HSC HPC RPC SCC

AUTHOR: AU YONG THEAN SENG
www.madisonvelocity.blogspot.com
TOPIC HIGHLIGHTED
HIGH PERFORMANCE CONCRETE
DEFINITION
CHARACTERISTIC
TEST
MIX PROPORTION
HIGH STRENGTH CONCRETE
DEFINITION
CHARACTERISTIC
TEST
MIX PROPORTION
SELF COMPACTING CONCRETE
DEFINITION
CHARACTERISTIC
TEST
MIX PROPORTION
REACTIVE POWDER CONCRETE
DEFINITION
CHARACTERISTIC
TEST
MIX PROPORTION
APPLICATION IN REAL WORLD
COMPARISON
HIGH PERFORMANCE CONCRETE
DEFINITION
HPC can be defined as a concrete made with appropriate materials

(super-plasticizer, retarder, fly ash, blast furnace slag and silica fume)
combined to give excellent performance in some properties of concrete,
such as high compressive strength, high density, low permeability, and
good resistance to certain forms of attack. Any concrete which satisfies
certain criteria proposed to overcome limitations of conventional
concretes may be called High-Performance concrete (HPC). Therefore it is
not possible to provide a unique definition of HPC without considering the
performance requirements of the intended use of the concrete.
American Concrete Institute define HPC as concrete which meets special

performance and uniformity requirements that cannot always be
achieved routinely by using only conventional materials and normal
mixing, placing, and curing practices. Concretes possessing many of these
characteristics often achieve higher strength. Therefore HPC is often of high
strength, but high strength concrete may not necessarily be of
High-Performance.
Maximum Minimum
Minimum Compressive Water/ Frost
Category of HPC
Strength Cement Durability
Ratio Factor
Very early strength (VES)
Option A (with Type III cement) 14MPa in 6 hours 0.40 80%
Option B (with PBC-XT cement) 17.5MPa in 4 hours 0.29 80%
High early strength (HES) (with 17.5MPa in 24 hours 0.35 80%

Type III cement)
Very high strength (VHS) 70 MPa 0.35 80%

(with Type I cement) in 28 hours
Definition of HPC according to SHRP C-205 project (Zia, et al. 1993)

CHARACTERISTIC
Based on the results of SHRP C-103 and SHRP C-205 research, the Federal
Highway Administration (FHWA) has proposed criteria for four different
performance grades of HPC. The criteria are expressed in terms of eight
performance characteristics including
Strength Abrasion resistance

Elasticity Scaling resistance
Freezing/thawing durability Shrinkage
Chloride permeability Creep
Depending on a specific application, a given HPC may require different grade

of performance for each performance characteristics.
The Benefits
early stripping of formwork high economic efficiency

greater stiffness These factors high utility
higher axial strength. lead to long-term engineering
smaller columns economy.
Barriers
o Current design criteria may not clearly define the properties and usage
of HPC. More research is needed in this area.
o Compared to normal-strength concrete, the performance of HPC is
more brittle in regions with high seismic activity. This is due to the
greater stiffness of HPC.
TEST
Performance Standard Test

Notes
Characteristic Method
AASHTO T 161 1. Test specimen 76.2 x 76.2 x 279.4 mm (3 x 3 x 11 in) cast or cut from
Freeze/Thaw
ASTM C 666 152.4 x 304.8 mm (6 x 12 in) cylinder
Durability
Proc. A 2. Acoustically measure dynamic modulus until 300 cycles.
Scaling 1. Test specimen to have a surface area of 46,451 mm 2 (72 in2).

