Microstructure and strength properties of high strength concretes containing various mineral admixtures

Abstract

This paper studies the effect of type of mineral admixture on the relationship between the compressive strength, the splitting tensile strength and the flexural strength of high strength concrete. The microstructures of concretes containing various mineral admixtures in relation to these properties were also investigated. The ratio of splitting tensile strength to compressive strength was found to be independent of the type of mineral admixture used, but the ratio of flexural strength to compressive strength varied with the type of mineral admixture in concrete. The mechanism of producing high strength concrete was found not only to depend on the total pore volume of hardened cement matrix but also on the pore size distribution and the morphology of the hydration products.