Improvement of Concrete Properties and Reinforcing Steel Inhibition Using a Natural Product Admixture

The use of a natural white juice, taken from magrabe banana stem, as concrete admixture to improve mechanical and physicrvchemical properties of concrete has been studied. The compressive strength, bulk density the free lime liberated during hydration and the combined water content were determined. The results indicate that the admixture acts as a retarder in most cases and as accelerator in some ones. Also, the admixture effect on the corrosion resistance of the reinforcing steel against surrounding aggressive media has been investigated using galvanostatic polarization technique. The addition of 0.2% admixture leads to the more inhibition of the steel

Evaluation the Effects of Coarse Aggregates Size on Concrete Properties

Concrete is the most generally used construction material in buildings,pavements,and infrastructures.Concrete is a construction material composed of cement as binder,fine aggregates and coarse aggregates mixed with water which hardens with time.Concrete is a versatile construction material within the housing industry of the planet.The standard of the concrete is tormented by various factors and from those various factors which may have an effect on the concrete quality are,the coarse combination size has its own nice role on the standard of concrete production.A laboratorial experiment was conducted to work out the results coarse aggregates size on recent and hardened concrete properties.For this study totally different crushed volcanic rock aggregates sizes were collected from almost Jimma city for determination of the results of coarse aggregate sizes in concrete production.Three coarse aggregate nominal sizes of 10 mm,14 mm and 20 mm were used for samples production to envision the scale effects on concrete properties.For this study the procedures that was followed,the types and quantity of materials for concrete creating were similar whereas sizes of nominal basaltic coarse aggregate were different.The fresh concrete has a slump value of 67 mm,72 mm and 83 mm for 10mm,14 mm and 20 mm aggregate sizes respectively.A total of thirty six concrete cube samples were ready and tested using compressive strength testing machine at totally different ages of the cube 7 days,14 days,and 28 days,to know their strengths.The compressive strength was 23.524 Mpa,22.643 Mpa and 22.41 MPa for aggregate sizes of 10 mm,14 mm and 20 mm respectively.The laboratory results show that 10mm coarse aggregate size gave the most effective compressive strength and comparatively lowest slump at similar water/cement ratio of 0.6.At 28th day 10mm coarse aggregate size gave 23.524 Mpa compressive strength which is the maximum compressive strength from the remainder coarse aggregates so,the optimum maximum size of coarse aggregate for this study was 10mm.

Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Portland Cement Concrete Prepared with Coral Reef Sand

The feasibility of using coral reef sand（CRS） in Portland cement concrete is investigated by testing the mechanical property and microstructure of concrete. The composition, structure and properties of the CRS are analyzed. Mechanical properties and microstructure of concrete with CRS are studied and compared to concrete with natural river sand. The relationship between the microstructure and performance of CRS concrete is established. The CRS has a porous surface with high water intake capacity, which contributes to the mechanical properties of concrete. The interfacial transition zone between the cement paste and CRS is densified compared to normal concrete with river sand. Hydration products form in the pore space of CRS and interlock with the matrix of cement paste, which increases the strength. The total porosity of concrete prepared with CRS is higher than that with natural sand. The main difference in pore size distribution is the fraction of fine pores in the range of 100 nm.

Properties and Mechanism on Flexural Fatigue of Polypropylene Fiber Reinforced Concrete Containing Slag

Properties and mechanism were investigated on flexural fatigue of concrete containing polypropylene fibers and ground granulated blast furnace slag（GGBFS）.Four polypropylene fibers’volume fractions and five slag proportions were considered.An experiment was conducted to obtain the fatigue lives at three stress levels in 20 Hz frequency and at a constant stress level of 0.59 in four frequency respectively.Mechanism and evaluation were investigated based on the experimental data.Fatigue life span models were established.The results show that the addition of polypropylene fibers improves the flexural fatigue cumulative strength and fatigue life span.It is proposed that the slag particles and hydrated products improve Interfacial Transition Zone（ITZ）structure and benefit flexural fatigue performance.A composite reinforce effect is found with the incorporation of slag and polypropylene fibers.The optimum mixture contents 55%slag with 0.6%polypropylene fiber for the cumulative fatigue stress.Fatigue properties are decreased as the stress level increasing,the higher frequency reduces the fatigue strength more than lower frequency at a constant stress level.

