The effect of pozzolanic materials on the behavior of reactive powder concrete

Reactive powder concrete (RPB) is a concrete with dense homogeneous microstructure and improved physical and mechanical properties compared to normal concrete. In this study, the effect of two different fiber admixtures and various mineral admixtures on the physical and mechanical properties of RPB was investigated. Polypropylene and steel fiber were used as fiber admixtures. Fly ash, blast furnace slag and metakaolin were used as mineral admixtures. The mixtures were poured into 40x40x160 mm molds and after 24 hours, they were removed from the mold and placed in a curing environment. Two different cures were applied to the specimens: standard and steam cure. The specimens selected for steam curing were steam cured at 80oC for 24 hours and then kept in the standard curing pool at 20±2oC for 28 days. The specimens selected for standard curing were kept in a standard curing pool saturated with lime at 20±2oC for 28 days. Water absorption by weight, porosity, ultrasonic transmission rate, compressive strength, flexural strength and electrical resistivity tests were performed on the cured specimens. As a result of the experiments, it was observed that different curing practices and the use of different mineral admixtures and fibers can improve the properties of reactive powder concrete.