A comprehensive study on no-slump concrete: From laboratory towards manufactory

Abstract

No-slump concrete has two major applications including roller compacted concrete and prefabricated concrete. The durability concerns of the later one; in particular the deterioration of sewer concrete pipes in natural acidic environment, are the authors’ motivation to study the durability properties of no-slump concrete. To this aim, a comprehensive experimental investigation was carried out on different mixtures designed by ACI and dense packing methods to assess the durability aspects and verify the most suitable methods for mix design and production of no-slump concrete. In this regard, 14 and 8 mixtures were designed and made by ACI 211.3 and dense packing methods respectively. Of these, three elite mixtures were chosen based on the strength and durability indexes. Moreover, ACI method was proposed to modify with the aid of an especial admixture used for upgrading the compaction of dry cast concrete. Elite mixtures were then subjected to evaluate in the laboratory and concrete pipe manufactory. The results of ACI elite mixture revealed its feasibility and suitable performance in the laboratory, whereas the concrete pipes produced in the manufactory based on ACI methods emphasized the necessity of better compaction. In this regard, the application of admixture effectively provided the required compaction. In addition, dense packing approach showed relatively suitable performance with the aid of silica fume and siliceous filler; however, it presented a lower strength level in comparison with the ACI-designed mixtures.