ASTM C 672
Resistance 2. Perform visual inspection after 50 cycles
1. Concrete shall be tested at 3 different locations.
2. At each location, 98 Newton, for three, 2 minute, abrasion periods
Abrasion shall be applied for a total of 6 minutes of abrasion time per location.
3. The depth of abrasion shall be determined per ASTM C 799
Procedure B.
Chloride AASHTO T 277

1. Test per standard test method.
Permeability ASTM C 1202
1. Molds shall be rigid metal or one time use rigid plastic.
2. Cylinders shall be 100 mm dia. x200 mm long (3.9 x 7.8 in) or
150 mm dia. x300 mm long (5.9 x 11.2 in).
3. Ends shall be capped with high strength capping compound,
AASHTO T 22 ground parallel, or placed onto neoprene pads per AASHTO

Strength
ASTM C39 specifications for Concretes
4. Use of neoprene pads on early age testing of concrete
exceeding 70Mpa at 56 days should use neoprene pads on the
56 day tests
5. The 56 day strength is recommend
Elasticity ASTM C 469 1. Test per standard test method.
1. Use 76.2 x 76.2 x 285 mm (3 x 3 11 1/4 in) specimens
Shrinkage ASTM C 157 2. Shrinkage measurements are to start 28 days after moist curing and
be taken for a drying period of 180 days.
1. Use 152 x 305 mm (6 x 12 in) specimens
2. Cure specimens at 73° F and 50% RH after 7 days until loading at 28
Creep ASTM C 512 days.
3. Creep measurements to be taken for a creep loading period of 180
days.
MIX PROPORTION
As different HPC mixtures served different purpose of performances, some of

the mix ratio below is being applied
HIGH STRENGTH CONCRETE
DEFINITION
The primary difference between HSC and

normal-strength concrete relates to the compressive
strength that refers to the maximum resistance of a
concrete sample to applied pressure. The American
Concrete Institute defines HSC as concrete with a
compressive strength greater than 40MPa. This
value was adopted in 1984, but is not yet hard and fast,
because ACI recognizes that the definition of high
strength varies on a geographical basis. Prof. J. Francis
Young of the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana
has developed a strength classification system that, though not yet adopted by
a recognized authority, is a helpful tool for describing HSC (see below).
Strength Classification Of Concrete
Manufacture of HSC involves making optimal use of the basic ingredients

that constitute normal-strength concrete. When selecting aggregates for HSC,
producers consider the strength of the aggregate, the optimum size of the
aggregate, the bond between the cement paste and the aggregate, and the
surface characteristics of the aggregate. Any of these properties affects the
ultimate strength of HSC.
CHARACTERISTIC
Overview
Traditionally, compressive strength tests are made at 28 days, but many

high-rise structures now requiring HSC employ a construction schedule
whereby the structural elements in the lower floors are not fully loaded for
periods of a year or more. Under these circumstances, it is reasonable to
specify compressive strengths based on either 56 or 90 day results,
thereby taking advantage of the strength gain that occurs after 28 days. The
upper limit of concrete strength at 90 days and beyond appears to be 172 to
207MPa.
A versatile material, HSC possesses desirable

properties other than high strength. The most dramatic
and memorable applications stem from this aspect,
however, as high-rise buildings like 311 South Wacker
Drive create striking visual impressions. This structure,
at 295m, was the world’s tallest concrete building when
completed in 1989, utilizing concrete with compressive
strength of up to 83MPa. In high-rise buildings, HSC
helps to achieve more efficient floor plans through
smaller vertical members and has also often proven to
be the most economical alternative by reducing both the total volume of
concrete and the amount of steel required for a load-bearing member. Also,
formwork is a large portion of the cost of constructing a column and smaller
column sizes reduce the amount of formwork needed and result in further
cost savings.
Why do we need HSC in short?
o To put the concrete into service at much earlier age, for example
opening the pavement at 3-days.
o To build high-rise buildings by reducing column sizes and increasing
available space.
o To build the superstructures of long-span bridges.
o To satisfy the specific needs of special applications such as durability,
modulus of elasticity, and flexural strength.
TEST
Sample Size
The American Concrete Institute has recently published a new Guide to

