EVALUATION OF STATIC FLEXURE AND FLEXURAL FATIGUE STRENGTH OF HIGH

PERFORMANCE/ HIGH VOLUME FLY ASH CONCRETE

NIKHIL.T.R
Student, II YEAR, M.E. (HIGHWAY)
University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering
Bangalore University, Bangalore-560056.
Email: nikhil.ramashesha@gmail.com
Mobile: 9964677144, 9480455244

SYNOPSIS

Concrete materials mostly high-performance concrete produced today contain materials in addition to Portland cement to help
achieve the compressive strength or durability performance. These materials include fly ash, silica fume and ground-granulated
blast furnace slag used separately or in combination. At the same time, chemical admixtures such as high-range water-reducers are
needed to ensure that the concrete is easy to transport, place and finish. For high-strength concretes, a combination of mineral and
chemical admixtures is nearly always essential to ensure achievement of the required strength.

Most high-performance concretes have high cement content and a water-cement ratio of 0.40 or less. However, the proportions of
the individual constituents vary depending on local preferences and local materials. High-performance concrete should posses
certain properties like compressive strength, flexural strength, modulus of elasticity etc. In the present study an attempt is made to
design a concrete mix for M-40 grade, by replacing 50% of cement by fly ash. In the design of high performance concrete use of
chemical admixtures is inevitable, and it is proposed to use super plasticizers, since the compatibility of super plasticizer is
different with different cements. It is required to tests the compatibility of super plasticizer with cement. Conventional and High
Performance Concrete prisms of size 100mmX100mmX500mm are cast in the laboratory compressive strength test and flexural
static strength tests are conducted at different ages.

It is observed that the compressive strength in M40 grade conventional concrete is higher at 3,7and 28 days of curing. Fly-ash
admixed concrete as lower compressive strength at 3,7and 28 days of curing when compares to M40 grade conventional concrete,
but at 56days the compressive strength is more than that of M40 grade conventional concrete mix. Similarly the static flexural
strength of fly-ash admixed concrete mix is higher than M40 grade concrete mix at 56days of curing.

Fatigue behavior of concrete during its service life is an important characteristic for assessing its useful life. Fatigue loading or
repetitive loading is a common phenomenon in case of highway/airway pavements. Hence there is a constant research going on in
this field to understand the fatigue behavior in concrete. Concrete is finding its application in the area of mass concreting like
pavements/embankments etc. In this regard, the present studies are proposed to predict the flexural fatigue strength of concrete
under laboratory conditions. Conventional and High Performance Concrete prisms of size 100mmX100mmX500mm are cast and
flexural static strength tests conducted to determine the static failure loads on the specimens. Later three different stress ratios
(65%, 75% and 85% of the failure loads) are applied repetitively on the specimen and the number of repetitions to failure
observed. An accelerated cyclic loading apparatus is used in this study and the data obtained is used to predict the fatigue life of
concrete using linear regression models.

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1. INTRODUCTION
Concrete materials mostly high-performance concretes produced today contain materials in addition to Portland cement to
help achieve the compressive strength or durability performance. These materials include fly ash, silica fume and ground-
granulated blast furnace slag used separately or in combination. At the same time, chemical admixtures such as high-range
water-reducers are needed to ensure that the concrete is easy to transport, place and finish. For high-strength concretes, a
combination of mineral and chemical admixtures is nearly always essential to ensure achievement of the required strength.
Most high-performance concretes have high cement content and a water-cement ratio of 0.40 or less. However, the
proportions of the individual constituents vary depending on local preferences and local materials. Mix proportions developed
in one part of the country do not necessarily work in a different location. Many trial batches are usually necessary before a
successful mix is developed. High-performance concretes are also more sensitive to changes in constituent material properties
than conventional concretes. Variations in the chemical and physical properties of the cementitious materials and chemical
admixtures need to be carefully monitored. Substitutions of alternate materials can result in changes in the performance
characteristics that may not be acceptable for high-performance concrete. This means that a greater degree of quality control is
required for the successful production of high-performance concrete.

