Effects of Mixing Techniques on Properties of Reactive Powder Concrete Containing Fly Ash

Jinhao  Wei; Nida Chaimoon; Nantawat Khomwan; Krit Chaimoon

Authors

Jinhao Wei Mahasarakham University, Thailand
Nida Chaimoon Mahasarakham University, Thailand
Nantawat Khomwan Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Thailand
Krit Chaimoon Mahasarakham University, Thailand

Keywords:

reactive powder concrete, mixing method, workability, strength

Abstract

Reactive powder concrete (RPC) is an ultra-high-performance concrete with exceptional mechanical properties and durability compared to conventional concrete. Due to its unique properties, RPC is a promising material for advancing sustainable, resilient, and eco-friendly infrastructure solutions on a global scale. Using RPC, infrastructures can achieve enhanced characteristics such as reduced cross-sections, extended spans, intricate design, and decreased maintenance requirements. Despite its immense potential, RPC remains in the early stage of development, with its properties highly influenced by various factors including ingredient selection, proportions, mixing techniques, and curing method. Typically composed of cement, silica fume, fine sand, superplasticizer, water, and small steel fiber, RPC features a very low water-to-cement (w/c) ratio and densely packed particles. Fly ash, a byproduct of coal combustion, offers a way to enhance RPC properties, while simultaneously reducing costs and environmental impact by substituting for a portion of cement. However, the challenges associated with mixing RPC, especially with low w/c ratios, remain significant, and studies on the effects of mixing techniques for RPC containing fly ash are limited. This study investigates the effects of mixing techniques on the properties of RPC containing fly ash. Specifically, it examines the impact of single-batching and double-batching methods, as well as the influence of different steel fiber types (single-size and mixed-size) and mixing temperatures (25°C and 40°C). Both fresh and hardened properties of RPC were considered. Results indicate that the double-batching method significantly improves the properties of RPC compared to single-batching. While mixed-size fibers enhance the 28-day compressive strength, single-size fibers yield a higher flow value. Higher mixing temperatures negative impacted workability. The findings suggest that optimizing the batching method, fiber type, and mixing temperature can improve both the mechanical properties and workability of RPC.

Author Biographies

Jinhao Wei, Mahasarakham University, Thailand

Structural Engineering Research Unit, Faculty of Engineering, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, 44150, Thailand

Nida Chaimoon, Mahasarakham University, Thailand

Circular Resources and Environmental Protection Technology Research Unit, Faculty of Engineering, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, 44150, Thailand

Nantawat Khomwan, Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Thailand

Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom, 73140, Thailand

Krit Chaimoon, Mahasarakham University, Thailand

Structural Engineering Research Unit, Faculty of Engineering, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, 44150, Thailand

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