Abstract

Research efforts in the past have been very successful in obtaining high strength concrete using various supplementary cementitious materials in concrete; however, the restriction on adding these mineral admixtures is primarily due to delayed reactivity with the hydration product of cement and the decelerated strength gain compared to plain cement concrete. Research efforts in the past have focused on the various aspects of improving the matrix properties and make it suitable for improving the mechanical and durability properties of concrete. Matrix strengthening envisages the improved mechanical properties and accelerators improve the accelerated rate of hardening when mixed with cement. The present study is aimed at to study the influence of incorporation of accelerators and metallic reinforcements in concrete. The effect of accelerators on the compressive strength gain properties of different concrete mixes were studied for different w/c ratio, fine to aggregate ratio, cement to total ratio and metallic fibre contents. The results showed that for lower water cement ratio (0.3) and for higher f/c ratio (0.8) the strength was higher than all other concrete mixes. Similar increase in strength was noted for higher water cement ratio (0.4) at lower finer to coarse aggregate ratio. The rate of increase in strength gain was higher for lower water cement ratio at all fine to coarse aggregate ratio.

Key words: Metallic reinforcements, accelerators, compressive strength, ultrasonic pulse.