Evaluation of reactive powder concrete mechanical, durability, and microstructural properties under various exposure conditions

ABSTRACT

Currently, the concrete structure is being developed using alternative materials, and the strength properties of the concrete have improved in various aspects. The coarse particles are removed from the concrete and the fine particles in the concrete. It tends to improve the mechanical and durability properties of the concrete in different environmental conditions. This research examined the mechanical and durability properties of the Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC) under environmental conditions. This study’s primary objectives were to evaluate the RPC’s compressive, split tensile and flexural strength. Additionally, the durability properties of the RPC were examined in various immersion conditions. The RPC is investigated by incorporating the glass fibre in various percentages of 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3% and 0.4%, respectively. The optimum glass fibre 0.75% enhanced the mechanical properties of the RPC by 15%, 24% and 27% for compressive, split tensile and flexural strength compared to the conventional RPC mix. The durability properties of the RPC were improved by 23% compared to the conventional RPC mix subjected to acid resistance. Furthermore, microstructural analyses such as SEM and EDAX were evaluated for both the conventional and optimum mixes of RPC. These analyses help to examine the morphology and chemical components of RPC. Linear regression analysis was performed in this study to predict the mechanical properties of RPC. The relationships between compressive and split tensile strength, as well as compressive and flexural strength, showed a high correlation with the experimental results. The linear regression coefficient (R2) is 0.96 for compressive and split tensile strength and 0.97 for compressive and flexural strength. This research can be recommended for practical applications in developing sustainable structures.

Keywords:
Reactive powder concrete; Glass fibre; Micro-particles; Quartz powder; Silica fume