Properties of Concrete

Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures – Chapter 9

Overview
 Freshly Mixed Concrete
 Hardened Concrete
Properties of Concrete
 Fresh properties  Hardened properties
 Consistency  Strength
 Stability  Durability
 Uniformity  Appearance
 Workability  Economy
 Finishability
Freshly Mixed Concrete
 Plastic or semi fluid---pliable and capable of being
molded
 General must:
 Be easily mixed and transported
 Be uniform
 Have good flow properties
 Be compactable
 Be segregation resistant
 Be finishable
Workability
Workability
Consistency
Rheology
Bleeding and Settlement
Bleeding and Settlement
Bleeding
Bleeding and Settlement
Bleeding
Air Content
Air Content
Air Content
Air Content
Air Content
Air Content
Air Content
Air Content
Air Content
Air Content
Air Content
Air Content
Air Content
Uniformity
Hydration, Setting, and
Hardening
Setting and Hardening
Hardened Concrete Properties
 Curing
 Drying rate
 Strength
 Density
 Permeability and watertightness
 Volume stability and crack control
 Durability
 Aesthetics
Curing
Curing
Drying Rate
Drying Rate
Drying Rate
Drying Rate
Strength
Strength
Strength
Strength
 Flexural strength – 0.7-0.8 times sq. root of
compressive strength in MPa (7.5-10 for psi)
 Direct tensile strength – 8%-12% of compressive
strength
 Torsional strength – related to flexural strength
and dimensions
 Shear strength – related to compressive strength
(ACI 318)
 Modulus of elasticity – typically 1-4 GPa (2-6
million psi)
Density
Permeability and Watertightness
Permeability and Watertightness
Volume Stability and Crack
Crontrol
 Volume changes due to temperature, moisture,
stress – 0.01%-0.08%
 Thermal behavior similar to steel
 Elastic deformation and creep
 Cracking due to load or volume changes
 Reinforcing steel used to reduce crack widths
Durability
 Ability to resist weathering, chemicals, and abrasion
 More exposure variety than other materials
 Most durability concerns involved water in the concrete
 Freeze-thaw
 Corrosion (chlorides or carbonation)
 ASR
 Abrasion
 Sulfate Attack
 Others
Aesthetics
Summary
 Freshly Mixed Concrete
 Hardened Concrete
Questions