EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN UNIVERSITY

Famagusta, TRNC

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY
CE483

PROJECT REPORT

PROJECT TITLE
HIGH STRENGTH CONCRETE

Submitted To: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Khaled Marar.

Submitted by:

1. Hamza Saeed. 139469.

2. Wael Tabban. 138711.
3. Abdulkareem Kharma. 138813.

Submission Date: 2nd - January - 2018

 ACKNOWLEDMENTS

We would like to thank our honourable instructor Associate Professor Dr. Khaled Marar to

guide us throughout the project to able us understanding the project completely by sharing his

precious knowledge. This project undoubtedly helped us to increase our further knowledge in

concrete technology course by doing research and analysing other sources.

Furthermore, these kinds of projects are essential as it opens different ways to increase

knowledge in a particular field which is necessary in many aspects.

 ABSTRACT

Concrete is an extensively used and a prominent material in construction industry due to its

exceptional properties. The properties of concrete can be engineered in various aspects such

as by modifying its strength, durability, resistance to abrupt conditions and much more. This

project report describes one of the key engineering property of concrete called strength. High

strength concrete now days is widely discussed topic in construction industry due to its

impressive properties. This report will elaborately discuss about the high strength concrete,

its properties such as mechanical and physical and other important aspects. Relevant figures,

tables and tests are elaborately explained in order to understand the behaviour of high

strength concrete.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

List of Figures ...................................................................................................................... i-iii

List of Tables ..........................................................................................................................iv

Chapter 1: Concrete............................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Applications of Concrete ................................................................................................. 2

1.2 Characteristics of Concrete ............................................................................................. 2

1.3 Concrete Classifications ................................................................................................... 3

1.3.1 Classification in Accordance with Type of Cement ................................................. 3

1.3.2 Classification in Accordance with Unit Weight ....................................................... 4

1.3.3 Classification in Accordance with Compressive Strength ....................................... 4

1.4 Properties of Concrete .................................................................................................... 5

1.4.1 Properties of Aggregates......................................................................................... 5

1.4.2 Strength of Concrete ............................................................................................... 7

Chapter 2: High Strength Concrete ....................................................................................... 8

2.1 History of High Strength Concrete .................................................................................. 8

2.2 High Strength Concrete Structural Examples .................................................................. 9

2.3 Strength Classification of High Strength Concrete ........................................................ 11

2.4 Cement Properties of High Strength Concrete .............................................................. 11

2.5 Water Cement Ratio in High Strength Concrete ........................................................... 12

2.6 Aggregates ..................................................................................................................... 12

2.7 Admixtures..................................................................................................................... 14

2.7.1 Superplasticizers ................................................................................................... 14

2.7.2 Silica Fume ............................................................................................................ 16

2.8 Microstructure of High Strength Concrete .................................................................... 17

Chapter 3: Mechanical Properties of High Strength Concrete ............................................ 19

3.1 Behaviour Under Compressive Strength ....................................................................... 19

3.2 Tensile Strength ............................................................................................................. 22

3.3 Modulus of Elasticity ..................................................................................................... 25

3.4 Thermal Properties ........................................................................................................ 26

3.4.1 Guidelines for Enhancing High Strength Concrete Fire Performance .................. 27

Chapter 4: Fresh Concrete Properties of High Strength Concrete ...................................... 29

4.1 Workability .................................................................................................................... 29

4.2 Placement and Setting of High Strength Concrete........................................................ 29

4.3 Curing of High Strength Concrete.................................................................................. 34

Chapter 5: Advantages and Disadvantage of High Strength Concrete ............................... 35

5.1 Advantages .................................................................................................................... 35

5.2 Disadvantages ................................................................................................................ 35

Chapter 6: Mix design of High Strength Concrete ............................................................... 36

Conclusion ........................................................................................................................... 41

References ........................................................................................................................... 42
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Typical Concrete Materials Composition ................................................................ 1

Figure 2 Typical Volumetric Proportions of Concrete ........................................................... 5

Figure 3 Typical Proportions of Concrete with Admixture .................................................... 6

Figure 4 Schematic Representation of Moisture in Aggregate ............................................. 6

Figure 5 Fracture Patterns of Concrete Under Different Types of Stresses .......................... 7

Figure 6 Petronas Towers, Malaysia ...................................................................................... 9

Figure 7 La Laurentienne Building, Canada ........................................................................... 9

Figure 8 Smestad Tunnel, Norway ....................................................................................... 10

Figure 9 The Millau Viaduct Bridge, France ......................................................................... 10

Figure 10 Abrams’ Law ........................................................................................................ 12

Figure 11 Schematic Diagram of NSC and HSC hydration process ...................................... 13

Figure 12 Cement Paste of High Strength Concrete............................................................ 13

Figure 13 Maximum Size of Aggregate and Strength Efficency .......................................... 14

Figure 14 Relation Between Flow Table and Water Content with and without

superplasticizer application ................................................................................................. 15

