Engineering Commons^™

Influence Of Curing Conditions On Strength Properties And Maturity Development Of Concrete, Scott Andrew Newbolds, Jan Olek

JTRP Technical Reports

In this study, the results of both laboratory studies and a field study, conducted to evaluate the effects of different curing conditions on the strength properties and maturity development of pavement concrete, are presented. Further, a laboratory study was performed to evaluate the maturity concept in relation to the degree of hydration of cement. Concrete specimens, beams and cylinders, were prepared in the field study. The specimens in the field were cured in one of four curing conditions: lime bath, sandpit, air, or by temperature match curing. Specimens were tested for flexural strength and compressive strength, respectively. The temperature of …

Mid-Panel Cracking Of Portland Cement Concrete Pavements In Indiana, Hung-Ming Chen, Yunus Dere, Elisa D. Sotelino, Graham C. Archer

JTRP Technical Reports

Portland cement concrete slabs are a common form of highway pavements in Indiana. As a result of their widespread use, the economic impact of their maintenance and life span is therefore tremendous. In Indiana, these types of pavements have been experiencing premature random transverse mid-panel cracking. This phenomenon has been observed under a variety of environmental and traffic conditions. Also, it has been found that the cracking occurs in conjunction with the opening of the lanes to traffic, within months of construction. In this project, a research synthesis was carried out to determine exactly what the current state of knowledge …

Measurement And Monitoring Of Microwave Reflection And Transmission Properties Of Cement-Based Specimens, Sergey Kharkovsky, M. F. Akay, U. C. Hasar, C. D. Atis

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The results of measurement and monitoring of reflection and transmission properties of cement-based specimens (blocks of mortar, concrete) obtained by using a simple and an inexpensive measurement system at microwave frequencies (X-band) are presented. Dependencies of the reflection and transmission coefficients on water-to-cement (w/c) ratio, preparing and curing conditions of the specimens are demonstrated. It is shown that the amplitudes of reflection and transmission coefficients, together with thickness of the specimens, determine the complex dielectric permittivity of the hardened cement-based specimens. The expected applications of the results for the determination of physical properties of cement-based materials are discussed. The causes …

A Simple, Robust, And On-Site Microwave Technique For Determining Water-To-Cement Ratio (W/C) Of Fresh Portland Cement-Based Materials, K. Mubarak, Karl Joseph Bois, R. Zoughi

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Inspection and evaluation of cement-based materials such as concrete is of great interest to the construction industry. In particular, real-time and on-site evaluation of water-to-cement ratio (w/c) is an important practical issue, since the compressive strength of a concrete structure is significantly influenced by its w/c. Currently, there is no single real-time, on-site, relatively in-expensive, easy-to-implement, and operator friendly technique for evaluating this parameter. Microwave nondestructive testing and evaluation techniques have shown great promise when used for inspection and evaluation of the properties of cement-based materials. In this paper, the optimal design of a monopole antenna probe used to evaluate …

Near-Field Microwave Non-Invasive Determination Of Nacl In Mortar, Karl Joseph Bois, Aaron D. Benally, R. Zoughi

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In recent years near-field microwave nondestructive testing and evaluation techniques have shown great promise for evaluating different properties of cement-based structures. An important issue regarding the inspection of these structures is the ability to determine the presence and evaluate the content of chloride in them. Chlorides can be introduced in these structures in many different ways including when salts are present in their mixing water. Consequently, for this investigation, two sets of 8" × 8" × 8" (203mm) cubic mortar specimens were prepared each with a water-to-cement (w/c) ratio of 0.5 and 0.6, respectively, and both sets with sand-to-cement ratios …

Development And Evaluation Of Cement-Based Materials For Repair Of Corrosion-Damaged Reinforced Concrete Slabs, Rongtang Liu, J. Olek