2. EARLIER STUDIES
Due to traffic loads, progressive fatigue damage takes place in cement concrete pavements in the form of gradual development
of micro cracks especially when the applied flexural stress is high. As the stress ratio (ratio between flexural stress due to load
and flexural strength of concrete) increases, the number of load repetitions required to cause cracking decreases.
The determination of fatigue strength of materials and structures has been primarily based on experimental studies since the
pioneering test of the most common fatigue tests are those with constant amplitude. Usually sequences of the specimens may
be subjected to given stress, which are specified with combination of mean stresses and stress amplitude the number of cycles
to failure is recorded as fatigue life. Large variability usually exists in the resulting fatigue life even in the given stress level
under very carefully controlled testing equipment. Consequently the dispersion of fatigue life has been a subject of statistical
analysis. Most researchers Hilsdorf1 and kesler2 and Ballinger3 (2000).1 adopted a relationship between the stress level S
which is the ratio of maximum loading stress to modulus of rupture fmax/f, and the number of load repitations N which cause
fatigue failure.
S=fmax/f r =a-b log10 N
Where a and b are experimental coefficients that vary with loading conditions, compression, tension or flexure. The non
dimensional form S was in the part to eliminate influences such as water cement ratio.
Previous works on high volume fly ash (HVFA) concrete characterized by high portland cement replacement (50-65% by
mass), low water-cementitious material ratio (w/cm), and use of naphthalene-based superplasticizer were carried out by
Malhotra and coworkers (1-4).The main purpose of the present work was to study the influence of the superplasticizer type in
terms of different chemical composition on the performance of HVFA concrete. Superplasticizers based on sulfonated
naphthalene (SN) or acrylic polymer (AP) were studied.Another purpose of this work was to study the influence of the specific
surface area of the blended cements on the performance of HVFA concrete.
Fly ash, generated during the combustion of coal for energy production, is an industrial by-product which is recognized as an
environmental pollutant. Because of the environmental problems presented by the fly ash, considerable research has been
undertaken on the subject worldwide. In this paper, the utilization of fly ash in construction, as a low-cost adsorbent for the
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 removal of organic compounds, flue gas and metals, light weight aggregate, mine back fill, road sub-base, and zeolite
synthesis is discussed. A considerable amount of research has been conducted using fly ash for adsorption of NOx, SOx,
organic compounds, and mercury in air, dyes and other organic compounds in waters. It is found that fly ash is a promising
adsorbent for the removal of various pollutants. The adsorption capacity of fly ash may be increased after chemical and
physical activation. It was also found that fly ash has good potential for use in the construction industry. The conversion of fly
ash into zeolites has many applications such as ion exchange, molecular sieves, and adsorbents. Converting fly ash into
zeolites not only alleviates the disposal problem but also converts a waste material into a marketable commodity.
Investigations also revealed that the unburned carbon component in fly ash plays an important role in its adsorption capacity.
By M. Ahmaruzzaman(2009).
Supplementary cementing materials are used to replace large proportions of cement in construction. It is estimated that at
present more than 800 million tonnes of fly ash is available world wide. The above data points out that there is a great
potential for the use of fly ash. Fly ash has been used as a mineral admixture for the last six to seven decades due to its
fineness, pozzolanic and self cementious nature. Fly ash has been used as a mineral admixture to reduce the heat of hydration
if the specific applications do not require early strength as in case of concrete roads, dams and other marine structures.
Investigations have been done to increase 50% replacement of cement by fly ash for the last two decades. CANMET has
developed test data on properties of HVFA concrete a regular usage of 35% has been reported [20]. Originally HVFA concrete
was first developed for mass concrete applications. This has been extended to structures, pavements and shotcreting, light
weight concreting and roller compacted concrete. The use of HVFA concrete was reported in the construction of Patronus
tower- Malaysia, Platanovrysii dam Greece, Embankments of Nizammudin Bridge Okhla flyover, Ropar highways project,
Morinda by pass on Chandigaragh and Ludhiana national highway India. The HVFA concrete could achieve a significant
improvement in mechanical properties at the latest stages due to pozzolanic reaction. Therefore the early strength can be
enhanced by the addition of silica fume (SF), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), rice husk ash (RHA) and
metakaolin (MK). The gain in strength is as follows. They are filler effect, which is immediate acceleration of PC hydration
which occurs within first 7-14 days for all metakaolin, between 5% and 30%. The degree to which the strength is enhanced
beyond 14 days, although strength gains relative to the control concrete are still present in 90days.