Figure 15 Relation Between Compressive Strength and Superplasticizer due to Influence of

Superplasticizer ................................................................................................................... 16

Figure 16 Particle Sizes of Cement and Silica Fume ............................................................ 17

Figure 17 Microstructure of Normal Strength Concrete ..................................................... 17

Figure 18 Microstructure of High Strength Concrete .......................................................... 18

Figure 19 Compressive Stress development of NSC and HSC ............................................. 20

Figure 20 Failure mode of NSC and HSC under compression ............................................. 20

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Figure 21 Strength Gain of HSC ........................................................................................... 21

Figure 22 Stress-Strain Relationship of HSC ........................................................................ 21

Figure 23 Stress-Strain Relationship of C90 ........................................................................ 22

Figure 24 Crack Patterns of Tensile Splitting Test ............................................................... 23

Figure 25 Relationship Between Tensile Strength and Compressive strength ................... 24

Figure 26 Relationship Between Uniaxial Tensile Strength and Compressive strength ..... 24

Figure 27 Comparison of Prediction Formulas for Modulus of Elasticity of Concrete ........ 25

Figure 28 Relation between Young’s Modulus and Temperature ..................................... 26

Figure 29 Relation between Compressive Strength and Temperature ............................... 26

Figure 30 Comparison of HSC and NSC column at elevated temperatures ........................ 27

Figure 31 Axial Deformation Comparison of NSC and HSC column under elevated

temperatures ....................................................................................................................... 27

Figure 32 View of (a) NSC and (b) HSC column after fire-resistance test ........................... 28

Figure 33 Plastic Shrinkage and Bleeding ............................................................................ 29

Figure 34 Shrinkage strain components in (a) NSC and (b) HSC ......................................... 30

Figure 35 Volumetric Relationship Between Different Types Shrinkage ............................ 31

Figure 36 Volumetric relationship in Autogenous Shrinkage .............................................. 31

Figure 37 Autogenous Shrinkage Crack ............................................................................... 32

Figure 38 Free autogenous shrinkage of concrete with partial replacement of coarse

aggregates by lightweight aggregates ................................................................................. 32

Figure 39 Compressive Strength of Lightweight and Normal Weight Concrete ................. 33

Figure 40 Pond Curing (Water Curing) ................................................................................ 34

Figure 41 Plastic Sheets Curing............................................................................................ 34

Figure 42 Liquid Membrane Forming .................................................................................. 34

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Figure 43 Synthetic Resin Curing ......................................................................................... 34

Figure 44 Mix Design Figure 4 ............................................................................................. 39

Figure 45 Mix Design Figure 3 ............................................................................................. 39

Figure 46 Mix Design Figure 6 ............................................................................................. 39

Figure 47 Mix Design Figure 5 ............................................................................................. 39

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 LIST OF TABLES

Table 1 Compound Composition (%) of Types of Portland Cement (ASTM C150-92) [2] ...... 3

Table 2 Classification in Accordance with Unit Weight [3] ..................................................... 4

Table 3 Classification in Accordance with Compressive Strength [4] ..................................... 4

Table 4 Classification in Accordance with Compressive Strength Examples ........................ 5

Table 5 HSC Example 1 Properties [9] ..................................................................................... 9

Table 6 HSC Example 2 Properties [9] ..................................................................................... 9

Table 7 HSC Example 3 Properties [9] ................................................................................... 10

Table 8 HSC Example 4 Properties [9] ................................................................................... 10

Table 9 Strength Classification of High Strength Concrete ................................................. 11

Table 10 Summary of P18 (90 MPa) Mix Results [20] ........................................................... 22

Table 11 Water Absorption of Lightweight aggregate [31] ................................................... 32

Table 12 Mix Design Table 2 ................................................................................................ 38

Table 13 Mix Design Table 3 ................................................................................................ 38

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 CHAPTER 1

CONCRETE

Concrete is a composite material consists of aggregates which are enclosed in a matrix of

cement paste. The aggregates act as a filler and the cement paste binds them together. The

concrete can be named in different ways depending upon the binding medium (cement

paste) properties such as hydraulic cement concrete or non-hydraulic cement concrete,

polymer concrete, asphalt concrete, etc. Hydraulic cement concrete and non-hydraulic

cement concrete both requires water for reaction (hydration) process. The difference

between them is their ability of gaining strength such non-hydraulic cement cannot gain

strength in water while hydraulic cement can. Concrete is a most versatile and resourceful

material as it is widely used material in construction industry. Concrete can be engineered

in many ways by modifying it according to the function. The most common concrete is

Portland cement concrete and mainly whenever the term concrete is used Portland cement

is the main constituent. The composition of concrete is as follows:

Cement Paste: Portland Cement + Water.

Mortar: Cement Paste + Fine Aggregates.

Concrete: Cement Paste + Fine Aggregates + Coarse Aggregates.

