Improving concrete quality for transport construction

Abstract

The creation of a transport network with high performance characteristics of the roadbed is an urgent task in the field of road construction. Foreign practice in the construction and operation of such facilities indicates the need for research studies aimed at obtaining an optimal concrete stone structure by optimizing the concrete composition (controlling the concrete mixture properties at the microlevel) and using state-of-the-art complex additives. The technological properties of concrete mixture and concrete were studied in accordance with the requirements of the current regulatory documentation using verified equipment. The compressive strength of concrete was determined using an MS2000 testing machine (with a measuring range of up to 2000 kN and a loading error of no more than 1%). The abrasion level was estimated by the loss of the sample mass during operation of an LKI-3 device (abrasion disc). The mass water absorption was determined by variations in the sample mass during water saturation. The article presents the physical and mechanical characteristics of heavy concrete (strength, abrasion, water absorption) obtained using TechniFlow-61, TechniFlow-178 PRO, and PowerFlow-3100 additives. The results indicate the positive effect of the above additives, which can be used to decrease the water-cement ratio for obtaining concrete mixtures of a given mobility, produce concretes of a denser structure, and reduce the number of open pores. The conclusion is made about the effectiveness of new-generation additives with plasticizing and water-reducing agents for improving the technological properties of concrete mixtures, as well as the physical and mechanical characteristics of the resultant concretes.