Quality Control and Testing of HSC. The compressive strength is measured on
150 x 300 mm generally at 56 or 90-days, more than normal strength
concretes. Concrete tested at an age of 56 or 90 days generally has a higher
compressive strength than concrete tested at 28 days. This is more noticeable
with concrete containing fly ash and less noticeable with concrete containing
silica fume. In addition, it is recommended that at least three specimens be
made for each test age. Smaller test cylinders (100 x 200 mm) are acceptable
provided the strength is determined in accordance with ASTM C 39 and the
same size cylinder is used for both trial mixtures and acceptance testing.
Break-off Test Method
This method was developed in 1977, by researchers at the Norwegian

Technical University (NTH), and the Research Institute for Cement and
Concrete in Norway. An ASTM standard test procedure for this method is also
under current standardization process. The Break-Off test method
measures the flexural strength of the in-place concrete with a rupture plane
located at 70 mm from the concrete surface. The test principle involves
breaking off a cylindrical test specimen formed in the concrete by applying a
force at the top of the test specimen.
The test specimen is formed by inserting a tubular sleeve when the concrete
is plastic and removing it prior to testing, or by drilling a core, in the hardened
concrete, at the time of the break-Off test. The core is drilled with a special
diamond-tipped drill bit. The force is applied through a load cell placed at the
top of the specimen. Approximately one stroke of the hand-pump per second is
applied by the use of a manual hydraulic pump attached to the load cell. The
pumping is continued until the break-off specimen fails. The pressure required
to break-off the test specimen is measured by a mechanically operated
manometer.
MIX PROPORTION
How to Design HSC Mixtures?
Some of the basic concepts that need to be understood for HSC are:
Aggregates should be strong and durable. Generally smaller maximum

size coarse aggregate is used for higher strength concretes.
HSC mixtures will have a high cementitious materials content that
increases the heat of hydration. Most mixtures contain one or more
supplementary cementitious materials
HSC mixtures generally need to have a low water-cementitious ratio
(w/cm). W/cm ratios can be in the range of 0.23 to 0.35.
The total cementitious material content will be typically around 415
kg/m but not more than about 650 kg/m.
The use of air entrainment in HSC will greatly reduce the strength
potential.
Water-cementitious materials ratio.
The most important variable in achieving HSC is the water-cement ratio.

However, most HSC contain binding materials other than cement.
Consequently, the water-cementitious materials ratio must be considered
instead. In general, as the water-cementitious materials ratio decreases,
the concrete compressive strength increases.
Portland cement.
Proper selection of the type and source of cement is one of the most important
steps in the production of HSC. To achieve higher strengths, it is necessary
to include other materials such as fly ash, silica fume, GGBFS, or
combinations of these materials
Coarse aggregate.
In general, a smaller size aggregate will result in a higher compressive

strength concrete. However, the use of large coarse aggregate size is
important to increase the modulus of elasticity or reduce creep and
shrinkage.
Fine aggregate.
Fine aggregates with a fineness modulus in the range of 2.5 to 3.2 are
preferable for HSC. Concretes with a fineness modulus less than 2.5 may
be sticky and result in poor workability and high water requirement.
Chemical admixtures.
Water reducers are essential in HSC to ensure adequate workability while

achieving a low water-cementitious materials ratio. The water-reducing
retarder slows the hydration of the cement and allows workers more time to
place the concrete.
Low permeability concrete
Fly ash and GGBFS generally reduce the permeability of concrete even
when the cement content is relatively low, and silica fume is especially
effective in this regard. Tests show that the permeability of concrete
decreases as the quantity of hydrated cementitious materials increases
and the water-cementitious materials ratio decreases.
Admixtures
Pozzolans (fly ash and silica fume) is the commonly used admixtures in HSC.
These materials impart additional strength to the concrete by reacting with
Portland cement hydration products to create additional C-S-H gel
responsible for concrete strength. It would be difficult to produce HSC
mixtures without using chemical admixtures such as super-plasticizer combine
with water-reducing retarder. The super-plasticizer gives the concrete
adequate workability at low water-cement ratios, leading to concrete with
greater strength.
SELF COMPACTING CONCRETE
DEFINITION
SCC (SCC) is an innovative concrete that does not require vibration for
placing and compaction. It is able to flow under its own weight,
completely filling formwork and achieving full compaction, even in the
presence of congested reinforcement. The hardened concrete has the same
engineering properties and durability as traditional vibrated concrete.
Concrete that requires little vibration or compaction has been used in Europe
since the early 1970s but SCC was not developed until the late 1980’s in
Japan. In Europe it was probably first used in civil works for transportation
networks in Sweden in the mid 1990’s. The EC funded a multi-national,
industry lead project SCC 1997-2000 and since then SCC has found
increasing use in all European countries.
SCC offers a rapid rate of concrete