Figure 1 Typical Concrete Materials Composition [1]

1
The previously mentioned composition is the simplest form of concrete, now a days

modern scientific approaches or modifications are held such as mixing cement with

admixtures in order to modify the concrete properties such as by addition of chemical

admixtures, concrete setting time or strength gaining ability can be modified.

1.1. Applications of Concrete

Concrete is widely used in construction due to its properties such as building frames

(beams, columns, slabs, shear wall, etc.), pavements (flexible or rigid), bridges, dams and

in many other construction fields. The purpose of using concrete is to counteract the

compressive stress forces as per concrete is outstanding material in terms of compressive

stress while in order to compensate tensile forces, steel reinforcement bars are used.

1.2. Characteristics of Concrete

There are numerous characteristics of concrete such as it is economical. The term

economical is due to its inexpensiveness and readily availability. As compared with steel

and other materials, concrete production is less expensive. Other major characteristic of

concrete is ease of casting, as per fresh concrete is flowable like a liquid it can be shaped

into desired shape and size in formworks. The maintenance of concrete is less expensive as

compared with steel such as a normal concrete doesn’t require coating to protect it from

weather as per steel is coated with special coatings such as epoxy or galvanization. As

mentioned above concrete is excellent in compressive strength but it can only resist tensile

stress 10 % of its characteristic strength.

2
1.3. Concrete Classifications

1.3.1. Classification in Accordance with Type of Cement

Concrete is available in different types according to their function. The type of concrete

refers to cement type or admixtures used. The types of Portland cements according to

ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) are as follows:

i. Type I (Ordinary Portland Cement).

ii. Type I-A (Air Entrained Ordinary Portland Cement).

iii. Type II (Modified Portland Cement).

iv. Type II-A (Air Entrained Modified Portland Cement).

v. Type III (High Early Strength Portland Cement).

vi. Type IV (Low Heat Portland Cement).

vii. Type V (Sulphate Resistant Portland Cement).

viii. Type IS (Portland Blast Furnace Cement).

ix. Type IP (Portland Pozzolan Cement).

Table 1 Compound Composition (%) of Types of Portland Cement (ASTM C150-92) [2]

C 3S C 2S C 3A C4AF CaSO4 Free CaO MgO LOI

Type I 59 15 12 8 2.9 0.8 2.4 1.2

Type II 46 29 6 12 2.8 0.6 3.0 1.0

Type III 60 12 12 8 3.9 1.3 2.6 1.9

Type IV 30 46 5 13 2.9 0.3 2.7 1.0

Type V 45 36 4 12 2.7 0.4 1.6 1.0

3
1.3.2. Classification in Accordance with Unit Weight

Concrete is classified into four categories as described in Table 2 (Li, 2011) [3]. The usage of

concrete defines their classification such as for non-structural members ultra-lightweight

concrete is used. Lightweight concrete is used for both non-structural and structural

members according to the specifications. Normal weight concrete is commonly used for

structural members. Heavyweight concrete is used for special structures such as

powerplants, laboratories, hospitals, etc.

Table 2 Classification in Accordance with Unit Weight [3]

Concrete Classification Unit Weight (kg/m3)

Ultra-Lightweight < 1200

Lightweight 1200 < LW < 1800

Normal weight approx. 2400

Heavyweight > 3200

1.3.3. Classification in Accordance with Compressive Strength

In construction industry, concrete is classified according to its compressive strength. Table

3 describes the classification based on ACI-363 and Table 4 mentions the examples.

Table 3 Classification in Accordance with Compressive Strength [4]

Classification Compressive Strength (MPa)

Low Strength < 20

Moderate Strength 20 – 50

High Strength 50 – 150

Ultra-High Strength > 150

4
 Table 4 Classification in Accordance with Compressive Strength Examples

Classification Examples

Low Strength Subgrade of roads, Non-load bearing wall, Lean concrete.

Moderate Strength Commonly used in structural members (beams, columns, etc.)

High Strength Tall building columns, bridges, towers, shear walls, etc.

Ultra-High Strength Rarely used such as structural segments (girders)

1.4. Properties of Concrete

1.4.1. Properties of Aggregates

Concrete is a mixture of cement, water and aggregates or also admixtures. All these

materials have some influence in properties of concrete. The volume of aggregates

occupies at least one-third of total concrete volume, not only aggregate may limit the total

strength of concrete it can also affect the strength of concrete if the aggregates have

undesirable properties.

Figure 2 Typical Volumetric Proportions of Concrete [5]

5
 Figure 3 Typical Proportions of Concrete with Admixture [6]

There are various tests in order to check the quality and strength of aggregates such as to

determine the strength of aggregate a test method Crushing Value Test is performed. The

abrasion resistance of aggregate is obtained by performing Los Angeles Abrasion Test. The

toughness of aggregate is measured by Aggregate Impact value Test.

