Optimal conditions for producing reactive powder concrete

Abstract

There is growing interest in the development of innovative cementitious materials that possess superior properties. A relatively new cementitious material, reactive powder concrete, is recognised as a revolutionary material that provides a combination of ultra-high strength and excellent durability. However, production of reactive powder concrete is not yet available with the limited research in this area in Hong Kong. This paper investigates mechanical and fresh concrete properties of reactive powder concrete, aiming to achieve the optimal conditions for producing reactive powder concrete using local materials by investigating the material composition, curing and heating regimes and the microstructure of reactive powder concrete. Based on the experimental results, it is found that reactive powder concrete with a water-to-binder ratio of 0·2, superplasticiser dosage of 2·5%, 150–600 μm quartz sand cured at 27°C in water condition provides the best results in terms of mechanical and composite properties as well as for practical and economical reasons, although heat treatment of the reactive powder concrete can result in a significant increase in compressive strength.