Accelerated engineering properties of high and low volume fly ash concretes reinforced with glued steel fibers

Abstract

The present study focuses on the improvement of pozzolanic reaction of fly ash particles with the cement hydration products. Low and high volume fly ash concrete mixtures were studied systematically with the addition of accelerating admixtures and accelerated curing of the concrete specimens in a steam chamber for 18 h at 75°C. Also, the reinforcing effects of glued steel fibers addition on the compressive and flexural performance of fly ash concrete were investigated. The test results indicated that the addition of accelerator improved the rate of hardening and the inclusion of steel fibers provided higher flexural performance. Also, it can be noted that the high volume fly ash (50%) addition in concrete showed a reduction in strength; however, the addition of accelerator has compensated the deceleration in strength gain. The proper selection of concrete ingredients, addition of accelerator and initial steam curing for 18 h showed better improvement on the engineering properties in fly ash concrete. A maximum increase (41.7%) in compressive strength of fly ash concrete around 52.90 MPa was noticed for 25% fly ash substitution and 1.5% steel fibers addition. Dynamic elastic modulus was also calculated in loaded concrete specimen using ultrasonic pulse velocity test and showed a good agreement with the experimental value.