Investigating the Properties of Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC) – Compressive and Flexural Strength

This research is aimed at investigating the compressive and flexural strength of Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC), while considering lack of ductility in conventional concrete as one of the major problem limiting design in structures. With developing technology in the construction industry, RPC has been developed as a prime solution to the above mentioned problem. RPC is composed of fine aggregates, additives, cement and steel fibers which is an evident to its ultra-high strength and ductile behavior. The elimination of coarse aggregate from the mix design and incorporation of steel fibers in the mix design, provides ductility to the concrete structure. A target compressive and flexural strength of 150 – 200 MPa and 30 – 50 Mpa were targeted at the start of this project to be achieved respectively. However, the results obtained did not reach the target due to change of materials to available local materials having different material characteristics and low quality control due to poor storage conditions. The mixing, casting, curing and testing work were all carried out in the concrete laboratory with 6 different mix proportions to attain the required results. The conventional concrete mixing procedures were followed. The fresh concrete is then casted in 100mm x 100mm x 100mm cube and 100mm x 100mm x 500mm beam forms, then cured in water tank at room temperature of 25 and tested for compressive and flexural strength after the curing periods of 3, 7, 28 and 56 days. The results were recorded and discussed. Conclusion and further recommendations were drawn based on the result achieved.