placement, with faster construction times
and ease of flow around congested
reinforcement. The fluidity and segregation
resistance of SCC ensures a high level of
homogeneity, minimal concrete voids and
uniform concrete strength, providing the
potential for a superior level of finish and
durability to the structure. SCC is often
produced with low water-cement ratio
providing the potential for high early strength,
earlier demoulding and faster use of elements
and structures.
The elimination of vibrating equipment reduces the exposure of workers to

noise and vibration. The improved construction practice and performance,
combined with the health and safety benefits, make SCC a very attractive
solution for both precast concrete and civil engineering construction. In 2004, a
document “The European Guidelines for Self Compacting Concrete” was
published and addresses those issues related to the absence of European
specifications, standards and agreed test methods.
CHARACTERISTICS
Compressive strength
SCC with a similar water cement or cement binder ratio will usually have a
slightly higher strength compared with traditional vibrated concrete, due to
the lack of vibration giving an improved interface between the aggregate and
hardened paste.
Tensile strength
The tensile strength may be safely assumed to be the same as normal

concrete as the volume of paste (cement + fines + water) has no significant
effect on tensile strength.
Static modulus of elasticity
Aggregate with a high E-value will increase the modulus of elasticity of

concrete. However, increasing the paste volume could decrease the
E-value. Because SCC often has higher paste content than traditional
vibrated concrete, the E-value may be lower.
Creep
Creep is defined as the gradual increase in deformation with constant

applied stress. Creep in compression reduces the pre-stressing forces in
pre-stressed concrete elements. Creep in tension can be beneficial as it
relieves the stresses induced by other restrained movements. Creep is
influenced by its porosity which is related to water/cement ratio. During
hydration, the porosity reduces and creep reduces. Cements that hydrate
rapidly will have higher strength at the age of loading, a lower stress/strength
ratio and a lower creep. As the aggregates restrain the creep of the cement
paste, the higher the volume of the aggregate and the higher the E-value of the
aggregate, the lower the creep will be. Due to the higher volume of cement
paste, the creep coefficient for SCC expected to be higher.
Shrinkage
Autogenous shrinkage is caused by the internal consumption of water

during hydration. Drying shrinkage is caused by the loss of water to the
atmosphere. The main loss of water is from the aggregate. The aggregate
restrains shrinkage of the cement paste and so the higher the volume of the
aggregate and the higher the E-value of the aggregate, the lower the drying
shrinkage. A decrease in the maximum aggregate size which results in a
higher paste volume increases the drying shrinkage. As compressive
strength is related to the water/cement ratio, in SCC with a low
water/cement ratio drying shrinkage reduces and the autogenous
shrinkage can exceed it. Tests performed on creep and shrinkage of different
types of SCC show that
• the deformation caused by shrinkage is higher

• the deformation caused by creep is lower
Coefficient of thermal expansion
Using an aggregate with a lower coefficient of thermal expansion will

reduce the coefficient of thermal expansion of the resulting concrete.
While the range of the coefficient of thermal expansion is from 8 to13
microstrains/K, EN 1992-1-1 states that unless more accurate information is
available, it may be taken as 10 to 13 microstrains/K. The same is assumed
for SCC.
Bond to reinforcement, prestressing and wires
Reinforced concrete is based on an effective bond between concrete and the

reinforcing bars. The effectiveness of bond is affected by the position of the
embedded bars and the quality of concrete as cast. Poor bond often results
from a failure of the concrete to encapsulate the bar during placing or bleed
and segregation of the concrete before hardening. SCC fluidity and cohesion
minimize these effects, especially for top bars in deep sections.
Shear force capacity across pour planes
The surface of hardened SCC after casting and hardening may be rather
smooth and waterproof. Without any treatment of the surface after placing the
first layer, the shear force capacity between the first and second layer may be
lower than for vibrated concrete and may therefore be insufficient to carry any
shear force. A surface treatment such as surface retarder, brushing or surface
roughening should to be sufficient.
Fire resistance
Concrete is non-combustible and does not support the spread of flames.