Moisture conditions indicates the presence of water in pores and on the surface of

aggregates. The aggregates are classified into four categories:

i. Oven Dry.

ii. Air Dry.

iii. Saturated Surface Dry.

iv. Wet.

Figure 4 Schematic Representation of Moisture in Aggregate [7]

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1.4.2. Strength of Concrete

The most important property of concrete is its strength because it gives the overall picture

of concrete. The strength of concrete is obtained by studying its fracture mechanics which

indicates the failure mechanism of concrete. The fracture mechanics indicates the stress-

strain relation of the material. As per concrete is considered good in compressive strength,

tensile strength of concrete should also be tested in order to obtain the overall

performance of concrete. Figure 5 illustrates the fracture patterns on concrete under

different types of stress.

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 5 Fracture Patterns of Concrete Under Different Types of Stresses [8]

a. Uniaxial Tension.

b. Uniaxial Compression.

c. Biaxial Compression.

Following tests are performed to obtain the strength parameters and properties of

concrete:

a. Compressive Strength.

b. Tensile Splitting Test.

c. Modulus of Rupture (Flexural Strength).

7
 Chapter 2

HIGH STRENGTH CONCRETE

High strength concrete as per from the name implies concrete characteristic strength is

higher than conventional concrete 50 MPa or above and also written as HSC. The HSC is

widely used in construction industry now days such as high-rise buildings (skyscrapers). HSC

is used in lower floors columns due to higher loads from above structural frame, shear walls

and foundations as well. The use of HSC in bridges reduces the number of beams supporting

slab. Typically, the use of HSC is more economical in high rise buildings (30 stories or more)

as the number of columns and beams are reduced by reducing the dead loads and reducing

the loads linked with foundation design as it can reduce the thickness of foundation. HSC

used in highway bridges is in the form of pre-stressed concrete and it permits to have longer

spans as compared with conventional concrete.

2.1. History of High Strength Concrete

50 years ago, concrete with compressive strength of 30 MPa were considered as high

strength but now they in the range of low strength concrete. In 1950’s, structures with 50

MPa were very rare and they were in high strength category. Gradually the modifications

were made and the concrete characteristic strengths were further improved and increased.

In 1970’s up to 100 MPa of concrete strengths were developed and beyond 1980’s,

applications of HSC are more common and practical.

8
2.2. High Strength Concrete Structural Examples

i. Petronas Towers (452 m high) in Malaysia is a prime example of HSC structure designed

considering concrete strength of 85 MPa (28-days strength) (Engin, 2015) [9].

Table 5 HSC Example 1 Properties [9]

Concrete Strength 85 MPa

Cement Content 260 kg/m3

Silica Fume Content 30 kg/m3

Fly Ash Content 260 kg/m3

w/c 0.27

Slump rate 200 mm

Figure 6 Petronas Towers, Malaysia [9]

ii. La Laurentienne Building (102 m high) in Canada designed using concrete strength of

120 MPa (91-days strength) (Engin, 2015) [9].

Table 6 HSC Example 2 Properties [9]

Concrete Strength 120 MPa

Cement Content 500kg/m3

Silica Fume Content 30 kg/m3

w/c 0.24

Figure 7 La Laurentienne Building, Canada [9]

9
iii. Smestad Tunnel (494 m length) located in Norway is constructed using characteristic

strength of 140 MPa (Engin, 2015) [9].

Table 7 HSC Example 3 Properties [9]

Concrete Strength 140 MPa

w/c 0.23

Figure 8 Smestad Tunnel, Norway [9]

iv. One of the examples of using Ultra High Strength Concrete (UHSC) is The Millau

Viaduct Bridge (2460 m length and 270 m high) in France designed for 199 MPa

concrete strength (28 days) (Engin, 2015) [9].

Table 8 HSC Example 4 Properties [9]

Concrete Strength 199 MPa

w/c 0.22

Water Content 195 kg/m3

Cement Content 885 kg/m3

Figure 9 The Millau Viaduct Bridge, France [9]

There is no significant difference between Normal Strength Concrete (NSC) and HSC in

terms of raw materials, the only difference is strict quality control, proportions of materials

and addition of admixtures.

10
2.3. Strength Classification of High Strength Concrete

HSC is classified as follows:

Table 9 Strength Classification of High Strength Concrete

Conventional High Ultra-High

Strength, MPa < 50 50 – 150 > 150

w/c ratio > 0.45 0.45 – 0.25 <0.25

Chemical Admixtures According to conditions WRA* WRA*

Mineral Admixtures According to conditions Silica Fume Silica Fume

Permeability coefficient > 10-10 10-11 – 10-12 <10-13

Freeze-Thaw Protection Air entrainment Air entrainment -

*WRA – Water Reducing Admixtures

2.4. Cement Properties of High Strength Concrete

The development of strength in HSC depends on the proportion of the cement content and

its quality. The cement content in HSC is higher as compared to NSC because of the fineness

of the cement. In cement tricalcium silicate (C3S), dicalcium silicate (C2S) and tricalcium

aluminate (C3A) are the main components responsible for strength development. Tests

have shown that cements with low C3A gives better results.