Properties and Microstructures of Full Graded Concrete Containing Varied Impurity Aggregate

We investigated mechanical properties of concretes made with impurity aggregates of different combinations. Besides the mechanisms were explored by EDS, CT, and hardness testing. The results showed that fully rust-stained and surface rust-stained sandstone aggregate had significant adverse impact on the compressive strength of concrete while sandstone aggregate had a much more obvious impact on the ultimate tension of concrete. Concrete crack was more prone to expand along surfaces and the micro-hardness of interfacial transition zone of different aggregates was ranked in decreasing trend as sandstone, slate, SR sandstone, marble, and FR sandstone. The cluster growth of long needle-like ettringite crystal and strong preferential growth trend of Ca（OH）2 crystals would result in wider interfacial transition zone range of concretes made with fully rust-stained sandstone and marble aggregate, respectively. Therefore, the impurity aggregate content should be strictly controlled during aggregate selection.

Basic Properties of Concrete Incorporating Recycled Ceramic Aggregate and Ultra-fine Sand

Recycled ceramic mixed sand（RCMS） was obtained by partially replacing ultra-fine sand with recycled ceramic coarse sand（RCCS）. The effects of RCCS replacement rate on the apparent density, workability, compressive strength and splitting tensile strength of recycled ceramic concrete（RCC） were investigated. In addition, the relationship between the water-cement ratio and compressive strength of RCC was also studied. The experimental results indicate that the reusing of recycled ceramic aggregate can improve the cohesiveness and water retentiveness of fresh concrete and benefit the mechanical properties development. When the RCCS replacement rate is not less than 40%, the mechanical properties of RCC are superior to those of the reference concrete. Moreover, when recycled ceramic medium sand was completely used as fine aggregate, the maximum increase in both compressive strength and splitting tensile strength were obtained, comparing with those of reference concrete, the increment ratio was 19.85% and 32.73%, respectively. The microscopic analysis shows that the using of recycled ceramic aggregate can meliorate distinctly the structure of the interfacial transition zone（ITZ） and increase the compaction degree of cement paste. Furthermore, an expression of the compressive strength of RCC and the cement-water ratio is regressed and gains a good linear relativity. It is an effective way to recycle waste ceramic, and the consumption of recycled ceramic aggregate could reach from 26.9% to 47.6% of the total weight of aggregate in producing concrete.

Production and Properties of Superplasticized Concrete

The objective of this research is to study the effect of grinding powdered superplasticizer, Portland cement, sand, and silica fume on the properties of fresh and hardened concrete. Lose Angeles Machine was used to grind these constituents. The program was arranged to determine the effect of cycles＇ number, superplasticizer type and dosage, silica fume dosage and condition, and gravel to sand ratio on properties of concrete. Naphthalene sulphonated formaldehyde （NSF） superplasticizers in the forms of liquid and powdered were used. Silica fume may be grinded with the other constituents （grinded）, or added to concrete mixer （normal）. The water/cement （w/c） ratio varied from 0.35 to 0.55 to achieve a constant slump （50-90 mm）. Slumps, bulk density and mechanical properties of concrete were measured. Scanning electron microscope （SEM） was also used to show the differences between traditional and superplasticized concrete. The results showed that grinding the mixture enhances fresh and hardened concrete properties. It is also observed that grinding the mixture for 500 cycles is more effective than other numbers of grinding. In addition, superplasticized concrete exhibits compressive strength higher than traditional one at varied ages. Moreover, using powdered superplasticizer has a remarkable effect on enhancing concrete properties rather than using it in a liquid form. A dosage of 1% by weight of cement gave the highest results of compressive strength. Silica fume has an essential role in improving concrete strength and durability since it acts as very efficient void filler and as a super pozzolana. SEM observations illustrate that grinding the mixture enhances transition zone （TZ） properties and makes it denser. On the other hand, grinded mixture can be packaged in bags and transported for use in crowded cities, and so, enhances quality control, since the only requirement to obtain superplasticized concrete is to add water and gravel. This technique has many benefits such as; saving cement, labor and noise, high quality control, and enhancing concrete permeability and durability. There are many fields of application of superplasticized concrete such as; in locations which are not easily accessible by ordinary concreting techniques, in repairing and strengthen, thin coating, and for small projects when ready mix supply is not feasible.

