Experimental study on RPC containing zircon sand and sillimanite at elevated temperatures

Abstract

The main purpose of this project involves investigation of Reactive Powder concrete (RPC), known for its ultra-high strength and improved durability properties and the influence of elevated temperatures compared with that of standard water cured samples in RPC. The process of binding is taken care by high alumina cement. The various material propositions of RPC includes Quartz sand, zircon sand, sillimanite and alccofine were used to achieve low level porosity with dense concrete matrix, thereby eliminating the addition of coarse aggregates. Micro steel fiber were used to improve the tensile property in concrete composite. The workability of concrete is improved based on poly carboxylate based super plasticizer. The experimental investigation comprises of eighteen specimens were cast and its compressive strength was observed. The samples are said to the replacement of cement with that of HAC and Alccofine in a constant ratio. The fine aggregate are being replaced completely by quartz sand, zircon sand and sillimanite with varying ratio. The samples undergone standard water curing and heat treatment at temperatures 150 °C, 300 °C, 450 °C and 600 °C. The comparative results between the standard water curing and heat treatment is observed for varying ratio of fine aggregate along with micro steel fiber and super plasticizer and the results are recorded.