Experimental Investigation on Mechanical Properties of High-Performance Concrete with Supplementary Cementitious Materials

Abstract

High-Performance Concrete (HPC) does have preferable mechanical characteristics and performance relative to that of the standard concrete strength and ability. Even so, the massive requirement for cement, the tremendous ecological influence, and the preliminary expense were considered downsides, which constrain its broader implementation. The integration of Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) into HPC is indeed an appropriate means for minimizing the quantity of cement required whereas bringing attention to sustainable development as well as expense. The contemporary experimental analysis was conducted to investigate the flexural behavior of Grade M60 HPC by cement substitution incorporating Fly Ash (FA) as well as Silica Fume (SF) with a view to responding to such aforementioned concerns. In addition, specimens are generated to estimate the compressive strength of HPC with these SCMs. Fly ash and Silica Fume substitutes range between 10 to 30 percent. The grade M60 concrete for the HPC mix is engineered according to the BIS specification. The mixture composition was achieved on the basis of the varying testing combinations by adjusting the SCM concentration. Concrete workability was accomplished by adjusting the exact dosage of the superplasticizer. The fresh-state and hardened characteristics of HPC are evaluated using the analysis of a number of experiments, including workability, compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength tests conducted in the research lab. Apart from that, dealing with mix development as well as hardness characteristics, the durability characteristics of HPC is furthermore evaluated including the analysis of a water permeability and chloride ions penetration test performed in the lab. The analysis revealed that SCM substitution displayed better mechanical characteristics relative to the control specimens. Efforts have been done to also contrast the compressive strength of 7, 14 and 28 days cured specimens, the split tensile and the flexural strength of the concrete sustaining the water-cement proportion to 0.3.