In HSC, surface area (fineness) of cement is greater which leads to rapid reaction causes

increase in rate of hydration, therefore the proportions of oxides can be utilize in order to

control the performance of HSC. The rate of hydration in HSC is significantly higher as

11
compared to NSC due to the greater fineness of cement therefore, it suggested to use Type

IV (Low Heat Portland Cement) cement when rise in temperature is an issue.

2.5. Water Cement (w/c) Ratio in HSC

In HSC, the key parameter is w/c ratio which is usually less as compared to NSC. According

to Abrams’ law “strength of concrete is inversely proportional to w/c ratio”.

Figure 10 Abrams’ Law [10]

The figure 10 describes that as the w/c decreases, compressive strength of concrete

increases. In NSC the typical w/c ratio is 0.5 or higher and in HSC it is lowered to 0.3 or less

or typically in range of 0.22 – 0.40 (Rashid & Mansur, 2008)[11]. The major disadvantage in

lowering the w/c ratio is that it effects the workability pf concrete. In order to compensate

this disadvantage, admixtures such as superplasticizers (water retarders) and silica fume

(mineral admixture) are used with the increase in cement content.

2.6. Aggregates

The aggregates used in HSC are usually having high crushing strength value. Generally, in

HSC, the maximum size of aggregates is limited to 20 mm, this is due to reduce the

12
transition zone and making concrete more homogenous material and presence of higher

cement content. As compared to normal strength concrete, the HSC has higher cement

content ranging from 400-600 kg/m3 which results in reduction of water cement (w/c) ratio.

(a) NSC (b) HSC

Figure 11 Schematic Diagram of NSC and HSC hydration process [12]

Smaller size aggregate particles produce higher concrete strength due to less concentration

of stresses around the particles. This phenomenon is described in detail in chapter 3.

Figure 12 Cement Paste of High Strength Concrete [13]

In case of fine aggregate, it is suggested to use the aggregates having the Fineness Modulus

(FM) of 3 (ACI363R-92, 1992) [14], which results in better workability and plays a major role

in compressive strength. Rounded particles with smooth texture are more preferable in

HSC because it requires less water for mixing.

13
 Figure 13 Maximum Size of Aggregate and Strength Efficency[14]

2.7. Admixtures

In previous section it is mentioned that reduction of water can reduce the workability of

concrete therefore admixtures are used. Admixtures that are used in HSC are mentioned

as below:

2.7.1. Superplasticizers

This admixture is used as a water reducer in concrete. Superplasticizer are used to

produced flowing concrete in situations where placing of concrete is inaccessible, very

rapid placing is required or in HSC. Superplasticizers are suplhonated melamine

formaldehyde condensates or suphonated naphthalene formaldehyde condensates, the

latter which is more effective in dispersing of cement meaning it separates cement particles

from lumps and releasing the entrapped water by cement particles clusters. This dispersion

activity mainly done by the sulphonic acid. The result of using this admixture is increase in

14
workability at a given w/c ratio. In HSC the superplasticizer result in reducing water content

25 to 35 percent (Neville & Brooks, Admixtures, 2008) [15].

Figure 14 describes the relation between flow table spread and water content with and

without superplasticizer application.

The relation clearly states that when the water content is low, workability is reduced which

is estimated by flow table test. In comparison, if the superplasticizer application is not

applied a clear difference is observed in the workability when superplasticizer is used.

Figure 14 Relation Between Flow Table and Water Content with and without superplasticizer
application [15]

Figure 15 describes the relation between compressive strength and superplasticizer

content. In this relation concrete strength gaining is described with percentage of

superplasticizer, which indicates the strength gaining process according to time passage.

15
 Figure 15 Relation Between Compressive Strength and Superplasticizer due to
Influence of Superplasticizer [15]

2.7.2. Silica Fume

In production of HSC, another admixture silica fume is helpful. Silica fume is a by-product

of ferro-silicon manufacturing process. The silica fumes particles are very small and highly

reactive and because of its small particle size (nanometres), silica fumes are adjusted in

gaps among cement particles to form a much denser microstructure. Due to its high

reactiveness, silica fume reacts with calcium hydroxide (CH) and water and produces

secondary C-S-H which further improves the density and reducing the porosity of concrete.

This results in enhancement of strength and permeability of concrete. In figure 16 a

comparison is shown between the particle size of cement and silica fume with Scan

Electronic Microscope (SEM) at 5µm scale.

16
 Figure 16 Particle Sizes of Cement and Silica Fume [16]

2.8. Microstructure of HSC

The microstructure of HSC is densely packed particles. The addition of silica fume admixture

also influences the formation of microstructure and due to its particle size, it causes more

denser structure. The density of HSC is higher due to good aggregate-paste bond because

of less porosity of concrete.