The fire resistance of SCC is similar to normal concrete. In general a low
permeability concrete may be more prone to spalling. SCC can easily achieve
the requirements for high strength, low permeability concrete and will perform
in a similar way to any normal high strength concrete under fire conditions.
Durability
The durability of a concrete structure is closely associated to the

permeability of the surface layer against ingress of substances and
depends on material selection, concrete composition, placing, compaction,
finishing and curing. Lack of compaction has been recognized as a key
factor of poor durability of reinforced concrete structures exposed to
honeycombing, segregation, and bleeding. The comparison of permeability
between SCC and normal vibrated concrete will depend on the selection of
materials and the effective water cement ratio. SCC with the right properties
will be free from those shortcomings hence, better durability.
TEST
A wide range of test methods have been developed to measure and assess
the fresh properties of SCC. Table below lists the most common tests grouped
according to the property assessed. No single test is capable of assessing all
of the key parameters, and a combination of tests is required to fully
characterize an SCC mix.
Characteristic Test method Measured value

Slump-flow total spread
Flowability/filling ability
Kajima box visual filling
T500 flow time
V-funnel flow time
Viscosity/ flowability
O-funnel flow time
Orimet flow time
L-box passing ratio
U-box height difference
Passing ability
J-ring step height, total flow
Kajima box visual passing ability
penetration depth
Segregation resistance sieve segregation percent laitance
settlement column segregation ratio
Test properties and methods for evaluating SCC
Slump-flow and T500 time test
Introduction
The slump-flow and T500 time is a test to assess the flowability and the flow
rate of SCC in the absence of obstructions. It is based on the slump test
described in EN 12350-2. The result is an indication of the filling ability of
self-compacting concrete. The T500 time is also a measure of the speed of flow
and hence the viscosity of the self-compacting concrete.
Principle
The fresh concrete is poured into a cone as used for the EN 12350-2 slump
test. When the cone is withdrawn upwards the time from commencing upward
movement of the cone to when the concrete has flowed to a diameter of 500
mm is measured; this is the T500 time. The largest diameter of the flow spread
of the concrete and the diameter of the spread at right angles to it are then
measured and the mean is the slump-flow.
V-funnel test
Introduction
The V-funnel test is used to assess the viscosity and filling ability of
self-compacting concrete.
Principle
A V-shaped funnel is filled with fresh concrete and the time taken for the
concrete to flow out of the funnel is measured and recorded as the V-funnel
flow time.
L-box test
Introduction
The L-box test is used to assess the passing ability of self-compacting concrete
to flow through tight openings including spaces between reinforcing bars and
other obstructions without segregation or blocking. There are two variations;
the two bar test and the three bar test. The three bar test simulates more
congested reinforcement.
Principle
A measured volume of fresh concrete is allowed to flow horizontally through

the gaps between vertical, smooth reinforcing bars and the height of the
concrete beyond the reinforcement is measured.
MIX PROPORTION
There is no standard method for SCC mix design and many academic
institutions and companies have developed their own mix proportioning
methods. These guidelines are not intended to provide specific advice on mix
design but the following table gives an indication of the typical range of
constituents in SCC by weight and by volume. These proportions are in no way
restrictive and many SCC mixes will fall outside this range for one or more
constituents.
Constituent Typical range by mass Typical range by

