EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON OPTIMIZATION OF BINDER CONTENT IN HIGH PERFORMANCE CONCRETE

Abstract

The concept of particle packing is of basic importance in optimization of concrete mix. The particle packing of a system is a function of particle size distribution, particle shape, surface area, method of compaction, grain size and presence of liquid. While particle packing has a significant influence on the properties of concrete, which contains different sizes of particle, the paste properties are also affected by the interaction between the cementitious particles. Improvement in the packing density of the cement by blending with cementitious materials plays a major role in enhancement of particle distribution, reduction of thermal cracks and in improving mechanical properties of high performance concrete. In the present experimental study, Punkte test conducted to determine the packing density of cement and cementitious material combinations to evaluate optimization in mortar paste. The optimization of different mixes evaluated based on the packing density. It is observed that, Punkte test gives a good indication of optimum packing and significantly helps in designing the mix proportion of the binder materials for high performance concrete.