Figure 17 Microstructure of Normal Strength Concrete [17]

17
Figure 18 Microstructure of High Strength Concrete [17]

18
 CHAPTER 3

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF HSE CONCRETE

Mechanical properties are the most important element of concrete as it depicts the overall

picture or performance of concrete. The mechanical properties of concrete are influenced

by three major factors such as microstructure of concrete, porosity of hydrated cement

paste and transition zone period.

3.1 Behaviour Under Compressive Strength

HSC is more homogenous material as compared to NSC due to the limitation of maximum

aggregate size which leads to increase in cement content. The microstructure of high

strength concrete and failure modes under compressive stress is quite different from

normal strength. In previous section it is discussed that the transition period is reduced or

sometimes is eliminated which indicates that the porosity of concrete is less as compared

to NSC.

Cracks or microcracks related with short-term loading, shrinkage, temperature and

sustained loads are comparatively less as of normal strength. In normal strength concrete,

crack pattern passes around coarse aggregate while in high strength concrete, vertical crack

going through aggregate instead of passing around, indicates its more brittleness and

volume dilation. Figure 19 and 20 shows the difference of compressive stress development

and failure modes in normal strength and high strength concrete.

19
 Figure 19 Compressive Stress development of NSC and HSC [18]

Figure 20 Failure mode of NSC and HSC under compression [18]

The cracks developed in normal strength concrete are rough while it is observed that in

high strength cracks are smooth. This roughness in normal strength concrete is due to as

mentioned earlier because of fracture development during the transition period between

aggregate and matrix (cement paste) and smoothness fracture pattern in high strength

concrete is due to reduced transition period. In normal strength concrete, the microcracks

are developed when the 40 % of the compressive strength is applied and these cracks

interconnects when compressive strength reaches 70 – 90 %. In case of high strength

concrete, test result shows the linearity of stress-strain diagram till 65 – 80 % of load of

different concrete compressive strengths such as 65, 95 and 105 MPa (Irvani & MacGregor,

20
1996) [16] . HSC is more brittle as compared to NSC because as the strength of concrete

increases the brittleness of concrete will increase.

Figure 21 Strength Gain of HSC [19]

Another test result shows the similar stress-strain behaviour of HSC concrete. In the

following test, comparison is made between normal strength and high strength concretes

(Wee, Chin, & Mansur, May, 1996) [20].

Figure 22 Stress-Strain Relationship of HSC [20]

21
 Figure 23 Stress-Strain Relationship of C90 [20]

Computation of compressive strength:

fc’ = F/Ac (MPa)
F: failure load in kN
Ac : Area of concrete specimen (mm2)
In figure 21, Mix P18 test results are tabulated below:

Table 10 Summary of P18 (90 MPa) Mix Results [20]

Mix Age of testing Number of fc’

(days) specimen (MPa)

P18 28 5 94.4

56 3 96.6

3.2 Tensile Strength

In tensile splitting test, uniaxial load is applied which splits the concrete cylinder. In the

past, tensile splitting test for high strength concrete were limited which doesn’t provides

the overall picture of high strength concrete. Recent studies show the detailed analysis of

22
high strength concrete by conducting some tests and developing equations of tensile

strength based on the compressive strength.

In previous sections it is mentioned that due to high cement content, w/c ratio is reduced

thus reducing the workability of concrete which leads to take special measures such as

adding admixtures. The admixtures such as silica fume effects on tensile strength were also

investigated.

Figure 24 Crack Patterns of Tensile Splitting Test [21]

A relationship between concrete compressive strength (28 -day) and tensile strength is as

follows (Pul, 2008) [21]:

ft = 0.026 fc’

Relationship between splitting tensile strength and compressive strength

fsp = 0.106 fc0.948

Relationship between flexural tensile strength and compressive strength

ffl = 0.034 fc1.286

23
 Figure 25 Relationship Between Tensile Strength and Compressive strength [21]

General equation to compute tensile strength (cylinder specimen):

2F
fct = π L d (MPa)

F: failure load in kN

L: Length of specimen (mm), d: height of specimen on which load is applied (mm)

Figure 26 Relationship Between Uniaxial Tensile Strength and Compressive strength [21]

24
3.3 Modulus of Elasticity

According American Concrete Institute (ACI-318-11), the secant modulus of elasticity is the

ratio of stress and strain at 40% of compressive strength. This indicates that the increase in

stress will increase in the modulus of elasticity. The empirical equation to obtain the

Modulus of elasticity suggested in ACI-363 is expressed as (Ahmed & Shah, 1982)[22]:

Ec = 3.32√𝑓𝑐′ + 6.9 (GPa)

Several other equations were developed for HSC but their variation in results were huge,

therefor ACI also recommends that design engineer should verify the modulus of elasticity

through a trial field batching or by documented performance (Hueste, Chompreda , Trejo,

Cline, & Keating, 2003)[23].

