Effect of boric acid on mechanical properties and structural characterization of self-compacting concrete

The safety of reinforced concrete structures is directly proportional to the quality of the materials that make up the structure, as well as the workmanship applied in concrete casting during the construction phase. Correct processing of concrete during casting is one of the most important factors affecting the durability of the building. For this reason, one of the solutions that are reached in order to minimize labor errors and successful results during concrete pouring in frequently equipped and narrow section areas is to use Self-Compacting Concrete in the structures. The development process of the materials used in concrete production and self-compacting concrete applications and design has been developed depending on the academic studies have been developed and its use in buildings has become widespread. Within the scope of this thesis, it is aimed to produce boric acid doped concrete which can be used especially in nuclear power plants and other structures exposed to radiation. In this context, a reference sample without boric acid has been produced which meets the requirements of being self-compacting concrete. In addition to the reference sample design, %0.5, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, and 2.5% by weight boric acid were added to the concrete water sample. Spreading Table, V-Funnel, L-Box, U-Box were tested from Fresh Concrete Tests to observe the changes in the conditions of being self-compacting concrete on these samples. In order to compare the changes in mechanical properties of the obtained samples, compressive strength and flexural strength tests were performed. In addition, SEM, XRD, analyzes were performed to observe structural characterization changes. As a result of the studies, it was observed that boric acid doped concretes were self-compacting concrete, compressive strength increased compared to the reference sample, flexural strength decreased, porous structure decreased in comparison to the reference sample.