Enhancing thermal behaviour of concrete pavement by incorporating vermiculite

Abstract

In the current state, the use of the vehicle has rapidly increased all over the world. It happens due to the increase in population as well as vehicle users. So, it becomes necessary to provide a durable and efficient transportation system. Nowadays concrete pavements are extensively used as compared to the bituminous pavement in road construction. Concrete pavement is more durable due to its better strength and sturdiness; the however concrete pavement is affected because of temperature stresses which cause the formation of cracks inside the pavement. Cracks in the pavement develop as a result of the combined effects of thermal stress and wheel load. The study's findings demonstrate the effectiveness of extended vermiculite (EV) in reducing temperature stresses in concrete pavement. Expanded vermiculite has very low thermal conductivity. To check the behavior of expanded vermiculite, thermal stresses and compressive strength test have to be performed on M30 grade of concrete with a percentage variation of expanded vermiculite 10%, 20%, and 30% as in partial substitution with fine aggregate by volume. Alccofine is an additive material that enhances the strength. Alccofine is added 10% by the weight of cement. An outdoor heat simulation test was performed to determine thermal stresses in concrete. Results proposed a decrement in temperature stresses in the concrete pavement as the proportion of expanded vermiculite increased.