Figure 27 Comparison of Prediction Formulas for Modulus of Elasticity of Concrete [23]

25
3.4 Thermal Properties

The behaviour of HSC in terms of thermal properties, there is no significant difference from

NSC under same normal conditions. But the effects of elevated temperature on HSC differs

from NSC. Under same heating condition, HSC properties are different when compared to

NSC such as when subjected to 100 to 4000C the loss of strength is significant. At 200-4000C

explosive spalling failure happens in HSC. In terms of strength loss, HSC strength loses its

strength up to 40% of room temperature strength which is 20- 30% greater than NSC (Phan

& Carino, 2001) [24].

Figure 28 Relation between Young’s Modulus and Temperature [24]

Figure 29 Relation between Compressive Strength and Temperature [24]

26
 Figure 30 Comparison of HSC and NSC column at elevated temperatures [25]

Figure 31 Axial Deformation Comparison of NSC and HSC column under elevated temperatures [25]

High strength concrete is more susceptible to spalling and resulting in low resistance to

elevated temperatures.

3.4.1. Guidelines for Enhancing HSC Fire Performance

According to NRC (Nation Research Council, Canada), following guidelines are suggested to

improve the fire resistance of high strength concrete (Kodur, 1999) [25]:

27
• Use normal-weight aggregate (instead of lightweight aggregate) to minimize spalling.

• Add polypropylene fibres to the mix to reduce spalling.

• Add steel fibres to enhance tensile strength and reduce spalling.

• Use carbonate aggregate (instead of siliceous aggregate) to reduce spalling.

• Employ both closer tie spacing and cross ties to improve fire resistance.

• Install bent ties (at 135° back into the concrete core) instead of straight ties.

• Take appropriate precautions to prevent spalling when concrete strength exceeds 55

MPa.

Figure 32 illustrates the fire resistance test result conducted by NRC (Nation Research

Council, Canada) on NSC and HSC column.

Figure 32 View of (a) NSC and (b) HSC column after fire-resistance test [25]

28
 CHAPTER 4

PROPERTIES OF FRESH CONCRETE

4.1 Workability

Due to the limitation of aggregate particle size (coarse crushed aggregates) and higher

fineness of cement, workability is very difficult of high strength concrete. Therefore,

admixtures are used to compensate the workability issue. The use of admixtures is

explained in detail in chapter 2 under admixtures of HSC topic. Since the use of HSC reduces

the amount of reinforcement in sections but often in dense reinforcement in slender

sections (columns and shear walls), HSC is used therefore high workability or vibration is

required, the admixtures such as water retarders are helpful in this case. During vibration

to avoid segregation of coarse particles, a continuous grading of aggregates is required. The

fineness of HSC is higher therefore bleeding is another factor which can be faced.

4.2 Placement and Setting of HSC

HSC has a greater risk of plastic shrinkage during the period of setting time. Plastic

shrinkage happens due to increase in evaporation and temperature of concrete. The

shrinkage can be avoided if the plasticizer is used with careful measures such as measuring

the content during transportation and at the time of placement.

Figure 33 Plastic Shrinkage and Bleeding [26]

29
 Figure 34 Shrinkage strain components in (a) NSC and (b) HSC [27]

In shrinkage four main types of factors are involved such as plastic shrinkage, autogenous

shrinkage, carbonation shrinkage and drying shrinkage. Plastic shrinkage is due to the

moisture loss in fresh concrete when poured. Autogenous shrinkage is associated with the

loss of water from capillary pores due to cementitious materials hydration. This shrinkage

is occurred in low water cement ratio and higher cement content in concrete. Carbonation

shrinkage is cause due to chemical reaction of cement hydration products. The volumetric

change results in drying shrinkage.

The magnitude of shrinkage depends on the proportions of concrete mix. The main analysis

of concrete properties in terms of shrinkage is of drying shrinkage and autogenous

shrinkage. The ratio of autogenous and drying shrinkage is illustrated in figure 34 (Sakata

& Shimomura, 2004) [27]. In case of NSC, autogenous shrinkage varies from 20 – 110 micro-

strains and causes no significant problem. The HSC autogenous shrinkage case is different

and in this case when it is compared with NSC, the ratio is high with respect to age when

concrete is exposed to drying conditions.

30
 Figure 36 Volumetric relationship in Autogenous Shrinkage [28]

Figure 35 Volumetric Relationship Between Different Types Shrinkage [29]

31
 Figure 37 Autogenous Shrinkage Crack [30]

The autogenous cracking in HSC can controlled by using lightweight wet aggregates. The

absorption percentage of lightweight aggregate is listed in table 4.1 (Bentur, Igarashi, &

Kovler, 2001) [31].