3
(kg/m ) volume
3
(liters/m )
Powder 380 - 600
Paste 300 - 380
Water 150 - 210 150 - 210
Coarse aggregate 750 - 1000 270 - 360
Fine aggregate (sand) Content balances the volume of the other constituents,
typically 48 – 55% of total aggregate weight.
Water/Powder ratio by volume 0.85 – 1.10
Typical range of SCC mix composition
Mix design approach
The mix design is generally based on the approach outlined below:
o evaluate the water demand and optimize the flow and stability of the
paste
o determine the proportion of sand and the dose of admixture to give the
required robustness
o test the sensitivity for small variations in quantities (the robustness)
o add an appropriate amount of coarse aggregate
o produce the fresh SCC in the laboratory mixer, perform the required
tests
o test the properties of the SCC in the hardened state
o produce trial mixes in the plant mixer.
Select required
performance based
on purchaser
Select constituent materials

(From the bulk supply if possible)
Design mix Evaluate alternative

composition materials
Not Satisfactory
Verify or adjust
performance by
laboratory testing
Satisfactory
Verify or adjust performance by

trials on site or in the plant
Sequence of mix design approach
In the event that satisfactory performance is not obtained, the following

courses of action might be appropriate:
o adjust the cement/powder ratio and the water/powder ratio and test
the flow and other properties of the paste
o try different types of addition (if available)
o adjust the proportions of the fine aggregate and the dosage of
super-plasticizer
o adjust the proportion or grading of the coarse aggregate
REACTIVE POWDER CONCRETE
DEFINITION
Overview
HDR Engineering Inc.'s former parent corporation, the French firm Bouygues,
has used High Performance Concrete (HPC) with characteristic strengths up to
100MPa -- approximately four times the strength of conventional sidewalk
concrete. Through this work, new frontiers have been opened in the
development of new materials and led to a breakthrough product: Reactive
Powder Concrete (RPC). The term Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC) or Ultra
High Performance Concrete has been used to describe a fiber-reinforced,
super-plasticized, silica fume-cement mixture with very low water-cement
ratio (w/c) characterized by the presence of very fine quartz sand (0.15-0.40
mm) instead of ordinary aggregate. In fact, it is not a concrete because there
is no coarse aggregate in the cement mixture. The absence of coarse
aggregate was considered by the inventors to be a key-aspect for the
microstructure and the performance of the RPC in order to reduce the
heterogeneity between the cement matrix and the aggregate.
The Technology
Developed in the 1990s by Bouygues' laboratory in France and was nominated

for the 1999 Nova Awards from the Construction Innovation Forum. Its
microstructure is optimized by precise gradation of all particles in the mix to
yield maximum density. It uses highly refined silica fume and optimization of
the Portland cement to produce the highest strength hydrates. RPC
represents a new class of Portland cement-based material with compressive
strengths exceed 200MPa range. By incorporating with fine steel fibers, RPC
can achieve flexural strength up to 50MPa. RPC exhibits high ductility a
character previously reserved for metals.
RPC will be promisingly able to solve a lot of drawbacks of last concretes, i.e.
poor flexural behavior, cracks, shrinkage, and creep. For these reasons, RPC
will be suitable in various applications for structures with light and thin
components such as roofs of stadiums, long spans of bridges, or structures
requiring safe protection such as security enclosures for banks, containment
of nuclear waste and so on. The concrete is composed of extremely fine

