transverse rebar, the overall contraction and expansion of concrete deck, and crack openings. Data from all sensors are automatically collected every 30 minutes starting at the time of placing the deck. The results indicated that elevated longitudinal stress due to constrained drying shrinkage is the main factor responsible for crack initiation during the first two days after concrete placement. Several factors contribute to the deterioration of the deck: (1) thermal stresses developed in the deck because of the constraining effects of the stay-in-place forms and shear studs; (2) non-uniform curing of the concrete along the deck; (3) in-plane temperature variat...