IS TODAY'S STRUCTURAL CONCRETE READY FOR TOMORROW?

The present 28-day strength of 1:2:4:0.6 concrete is nearly double that of the corresponding rise during the period 1945-47. However, it is now possible, with modern cements, to produce an average strength concrete with much less cement in the mix. This reduction causes some concern about the durability of modern concrete. The author discusses the development of strength in pure compounds and the effect of the water/cement ratio on strength. The effect of the lime saturation factor on the strength development is also investigated. Although changes in codes and standards counteract the changes in the hydration characteristics of cement, these are sometimes too late, and the author suggests that the use of water-reducing admixtures should be increased. Composite cements based on pfa or slag could be used. The early strength growth of cement can also be increased by reducing the lime saturation factor. Although not all concrete needs a high standard of durability, it is considered important that the durability is kept as uniformly high as possible. (TRRL)

• Corporate Authors:

  Transpress VEB Verlag fuer Verkehrswesen

  Franzoesische Strasse 13/14, Postfach 1235
  108 Berlin,   Germany 
• Authors:
  • Owens, P L
• Publication Date: 1980-7

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 29-31
• Serial:
  • Signal und Schiene
  • Volume: 14
  • Issue Number: 7
  • Publisher: Transpress VEB Verlag fuer Verkehrswesen

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Calcium oxide; Cement; Cement content; Chemistry; Compression; Concrete; Durability; Hydration; Percent saturation; Pulverized fly ash; Reinforced concrete; Slag; Strength of materials; Water cement ratio; Water reducing agents
• Old TRIS Terms: Pulverized fuel ash
• ITRD Terms: 7165: Chemistry; 5532: Compression; 5910: Durability; 4574: Lime; 4794: Reinforced concrete; 5544: Strength (mater)
• Subject Areas: Highways; Materials; Planning and Forecasting; I32: Concrete; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00324796
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 16 1981 12:00AM