Table 11 Water Absorption of Lightweight aggregate [31]

Time 5 min 30 min 6 hrs 24 hrs 72 hrs

Absorption % 4.5 5.8 7.3 8.9 11.0

In figure 38, a comparison is made between using normal weight aggregates and

lightweight aggregated in concrete (Bentur, Igarashi, & Kovler, 2001) [31].

Figure 38 Free autogenous shrinkage of concrete with partial replacement of coarse

aggregates by lightweight aggregates [31]

32
Figure 38 presents the comparison of free autogenous shrinkage between normal-weight

aggregate and the normal weight aggregates in concrete with proportions of 25% of normal

weight concrete aggregate content volume. The lightweight aggregate in SSD (Saturated

Surface Dry) condition exhibits no shrinkage as compared to normal weight aggregates.

Since the usage of lightweight aggregate eliminates the autogenous shrinkage, it is

necessary to check its effect on compressive strength. Figure 39 describes the compressive

strength of normal weight aggregate concrete and the effect of using lightweight aggregate

in concrete under different conditions.

Figure 39 Compressive Strength of Lightweight and Normal Weight Concrete [31]

In figure 39, the 7-day compressive strength of normal weight HSC is higher as compared

to lightweight HSC but the results of 28-day testing shows that the compressive strength

of both types are nearly equal.

33
4.3 Curing of HSC

Curing procedure is mandatory for all types of concrete. In HSC, as discussed in previous

section that autogenous cracking is more likely to happen therefore internal curing of

concrete using lightweight wet aggregates are more effective. Other curing methods for

high strength concrete are similar to normal strength concrete such as water curing,

sealing with plastic sheets or applying curing compounds but water curing is more

suitable and provides better conditions than other mentioned methods.

Figure 40 Pond Curing (Water Curing) [32] Figure 41 Plastic Sheets Curing [33]

Figure 42 Liquid Membrane Forming [34] Figure 43 Synthetic Resin Curing [35]

34
 CHAPTER 5

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF HIGH STRENGTH CONCRETE

5.1. Advantages

1. High strength concrete reduces the structural member size.

2. Economical when used in massive structures (skyscrapers) or mass concrete because it

reduces the volume of concrete.

3. Also reduces the formwork area and time span of formwork removal due to achieving

high early strength.

4. Longer Spans leads to less structural members (beams or girders) such as in highway

bridges.

5. Reduction in self-weight (dead load) of structure.

6. High performance under static, dynamic and fatigue loading.

7. High strength concrete has greater stiffness because of higher Modulus of Elasticity.

8. Greater resistance to freezing and thawing, chemical attacks and alkalis attacks.

9. Reduction of maintenance and repairs.

5.2. Disadvantages

1. Quality control concerns.

2. Fire resistance concerns.

3. Brittleness behaviour is high as compared to NSC

35
 CHAPTER 6

MIX DESIGN OF HIGH STRENGTH CONCRETE

HSC mix design procedure is similar to NSC. As discussed earlier, it is suggested to limit the

maximum size of aggregate to 20 mm. In this section, the mix design will be according to

British Standard.

6.1. Mix Design Parameters

Characteristic Compressive Strength = 50 MPa (28-days)

Defective Rate = 2.5%

Total results (recommended) = 9 (3 cubes, 3 cylinders and 3 beams)

Cement Strength Class = 52.5 MPa

Slump Required = 125 mm (General Recommendation)

Coarse Aggregate (Crushed) = 20 mm

Fine Aggregate (Uncrushed) = 60% passing through 600 microns

Relative Density of aggregates = 2.7

Maximum Allowable Cement Content = 600 kg/m2

Minimum Allowable Cement Content = 400 kg/m2

Maximum Allowable w/c Ratio = 0.40

36
6.2. Mix Design Form

HSC MIX DESIGN

50 28
2.5
8
1.96 1.96 8 16
-
50 16 66

0.42
0.40 0.40

125 -
20
2 1
( x 195 + x 225 )
3 3 205
205 0.40 513
600
400

513
- -

2.7

2410
2410 513 205 1692

60
34
1692 0.34 576
1692 576 1116

513 205 576 372 744 -

0.05 26 11 29 19 38 -

37
6.3. Tables and Figures

Table 12 Mix Design Table 2

Table 13 Mix Design Table 3

38
 Figure 45 Mix Design Figure 3

Figure 44 Mix Design Figure 4

39
 Figure 47 Mix Design Figure 5

Figure 46 Mix Design Figure 6

40
 CONCLUSIONS

High strength concrete properties as compared to normal strength concrete are

exceptional. Although the properties are exceptional but to achieve these properties,

highest quality of materials with optimum proportions are necessary. High strength

concrete as per from name implies its compressive characteristic strength is higher than

normal concrete but strength is not only the primary factor to be considered because there

are other properties in which normal strength concrete has an edge, therefore it is

necessary to satisfy all the basic requirements. The main consideration in high strength

concrete is to achieve the strength property by fulfilment of all basic requirements.

41
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