powders, including glass-making sand, cement, quartz and silica fume.
Reportedly, its largest particles don't exceed 500 micrometers in diameter!
The properties of RPC are achieved by:
o No coarse aggregates
o Optimizing the grain size distribution to densify the mixture
o Post-set heat-treatment to improve the microstructure
o Addition of steel and synthetic fibers (about 2% by volume)
o Use of super-plasticizers to decrease the water to cement ratio
CHARACTERISTICS
Overview
However, due to the use of very fine sand instead of ordinary aggregate, the
cement factor of the RPC is as high as 900-1000 kg/m3. This unusual
cement factor could increase drying shrinkage and creep strain of the RPC with
respect to ordinary concrete with cement factor usually in the range of 300-500
kg/m3. The compressive strength of RPC is typically around 200MPa, but can
be produced with compressive strengths up to 810MPa. However, the low
comparative tensile strength requires prestressing reinforcement in severe
structural service. The material's ductility and ability to absorb energy is also
improved with typical values 300 times greater than HPC, making it
comparable to that of some metals.
Its superior strength combined with higher shear capacity results in significant
dead load reduction and limitless structural member shape. RPC provides
improved seismic performance by reducing inertia loads with lighter
members, allowing larger deflections with reduced cross sections, and
providing higher energy absorption. Its low and non-interconnected porosity
diminishes mass transfer making penetration of liquid/gas or radioactive
elements nearly non-existent.
RPC vs. Steel
The RPC concept is based on the principle that a material with minimum
defects such as micro-cracks and inside voids. Therefore, it will be able to
realize a greater load-carrying capacity and greater durability. RPC can, in
some areas, compete with steel. The refinements involved in RPC technology
make it possible to create a more homogeneous cement-based material by
reducing the differences between the cement and aggregate. This results in a
concrete product with properties which, in the past, have been reserved for
metals and allows for the design of new products and structures using
concrete. If we consider of its performances nearing those of metals and
slightly, RPC is truly competitive where steel is predominant. However,
RPC will not replace concrete where conventional concrete economically meet
the required performance criteria.
X-shaped prestressed beams
The current structural code used for prestressed

beams would not take maximum advantages of
the capabilities of RPC. An RPC prestressed
beam, with an hourglass cross section (referred
to as X-shaped) and without any kind of
secondary steel bar reinforcement, was tested to
carry equal moment capacity when compared to
its steel wide-flange counterpart and to have the
same depth and very close weight. By using RPC, the depth of the member can
be reduced by 50 percent and its weight by 75 percent compared to
conventional prestressed concrete.
TEST
So far, only two methods have been highlighted. One is the conventional
way of treating the RPC as normal concrete. Another one which is still under
further experiment is ultrasonic testing. Because of the homogeneous,
highly packed nature of the RPC microstructure, it is possible to use
ultrasonic testing in ways not possible with traditional concrete. Transducer
frequencies of 10 to 20 times those used in normal concrete can be used to
launch and receive ultrasonic waves over distances on the order of several
hundred millimeters.
Test setup for measuring ultrasonic velocities, showing (A) compression
spring, (B) transducer jig, (C) ultrasonic transducer, and (D) RPC cube.
Initial research indicates that ultrasonic wave velocities can help determine
the elastic properties of the material, and traditional pulse-echo ultrasonic
testing can be used to detect cracks in the cement matrix. Ongoing research is
exploring how ultrasonic velocity measurements can be used as a
quality-control tool during construction and how ultrasonic testing may be used
for in-service inspection of bridges constructed of RPC. The outcome of the
experiment has confirmed that ultrasonic testing has the potential to be used
as guide for RPC testing and further testing is required.
MIX PROPORTION
Material Amount (lb/yd3) Percent by Weight

Portland Cement 1200 28.7
Fine sand 1720 41.1
Silica Fume 390 9.3
Ground Quartz 355 8.5
Super-plasticizer 22 0.5
Steel Fibers 270 6.4
Water 230 5.5
1 lb/yd3 = 0.593 kg/m3
Typical composition of RPC

APPLICATION IN REAL WORLD
Sherbrooke pedestrian bridge
An international team has been formed to construct a lightweight space-truss

pedestrian/bikeway using this RPC in Sherbrooke, Canada. To demonstrate
the unique characteristics of RPC and minimize weight, a design concept was
chosen which differs significantly from those used for traditional concrete
structures. The superstructure of the bridge will be a three-dimensional
prestressed space truss spanning 200 feet. The walkway deck, which also
serves as the top chord of the truss, is only 1 inch thick. The web members will
be a composite design using RPC confined in thin-wall stainless steel tubing.
No conventional reinforcing steel is planned

for the entire superstructure. The
footbridge's thickness is six inches. A
comparative study showed that the same
structure made of HPC would have required a
thickness of 15 inches! RPC technology will
allow the footbridge builders to optimize
material use, realize economic benefits and
build a structure that is environmentally friendly.
Applied RPC technology allows the design of
more mechanically intelligent structures and a
more rational use of construction materials.
COMPARISON
HPC HSC SCC RPC

