High-Performance Concrete Mixture Proportioning

Abstract

The report generalizes the results of wide range investigations of silica fume based superplasticized high-performance concrete. The rules of the strength and rheological behavior of cement - silica fume - superplasticizer systems are discussed. Usage of optimal superplasticizer to silica fume ratio (as 1:10) allows to obtain ultra-dense packing for super fluid cement paste and provides high-performance properties of concrete. The mathematical models of fresh and hardened high-performance concrete based on processing and computerizing empirical results are created. The models provide a calculation of water/cement ratio required for the target compressive strength level up to 130 MPa as well as mixing water quantity for planning slump of 0-200 mm. For modelling purpose, concrete slump is considered as a function of aggregates proportioning, and volume and fluidity of cement paste. This approach became a basis of proposed high-performance concrete mixture proportioning method. Further, developing and integration of the mathematical models created a new computer program for high-performance concrete mixture proportioning. The program provides a solution for wide range design and optimization projects. The results of the computer program estimation can be easily transferred to any 3-dimensional plotting or data base program for consequent processing and performing.