Experimental Study of a Quaternary Blend for Reactive Powder Concrete Using Wet Packing Density Method for Particle Packing

Abstract

In this study quaternary blend was used to obtain Ultra-high performance concrete or reactive powder concrete (RPC) by using wet packing density method for particle packing of pozzolanic materials fly ash and slag, calcined clay with OPC 53 grade which amongst all the parameters of producing RPC, the particle packing has an important role in achieving the desired properties such as having minimum void content and hence maximum packing density. 60 combinations of mixes were experimented on to achieve maximum packing density and to further increase the packing density and decrease the water to binder ratio use of high range water reducers or superplasticizer. High packing density leads to a higher flowability at the same water content or allow the use of a lower W/CM ratio at the same flowability requirement because the water in excess of that needed to fill up the voids in the particle system lubricates the particles. Since RPC does not involve the use of aggregates in it sands of different particle size was used for the mix design and compressive strength study was done for 28 days at cold water curing situation.