3. PRESENT STUDIES
The present studies are proposed to predict the flexural fatigue strength of concrete under laboratory conditions. Conventional
and High Performance Concrete prisms of size 100mmX100mmX500mm are cast and flexural static strength tests conducted
to determine the static failure loads on the specimens. Later three different stress ratios (65%, 75% and 85% of the failure
loads) are applied repetitively on the specimen and the number of repetitions to failure observed. The experimental work is
carried out in three stages. In the first stage compatibility test is made to select the type of cement. Second stage preliminary
investigations such as consistency, specific gravity, initial and final setting time of cement and sieve analysis of fine
aggregates and coarse aggregates are carried out on materials used. In the third stage concrete mix proportioning was done as
per the ACI method and cubes of size 150X150mm, beams 500X100X100mm are casted for static flexure and fatigue.

4. DESIGN MIX
Concrete Mix of 40 Mpa is designed using ACI method of Mix design as it was found that it results in minimum cement
content. The following are the locally available materials used for casting the test specimens

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 53 grade Ordinary Portland Cement
Locally available fine aggregates , coarse aggregates and potable water
Super plasticizer DBASF Rheo build 816
Fly ash from Raichur Thermal power plant

Table showing different mix proportions.

As per clause 602.3.2 of MORTH specifications for Roads and Bridges -2001 cement Quantity for PQC(pavement quality
Concrete) should not be less than 350kg/m3 and not more than 425 kg/m3 and flexural strength should be at least 40N/mm2, hence
control grade concrete M40 was considered in this study
Mix Controlled concrete High volume Fly ash Concrete

Fly ash % 0 50

Water / binder ratio 0.37 0.37

Super plasticizer % 0 1.0

Cement kg/m3 405 202.5

Fly ash kg/m3 0 202.5

Fine aggregate kg/m3 750 750

Coarse aggregate type-I kg/m3 720.25 720.25

Coarse aggregate type-II kg/m3 354.75 354.75

Water kg/m3 150 150

Slump-mm 10 5

Compaction factor 0.79 0.81

5. EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATIONS

Tests on Cement

SL. No. Test Results Requirements as per IS: 12269-1987

1. Normal Consistency 37% -

2. Initial Setting Time 45 min Shall not be less than 30 minutes

3. Final Setting Time 325 min Shall not be more than 600 minutes

4. Specific Gravity 3.13 2.99-3.15

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 5. Fineness 3% Should be less than 10 % of its weight

Compressivestrength
6.
72+1hours(3days ) 35.0Mpa 27 Mpa

168+1Hours(7days ) 47.0Mpa 37 Mpa

672+4hours(28days) 58.0Mpa 53 Mpa

Sieve-Analysis on Fine Aggregates

Sieve Size mm % Mass Retained Cumulative % Retained

4.75 0.18 0.18

2.36 8.64 8.82

1.18 25.86 34.68

0.60 22.42 57.10

0.30 33.52 90.62

0.15 9.24 99.86

pan 0.14 100.00

Total Cumulative % Retained 291.26 FM= 2.91

120

100
Percent Passing

80
IS Code Lower
60 Limil
IS Code Upper
Limit
40 Results

20

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Sieve size, mm

Figure Grading of Fine Aggregate Confirming to Zone II of IS 383 1970.

The sample conforms to ZONE-II.
Tests on Coarse Aggregate
Test
Sl.No Property Requirements
Results

1. Aggregate Impact Value, 23.80 shall not exceed 45 percent by weight for aggregates used other than for wearing surfaces
% and 30 percent by weight for concrete for wearing surface.

