Need of an efficient particle size analysis and its influence on properties of concrete

Need of an efficient particle size analysis and its influence on properties of concrete

Although requirement of high strength concrete is extremely high in modern concrete construction, the ways to achieve that are still very expensive and unsustainable. The concept of particle packing dates back to the 19thcentury, however its practical use in concrete is still atypical. Concrete mixes are proportioned by considering all the characteristics of the ingredients required and its performance in fresh as well as hardened states. The performance of concrete in terms of its strength, workability and durability is mainly dependent on the proportioning and degree of packing of its ingredients. Hence, the particle-packing concept must be well known to the concrete mix designers to enable them in selecting the right proportion of materials. Present mix design involves the sieve analysis of aggregates and does not consider more in-depth specifications to achieve proper packing efficiency. Moreover, utilization of chemical admixtures, fine supplementary cementing materials such as silica fume, metakaolin, cement with high fineness and fillers are common in modern concrete. Therefore, knowledge on optimal packing with minimum void content, less permeability and high strength concrete is imperative. This paper describes modern sophisticated analytical techniques used for particle size analysis and their potential to be used for characterizing the fineness of concrete ingredients. Moreover, influence of particle packing on concrete characterises is comprehensively reviewed at the later part of the study.

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