Modified Concrete Using Polyethylene Terephthalate Plastic Waste as a Partial Replacement for Coarse Aggregate

The present work evaluated the properties of modified concrete using polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle waste as a partial replacement for coarse aggregate. Modified concrete samples were designed using a water/cement (W/C) ratio of 0.50 and varying percentages of PET replacement (3%, 7%, 10%, and 15% by volume). Dreux Gorisse’s formulation approach was used to make the final products, and the mechanical properties of the samples were determined using Controlab presses. This modified concrete with PET chips has shown that with a 10% replacement of PET chips, the fresh density decreases by 3.56%, and the hardened state density decreases by 2.01%. The water absorption and thermal conductivity of the formulated concretes decreased. However, the results showed that the slump of these fresh concretes increased as the percentage of plastic aggregate replacement increased. Based on the results, incorporating PET aggregates into concrete contributes to good workability, and lightweight concrete structures, and provides some thermal comfort in concrete structures.

Effect of CF and RPP on the Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Smart Aggregate

By using redispersible polymer powder（RPP） and carbon fiber（CF） to adjust the flexibility and electrical properties of the smart aggregate, a new kind of smart aggregate with Z type structure was proposed. The study shows that Z type aggregate is more sensitive to the feedback of external force than the prism aggregate in the same loading environment, and it indicates that Z type aggregate is more suitable for the research and application of concrete health monitoring. Although the incorporation of RPP would cause the compressive strength of the aggregates and the elastic modulus of hardened cement mortar to reduce slightly within the dosage of RPP by 2.25% because of the polymer film formed in the internal system, this would improve the deformability of the aggregates. In the early loading stage（in the first 60 seconds）, the intelligent concrete specimens implanted with Z type smart aggregate do not show higher sensitivity as expected, although the resistance change rate changes a little bit more, the overall of it is still in balance. Adding RPP could improve the flexibility of smart aggregates exactly, and it plays an active role in prolonging the life of the smart aggregates. By implanting Z type aggregates the damage and failure of the concrete structure could be predicted accurately in this study. The results of this paper will help to promote further research and application of intelligent concrete.

Perspective of E-Waste in Concrete: A Review

In this digital era,usage of electric and electronic devices has become the need of people.Evolution of technology triggers the adoption of new devices over old and discarded appliances turned into the electronic wastes also termed as e-waste/s.E-waste from any source has become a major concern to the society.The disposal of these wastes into the landfills causes many hazardous impacts to the ecosystem.As a promising solution construction industry can utilize the e-wastes effectively.The wastes may be used either as fine filler or aggregates in concrete and bituminous based constructions efficiently.Usage of waste/s conserves the natural resources also.Present study magnifies the scenario of application of electronic wastes in different forms i.e.,plastic,metal etc.in bituminous and concrete based mixtures.A critical review has been carried the effects of electronic wastes in concrete and bituminous mixes and findings confirm the praxis of electronic wastes is possible within certain limits.

Influence of desert sand on the mechanical properties of concrete subjected to impact loading

A74-mm-diameter Split Hopkinson pressure bar was used to carry out the dynamic compression experiment of concrete made of desert sand.The dynamic failure processes of concrete different in specimen size,impact velocity,desert sand replacement ratio,size and volume content of coarse aggregate were simulated.Research results showed that concrete made of desert sand had size-effect and was rate-dependent.The peak stress of concrete made of desert sand declined with the minimum size of coarse aggregate.However,the peak stress of concrete made of desert sand increased first,and then declined with the volume content and maximum size of coarse aggregate.

Properties of Steel Fiber Reinforced Coal Gangue Coarse Aggregate Concrete

In this paper,workability,strength and durability of coal gangue coarse aggregate concrete with different steel fiber content levels have been studied.The results indicate that the concrete compressive strength,flexural strength and tensile splitting strength at the age of 28 days increase with the steel fiber content increasing,while cost and impermeability reduce with steel fiber content increasing.Based on the data of the workability of fresh concrete,mechanical properties and durability of hardened concrete,the concrete cost index system are established to evaluate and optimize the steel fiber content in coal gangue concrete by Efficacy Coefficient Method.The optimization result reveals that the maximum value of the system efficacy coefficient is up to0.87,the coal gangue concrete with steel fiber 1.5%（V︰V）performs better.