Study of Physical and Mechanical Properties of Centrifuged Concrete

The paper presents a complex of laboratory and theoretical studies of physical and mechanical properties in centrifuged concrete while using samples of sectoral cross-section which are cut in layers from a finished product. A post made of concrete having B40 grade for compression strength and manufactured while using centrifugation with the help of РТЦ-5 machine. Assessment of heterogeneity across section thickness has been carried out by visual determination of composition changes in cross section, determination of strength, density of the obtained concrete samples, and water content over cross section of concrete mix. According to the results of a visual study on composition of a concrete structure it has been revealed that 1/8 part of the structure (from an inner surface) does not have a large aggregate. Later, as it moves to periphery, there is an increase in coarse aggregate and a decrease in size and number of cells between grains of gravel. An analysis of experimental data has shown that properties of the centrifuged concrete in samples being sawn in layers change significantly: density of concrete in samples of an inner layer is lower by 8 % than in samples of an outer layer, and compressive strength of concrete – by 34 %, water content of concrete mixture of samples of the inner layer has turned out to be by 43 % higher than in samples of the outer layer. Approximating curves showing regularities of changes in density, concrete strength, water content of concrete mixture over thickness have been constructed in the paper. Linear and exponential equations have been obtained that describe changes in physical and mechanical properties of centrifuged concrete over section depending on structure properties as a whole, which, taking into account the obtained correction factors k1 and k2, can be used with an acceptable level of confidence in practical calculations of centrifuged concrete structures. Relationship between strength of centrifuged concrete varying over cross section and action of a centrifugal force of inertia has been revealed in the paper. An equation has been obtained that relates the strength of centrifuged concrete to its density. Analysis of the research results makes it possible to assert that the main source of loading perception in centrifuged concrete structures is outer layers.