Conventional Concrete and Plastic Concrete Engineering Properties, Similarities and Differences

In this paper the similarities and differences between plastic concrete and conventional concrete engineering properties are demonstrated. The results of experimental works by the authors and also the other available literature are reviewed and eminent points are demonstrated. With plastic concrete design deformability and high failure strain are prior properties that are expected; while with conventional concrete compressive strength is mostly dominant. With plastic concrete the B/C ratio is the main factor controlling the failure strain and axial compressive strength rather than the B+C content. With conventional concrete, however, the W/C ratio is dominant. There is a quite acceptable level of agreement between the plastic concrete mechanical behavior and Burgers visco-elastic model; and considerable errors may be encountered if it is considered as an elastic body. Addition of bentonite enhances the stress dependent permeability characteristics of the cured concrete. However, the typical permeability increases one unit in power.

Keywords:

plastic concrete , conventional concrete , strength , viscoelasticity , deformability