Emphasized on certain Compressive strength Doesn't required vibration
DEFINITION No large coarse aggregate
required performance > 40MPa and compaction
Depends on required Can reach 200MPa in Fluidity and segregation - High ductility
CHARACTERISTIC
characteristic 90 days resistant - Homogenous
-Slump
Same as conventional
TEST Break-off test -V-funnel Ultrasonic
testing
-L Shape Box
Depends on required Optimizing all related
MIX PROPORTION Typical mixture Typical mixture
characteristic mixture factors

HSC HPC RPC SCC

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

HSC HPC RPC SCC

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

AUTHOR: AU YONG THEAN SENG

HIGH PERFORMANCE CONCRETE

HIGH STRENGTH CONCRETE

SELF COMPACTING CONCRETE

REACTIVE POWDER CONCRETE

HIGH PERFORMANCE CONCRETE

HPC can be defined as a concrete made with appropriate materials

American Concrete Institute define HPC as concrete which meets special

Very early strength (VES)

Option A (with Type III cement) 14MPa in 6 hours 0.40 80%

Option B (with PBC-XT cement) 17.5MPa in 4 hours 0.29 80%

High early strength (HES) (with 17.5MPa in 24 hours 0.35 80%

Very high strength (VHS) 70 MPa 0.35 80%

Definition of HPC according to SHRP C-205 project (Zia, et al. 1993)

Strength Abrasion resistance

Depending on a specific application, a given HPC may require different grade

early stripping of formwork high economic efficiency

Performance Standard Test

Scaling 1. Test specimen to have a surface area of 46,451 mm 2 (72 in2).

1. Concrete shall be tested at 3 different locations.

2. At each location, 98 Newton, for three, 2 minute, abrasion periods

3. The depth of abrasion shall be determined per ASTM C 799

Chloride AASHTO T 277

1. Molds shall be rigid metal or one time use rigid plastic.

2. Cylinders shall be 100 mm dia. x200 mm long (3.9 x 7.8 in) or

150 mm dia. x300 mm long (5.9 x 11.2 in).

3. Ends shall be capped with high strength capping compound,

AASHTO T 22 ground parallel, or placed onto neoprene pads per AASHTO

4. Use of neoprene pads on early age testing of concrete

exceeding 70Mpa at 56 days should use neoprene pads on the

5. The 56 day strength is recommend

Elasticity ASTM C 469 1. Test per standard test method.

1. Use 76.2 x 76.2 x 285 mm (3 x 3 11 1/4 in) specimens

be taken for a drying period of 180 days.

1. Use 152 x 305 mm (6 x 12 in) specimens

2. Cure specimens at 73° F and 50% RH after 7 days until loading at 28

Creep ASTM C 512 days.

3. Creep measurements to be taken for a creep loading period of 180

As different HPC mixtures served different purpose of performances, some of

HIGH STRENGTH CONCRETE

The primary difference between HSC and

Strength Classification Of Concrete

Manufacture of HSC involves making optimal use of the basic ingredients

Traditionally, compressive strength tests are made at 28 days, but many

A versatile material, HSC possesses desirable

Why do we need HSC in short?

The American Concrete Institute has recently published a new Guide to

Break-off Test Method

This method was developed in 1977, by researchers at the Norwegian

How to Design HSC Mixtures?

Aggregates should be strong and durable. Generally smaller maximum

Water-cementitious materials ratio.

The most important variable in achieving HSC is the water-cement ratio.

In general, a smaller size aggregate will result in a higher compressive

Water reducers are essential in HSC to ensure adequate workability while

Low permeability concrete

SELF COMPACTING CONCRETE

SCC offers a rapid rate of concrete

The elimination of vibrating equipment reduces the exposure of workers to

The tensile strength may be safely assumed to be the same as normal

Static modulus of elasticity

Aggregate with a high E-value will increase the modulus of elasticity of