Mechanical Properties and Durability of High- Performance Concrete

The results of an experimental investigation on the mechanical properties and durability of high performance concrete are presented. The concrete was produced with two types of cement, two different aggregates (shingle and granite) and addition of silica fume. The compressive and splitting tensile strength as well as the secant modulus of elasticity were evaluated on concrete having compressive strength up to 90 MPa and ages from 16 hours to 91 days. The complete stress-strain curve in compression was obtained at 28 days in a strain controlled mode. The durability tests include abrasion resistance, water permeability and carbonation depth. The results indicate that the mechanical properties investigated have different developments with respect to time. They also show expressively the efffects of the different coarse aggregates on the secant modulus of elasticity. The analysis of the test data additionally demonstrates significant reduction in water permeability, porosity and water absorption of high-performance concrete as well as a greater abrasion resistance. High-performance concrete also proved to be more resistant to carbonation even under poor curing conditions, and higher carbon dioxide concentations.