JTRP Technical Reports

In this study, the results of an extensive laboratory investigation conducted to evaluate the properties of concrete mixes used as patching materials to repair reinforced concrete slabs damaged by corrosion are reported. Seven special concrete mixes containing various combinations of chemical or mineral admixtures were developed and used as a patching material to improve the durability of the repaired slabs. Physical and mechanical properties of these mixes, such as compressive strength, static modulus of elasticity, dynamic modulus of elasticity, and shrinkage were evaluated. Durability-related parameters investigated included resistance of concrete to penetration of chloride ions and freeze-thaw resistance. The results …

Measurement And Monitoring Of Microwave Reflection And Transmission Properties Of Cement-Based Specimens, Sergey Kharkovsky, M. F. Akay, U. C. Hasar, C. D. Atis

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The results of measurement and monitoring of reflection and transmission properties of cement-based specimens (blocks of mortar, concrete) during long time of their service lives, including hydration process, and different curing conditions at microwave frequencies (X-band) are presented. A simple and inexpensive measurement system that utilizes the nondestructive and contactless free space method is used. Dependencies of the reflection and transmission coefficients on water-to-cement ratio, preparing and curing conditions of the specimens are demonstrated. It is shown that the reflection coefficient is approximately stable after hydration process while the transmission coefficient changes during long time of the specimen''s service life. …

Performance Of Bridge Decks And Girders With Lightweight Aggregate Concrete, V. 2 Of 2, J. A. Ramirez, J. Olek, Eric Joseph Rolle, Brian Joseph Malone

JTRP Technical Reports

Structural lightweight concrete is a very versatile material and Haydite and Minergy lightweight aggregates can be utilized in the mixture development of concrete for use in girders and decks in bridges. More widespread use of lightweight aggregates (LWA) would result in savings in construction cost due to considerable dead load reduction.

The materials phase of this research study evaluated the fresh concrete properties (slump, unit weight, and air content), the mechanical properties of hardened concrete (compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, static and dynamic modulus of elasticity, Poisson’s Ratio, and temperature development), and durability related parameters (air void distribution, freeze-that …

Influence Of Mortar Rheology On Aggregate Settlement, Michael F. Petrou, Baolin Wan, Francis Gadala-Maria, Venkata Giri Kolli, Kent A. Harries

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

The influence of the rheology of fresh concrete on the settlement of aggregate is examined. Fresh concrete exhibits a yield stress that, under certain conditions, prevents the settlement of coarse aggregate, although its density is larger than that of the suspending mortar. Calculations, based on estimates of the yield stress obtained from slump tests, predict that aggregate normally used in concrete should not sink. To test this prediction, the settlement of a stone in fresh mortar is monitored. The stone does not sink in the undisturbed mortar (which has a high yield stress), but sinks when the mortar is vibrated, …

Performance Of Bridge Decks And Girders With Lightweight Aggregate Concrete, J. A. Ramirez, J. Olek, Eric Joseph Rolle, Brian J. Manlone

JTRP Technical Reports

Structural lightweight concrete is a very versatile material and Haydite and Minergy lightweight aggregates can be utilized in the mixture development of concrete for use in girders and decks in bridges. More widespread use of lightweight aggregates (LWA) would result in savings in construction cost due to considerable dead load reduction. The materials phase of this research study evaluated the fresh concrete properties (slump, unit weight, and air content), the mechanical properties of hardened concrete (compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, static and dynamic modulus of elasticity, Poisson’s Ratio, and temperature development), and durability related parameters (air void distribution, freeze-thaw …

Cure-State Monitoring And Water-To-Cement Ratio Determination Of Fresh Portland Cement-Based Materials Using Near-Field Microwave Techniques, Karl Joseph Bois, Aaron D. Benally, Paul S. Nowak, R. Zoughi

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Quick and nondestructive determination of curestate and water-to-cement (w/c) ratio in fresh Portland cementbased materials is an important issue in the construction industry since the compressive strength of these materials is significantly influenced by w/c ratio. This is especially true since current techniques are not reliable and require a priori testing of test specimens as calibration for subsequent on-site monitoring of a cast in-place structure. Recently, the sensing of Portland cementbased materials using microwave techniques has received much attention. Microwave nondestructive techniques have already shown the potential for determining w/c ratio, sand-to-cement (s/c) ratio and coarse aggregate-to-cement (ca/c) ratio in …

