Some factors influencing the long term strength of concrete

Abstract

Conventional creep and crushing tests are usually concerned with the effects of loadings which are applied during relatively short periods of a few minutes. However, gradual applications of the loading, especially during the initial stages, can produce increases in the ultimate strength of the concrete due to a form of solid body compaction which can the take place. The paper describes the increases in strength which have been obtained with mortars and concretes made with Thames Valley aggregates.