Modular pavements: Developing high performance concrete

Abstract

The main objective of this research is to develop high-strength concrete mixture (compressive strength ≥ 41 MPa) that is resistant to fatigue and suitable to produce slabs for modular pavements also known as precast concrete pavements. In addition to this, other characteristics (compressive strength, flexural strength and indirect tensile strength) were determined as well and the effect of fibers depending on type and amount in the presence and absence of silica fume has been revealed. Silica fume (0% and 7% by cement mass) and three types of fibers (one type of steel fibers and two types of polypropylene fibers) with three different amount of each fiber type were used to produce concrete mixtures. At all, 20 concrete mixtures were produced and tested in terms of static and cyclic bending, static compression and static tension. The research showed that the use of both fibers and silica fume in the concrete mixture leads to the best performance and steel fibers are superior to polypropylene fibers. Concrete mixture with 49.5 kg/m3 of steel fibers and 7% of silica fume by cement mass had compressive strength of 61 MPa and the highest resistance to fatigue and thus is the most potential to produce slabs for modular pavements.