Testing Of Multi-Span Bridges With Full Span Precast Prestressed Concrete Panels (Phase 1), Robert J. Peterman, J. A. Ramirez

JTRP Technical Reports

The purpose of this study was to assess the behavior and durability of multi-span bridges constructed with full-span prestressed concrete form panels. The use of full-span prestressed concrete form panels for bridges with spans of 40 ft. or less is an economical method of construction due to the reduction of on-site formwork and labor required by alternate cast-in-place systems. In this research, a pair of two-span bridges utilizing full-span prestressed concrete form panels were fabricated and tested in the Karl H. Kettelhut Structural Engineering Laboratory at Purdue University. Time-dependent effects were monitored during the cast-in-place (CIP) concrete cure period of …

Examination Of Concrete Cores From Lowe’S Store In Bowling Green, David L. Allen, L. John Fleckenstein

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The Kentucky Transportation Center was requested by Mr. Tom Brock, Vice President of McWhorter and Company, Inc., to examine cores obtained from a PCC floor slab of a Lowe's store in Bowling Green, Kentucky. From a telephone conversation with Mr. Brock, is was our understanding that a large portion of the surface of the floor slab was scaling and becoming detached. This apparently involved approximately the top 118 inch of the slab.

Nine cores were delivered to our laboratories. They were obtained at the locations shown in the floor map included in Appendix A. Those nine cores are shown in …

Roller Compacted Concrete For Highway Applications, Jorge Gomez-Dominguez

Indiana Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) Publications

A series of laboratory studies were carried out to investigate the behavior and characteristics of Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) for highway applications.

Performance Survey Of Silicone-Sealed Concrete Pavement Joints, David Q. Hunsucker, Edgar E. Courtney

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report summarizes field inspections of various silicone-sealed concrete pavement joints. A list of silicone sealant projects was provided by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Observations of performance were subjective and qualitative.

Bridge Decks And Overlays, James H. Havens, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Edgar E. Courtney

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The report presents a historical perspective of the Transportation Cabinet's bridge deck construction and maintenance efforts directed toward increasing bridge deck durability.

Bridge decks crack in specific patterns that primarily depend upon bridge designs. Normal deck cracking is due to load-induced and thermal effects. Each type of cracking has a distinct pattern.

One-hundred and nineteen experimental bridge deck overlays were inspected. Included were 9 membrane bridges, 87 latex concrete overlays and 23 low-slump overlays. The overlays had been placed originally on both new and existing bridge decks on various routes throughout the state. Most of the overlays were rated in …

Shrinkage Compensation Deck Concrete (Ky 1974 Bridge Over Tates Creek Road), David Q. Hunsucker

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report summarizes the construction activities on an experimental bridge deck utilizing shrinkage compensating concrete. The experimental concrete is characterized in terms of freeze/thaw durability, compressive strength, and elastic moduli.

Thickness Design Curves For Portland Cement Concrete Pavements, Herbert F. Southgate, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Past experience indicates that thickness designs using portland cement concrete best agree with criterion used in the Portland Cement Association's design method for 18-kip EAL of 2 to 3 million or less. For EALs greater than 2 to 3 million, past experience best agrees with criterion developed from the AASHO Road Test. Research herein indicates the two criterion become asymptotic to each other at approximately 2.5 million EAL. For a variation in thickness and elastic moduli in portland cement concrete, dense-graded aggregate, and sub grade elastic modulus, research indicates that a general conic equation (included herein) very closely duplicates the …

Low-Void Concrete Mixtures, Assaf S. Rahal, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The purpose of this study was to modify concrete mix-design formulas to supplant all water over and above that needed for hydration with a non-evaporable liquid material and(or) a super-water-reducer or plasticizer -- thus producing a low-void concrete. A water-cement ratio of 0.244 - 0.30 was presumed minimal for hydration of the cement. Several polymeric materials, asphalts, oils, and superplasticizers were used. Success was achieved with two latexes, one epoxy, and several superplasticizers. The use of these materials in concrete resulted in improved strength, reduction of air voids and permeability, and enhancement of resistance to corrosive chloride salts.