2. Abrasion Value % 29.44 For aggregates to be used in concrete for wearing surfaces not exceed 30 percent For
aggregates to be used in other than for wearing surfaces not exceed 50 %

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 3. Aggregate Crushing 24.86 shall not exceed 45% for aggregate used other than for wearing surfaces, and 30 percent
Value % for wearing surfaces

4. Combined EI &FI 31.38 -

Values,%

5. Specific Gravity 2.65 -

Table Tests on Combined Coarse Aggregates Grading

Percent Passing Each Sieve Percent of Different Fraction Percent Passing is Sieve,mm

Grading
Sieve Grading of Aggregate Fraction as Stipulation of zone
Obtained
Sizes,(mm) Available C as per IRC 44-
Type I Type II Combined
1976
Grading

I II 67% 33%
40 100 100 67 33 100 100
20 100 100 67 33 100 100
10 30 90 20.10 29.70 49.80 40-52
4.75 0 0 0 0 0

Cube Compressive Strength Test

Cube specimen of both conventional concrete and high performance concrete were prepared using the design M40 concrete
mix with a water-binder ratio of 0.37. Nine cubes were tested in a compressive testing machine of 200 tonne capacity, as per
IS: 516-1976 for determining compressive strength after 3, 7, and 28 days of curing. The Cube specimens of M40 grade
conventional cement concrete, and fly ash admixed cement concrete mixes are tested for compressive strength at 3, 7 and 28
days of curing. The cube compressive test results for all mixes are shown, it is observed that there is an increase in cube
compressive strength with increase in number of days of curing, fly ash admixed concrete gain more compressive strength
compared in M40 grade conventional cement concrete only at 56day curing.
Sl. No Number of days of M40 grade Conventional Fly Ash Admixed
curing concrete mix concrete mix
2
1 3 16.81 N/mm -
2
2 7 26.73 N/mm -
3 28 47.69 N/mm2 32.59N/mm2
4 56 47.91 N/mm2 49.12N/mm2

Flexural Strength Test

The flexure strength of convention concrete beam and high performance concrete beam specimens were determine using
third point loading method. The specimens are loaded and tested in accordance with the ASTM Test Method C 78. The third
point loading method with the forces applied perpendicular to the beam without eccentricity. Loading is done continuously
without any shock. Reaction shall be parallel to the direction of the applied force at all times during the test and the ratio of

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 distance between the point of load application and nearest reaction to the depth of the beam shall not be less than one.
The Static flexural strength of M40 grade cement concrete and fly ash admixed cement concrete beam specimens were
determined using two point loading method and the test results are shown

Sl.
Number of days M40 grade Concrete Mix Fly Ash Admixed Concrete mix
No
1 28 10.85KN 8.12KN
2 56 11.04KN 12.58KN

6.0 CONCLUISIONS AND FURTHER STUDIES

The following conclusions are drawn from the results obtained from the limited experimental investigation done.

1. When cement is replaced by 50% fly-ash the workability reduces hence there is a need to use super-plasticizers.
2. Compatibility of cement is determined with super-plasticizers using marsh cone test and Flow table test.
3. The dosage of super-plasticizers obtained is 1.25%when locally available materials are used by conducting flow test.
4. The compressive strength of conventional M40grade concrete is more than fly-ash admixed concrete for 3, 7 and 28 days
curing period.
5. 56 day compressive strength of fly-ash admixed concrete is more than 56 day conventional M40grade concrete.
6. The static flexure strength of conventional M40grade concrete is more than fly-ash admixed concrete for 3, 7 and 28 days
curing period.
7. 56 day static flexure strength of fly-ash admixed concrete is more than 56 day conventional M40grade concrete.

FURTHER STUDIES YET TO BE CONDUCTED

I. Determination of flexural fatigue life of HVFA concrete.

II. To evaluate the strength properties and fatigue behavior of different grades of concrete at longer curing days (90 days and
above).
III. To conduct flexural fatigue studies on fibers reinforced cement concrete for pavements. Determination of flexural fatigue life
of M40 concrete.
IV. Determination of flexural fatigue life of M40 concrete with steel fibers.

7.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

It is my immense pleasure to thank Dr. M.S. AMARNATH and Dr. L. MANJESH, Department Of Civil Engineering,
Bangalore University, Bangalore for his valuable guidance and suggestions throughout the work.