Effect of Coarse Aggregate Characteristics on Lateral Pressure Exerted by Self-Consolidating Concrete

Abstract

This article reports on a study undertaken to determine the influence of concentration and nominal size of coarse aggregate on the development of lateral and pore water pressures of self-consolidating concrete (SCC). The study evaluated 9 mixtures prepared with sand-total aggregate ratios (S/A) varying between 1.0 and 0.30. An experimental column measuring 2800 mm in height and 200 mm in diameter was used to determine lateral pressure and pore water pressure during the plastic stage of cement hydration. Results show that lateral pressure is significantly influenced by the S/A value. The pore water pressure affects the development of lateral pressure of SCC in the plastic stage. The authors conclude that the lateral pressure developed by the plastic concrete is directly related to internal friction resulting from the coarse aggregate concentration. The greater the degree of increase in internal friction, which corresponds to mixtures made with relatively low S/A values, the lesser the magnitude of initial lateral pressure becomes and the faster the drop in pressure.