An Investigation Of Low Cylinder-Strengths (District 6), Assaf S. Rahal

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

District 6 has had a lingering problem of low cylinder-strengths. This report describes, in detail, an ensuing investigation which incorporated the use of identical materials of concretes used in District 6 and analyses of cylinder data, in situ concrete cores, and laboratory mixtures. The investigation revealed that a high percent of the in situ concrete is sound and reliable, and that aggregate type and (or) air content were not the cause for the low cylinder-strengths. The quality of making, storing, and curing the cylinders were the reasons for low-strength.

Freeze-And-Thaw Of Concretes And Aggregates, James H. Havens, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report summarizes several years of research relating to damage to concrete and aggregates undergoing freezing and thawing. Basic principles involving freezing and attendant pressures are considered. Application of these principles to the evaluation of concrete was accomplished in experiments on concrete having low and high air contents. The effects of air entrainment upon freeze-thaw resistance were demonstrated.

Freeze-thaw characteristics of saturated aggregates relative to physical properties such as porosity, absorption, and bulk specific gravity were studied by submerging individual particles in pre-chilled mercury. Pressures associated with popouts in concrete were monitored and are presented along with accompanying theoretical considerations.

Voidless Concrete Mixtures For Bridge Decks, Assaf S. Rahal

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The purpose of this study was to modify concrete mix-design formulas to supplant all water over and above that needed for hydration with a non-evaporable material -- thus producing a no-void concrete. It was adjudged that a water-cement ratio of 0.244 would be practical for hydration of the cement. Several polymeric materials, asphalts, and oils were used to replace the excess mixing water. Success was achieved using two latexes and one epoxy. The use of these materials in concrete resulted in improved strength, reduction of air voids and permeability, and enhancement of resistance to corrosive chloride salts.

Construction, Protection And Maintenance Of Concrete Bridge Decks, Ronald D. Hughes, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report presents an historical account of deterioration in reinforced concrete bridge decks. Preventative maintenance treatments to both new and in-service decks are discussed. Repair methods are included. The major forms of deterioration are listed and causative mechanisms are discussed. Potential design and construction remedies are presented for consideration.

Durability Of Traffic Paint On Portland Cement Concrete Pavements, Assaf S. Rahal

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Performance of a series of transverse lines applied to a relatively new concrete pavement, utilizing primes and pretreatments, is reported. The report includes descriptions of the location of test lines and types of paint and pretreatments, performance histories, and analysis of results. Chlorinated rubber, epoxy, and urethane paints were the most durable. Neither pretreatment nor the use of primes significantly increased durability.

Concrete Color Variations Observed In Specimens Made From 12 Type 1 Portland Cements, Milton Evans Jr.

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

No abstract provided.

A Study Of The Effect Of Blended Coarse Aggregate On Air-Entrained Concrete Progress Report 3, S. T. Collier

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The purpose of this investigetion was to study the durability characteristics of a river gravel, used as coarse aggregate for concrete, with respect to four major fractions separated in accordance to their general mineralogical classification. This aggregate was from the same stock of Ohio River gravel that was used in earlier phases of this Project reported in 1947.

Since this gravel consisted of several rock types varying in mineralogic constituents, it was conceivable that poor performance could possibly be attributed to some undesirable fraction or fractions, rather than to the aggregate as a whole. The separation of this aggregate was …

Study Of The Effect Of Blended Coarse Aggregate On Air Entrained Concrete Second Progress Report, Kentucky Highway Materials Research Laboratory

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

When the first progress report on this study of blended aggregate was prepared in January, 1947, only three of the nine groups of samples in Series I had completed the durability tests, and specimens in four of the seven groups composing Series II had not even been prepared. In contrast, at the present all samples in Series I have completed the durability tests thus concluding the results pertaining to Ohio River gravel from Louisville, and specimens in three groups of Series II (applicable to glacial gravel) have finished the durability tests. Further than that, several additional groups of samples which …