• Fares, Hanaa

Abstract

The use of Self-consolidating concrete (SCC) has considerably developed during the last years and a growing attention has been brought to the study of its mechanical properties at hardened state. The mixture proportions of SCC (large paste volume, high content of mineral admixtures, coarse to fine aggregates ratio close to 1, . . .) in relation with its placing conditions could modify its mechanical behaviour, comparatively to traditional vibrated concrete. The behaviour of SCC subjected to high temperature has in particular to be evaluated. The materials tested are 3 concretes which 2 SCC and a TC (Traditional concrete). The characteristic of SCC is the important volume. Mechanical tests (Compressive strength, flexural strength and modulus of elasticity) were realized. Alongside that, the water porosity, apparent density, loss of mass as well as gas permeability allowed having additional parameters to characterize the behaviour. But, microscopic observations coupled with images analyses and thermal analyses help to have a vision more physical and chemical of the behaviour. The experimental results show significant behaviours between the SCC and TC. The compressive strength allowed distinguishing an increase in compressive strength between 150 and 300°C. This increase is explained by a rehydration of the cement paste due to water migration through the pores for the SCC, and also by the creation of stronger hydrates. The rehydration concerned the anhydrous elements of the cement paste. Alongside this study, a work in collaboration with the University of Alabama concerning the behaviour at high temperature of lightweight self-compacting concrete (LW-SCC). This study allowed characterizing the mechanical properties and the physico-chemical properties of lightweight self-compacting concrete (made in University of Alabama (USA)). For that, prismatic and cylindrical specimens underwent two different thermal treatments : a fire ISO-834 and a slow heating to 1°C/min. Through this study, the LW-SCC presented a better thermal stability to a fire ISO-834. About physico-chemical properties, we noted a behaviour similarity between LW-SCC and SCC in water porosity, density, thermal analyses. Nevertheless, a decrease in porosity is observed at 400°C. It can be attributed to a shrinkage due to a decrease in volume. About mechanical properties, LW-SCC present a better residual compressive and residual flexural strength than SCC. Therefore, lightweight aggregates improves the residual mechanical behaviour.

Topics

• density
• impedance spectroscopy
• pore
• mineral
• strength
• cement
• flexural strength
• elasticity
• permeability
• porosity