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The purpose of this paper is to verify the influence of superplasticizer and air entrainment admixtures (AEs) in the electrical resistivity of concrete.

Ten different types of concrete have been studied. Three levels of superplasticizer and air AEs have been used (0.20, 0.35 and 0.50 per cent). Concrete samples were cast and the electrical resistivity was monitored at the ages of 28, 63 and 91 days. Compressive strength and density tests have also been executed.

The superplasticizer admixture presented an optimal level of 0.35 per cent that significantly increased the electrical resistivity. The air AEs at the same dosage caused a considerable decrease in the electrical resistivity. The concrete with air AEs showed highest resistivity/MPa ratio.

The results should be carefully extrapolated for other materials and admixtures.

The usage of chemicals admixture in concrete is extremely common nowadays. However, only a few authors have studied the impact of such materials on the concrete’s electrical resistivity. Since many other researchers have already correlated electrical resistivity with other concrete’s properties, such as strength, setting time and corrosion probability, it is important to better understand how superplasticizers and air-entraining agents, for instance, impact the resistivity.

The vast majority of studies only tested the resistivity of cement paste or mortar and usually for short period of time (up to 28 days), which seems not to be adequate since the cement reaction continues after that period. This paper fills this gap and studied the impact of admixture on concrete and for a period of 91 days.

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of nano alumina (Al₂O₃) on the properties of fresh concrete, hardened concrete and microstructure of concrete incorporated with high range water reducer (HRWR). This initiative was taken to improve characteristic properties of concrete using nano alumina because nano alumina can be easily be manufactured from a scrap of industrial aluminum products, so its incorporation in concrete will not only reduce industrial aluminum waste but will also change the morphology of concrete at the microstructural level.

To accomplish the objectives of the research, four different concrete mixes with the constant water–cement ratio (W/C) and superplasticizer (SP) content 0.4 and 0.6% by weight of cement, respectively, were prepared, whereas nano alumina content was altered by 0.3% and 0.4% by weight of cement. Fresh property of concrete was analyzed by using slump cone test, whereas hardened properties of concrete were analyzed through compression test and flexural strength test. The interaction of nano alumina with concrete composite was evaluated using an X-ray diffraction test.

It was observed that 0.6% superplasticizer by weight of cement increased workability by 22% but with the addition of 0.3%, nano alumina by weight of cement workability decreased by 31%. Compressive strength increased by 4.88% with the addition of 0.6% superplasticizer but with the addition of 0.3% nano alumina by weight of cement compressive strength increased by 18.60%. Also, flexural strength increased by 1.21% with the addition of 0.6% superplasticizer by weight of cement but with the addition of 0.3% nano alumina by weight of cement flexural strength increased by 8.76%. With the addition of superplasticizer, alite and belite phases remained un-hydrated but with the addition of nano alumina alite phase was hydrated while belite phase was un-hydrated. The size of belite crystals in mixes having nano alumina was less than that of mix having 0.6% superplasticizer. Also with the addition of nano alumina, a calcium aluminum silicate phase was formed which was responsible for the increment of strength in mixes having nano alumina.

Incorporation nano alumina (Al₂O₃) in concrete will not only reduce industrial aluminum waste but will also reduce CO₂ emission. Nano alumina (Al₂O₃) also changes morphology of concrete at micro structural level.

The purpose of this work is to discuss high-strength concrete mix proportioning optimization. In this study, the three parameters (W/B ratio), coarse aggregate maximum size (D_max) and superplasticizer dosage (Sp%) were considered.

A full factorial design with three factors and two levels was carried out. The statistical analysis and analysis of variance of statistical models were made easier with the aid of JMP7 software. The generated models explain how each parameter affects the mechanical compressive strength at 28 days (Cs28) and slump, and they have an excellent determination coefficient (R² = 0.99). For each high-strength concrete (HSC) mixture, the slump was measured four times: at 0 min, 20 min, 40 min and 60 min.

The results show that HSC6 (0.35(W/B), 12.5(D_max), 1.4(Sp%)) is the best HSC mixture, with a (Cs28) of 71.84 MPa, a slump of 22 cm, and slump loss of 3.5 cm in 60 min.

Quantifying the impact of high-strength concrete mix components from a small number of experiments is made achievable by combining two methods: the Dreux-Gorisse method and the full factorial design approach. It's possible to tune the mix proportioning of the high-strength concrete for the desired slump and compressive mechanical strength thanks to the created statistical models.

This paper aims to investigate the strength at interlayer of specimens fabricated using Contour Crafting (CC) to develop a concrete mixture for large-scale three-dimensional printing.

The collected data from several experiments were analyzed to understand significant factors and their interactions. After developing the empirical model, condition for maximum desirability was identified and the model was validated.

The experimental investigation of varied combination of concrete components introduced an empirical model which can predict the strength at interface. Moreover, an optimized mixture within constrains of the CC nozzle was developed and validated.

Several experimental samples were tested, and the derived empirical model was validated after more than 600 h of work.

The purpose of this paper is to make a contribution to understanding the influence of factors such as the water/cement (W/C) ratio and the granular class on the mechanical and physical properties of high-strength concretes (HSCs). In the formulations of HSC, aggregates by their high mass and volume proportion play an important role. When selecting aggregates, it is necessary to know their intrinsic properties. These properties influence the performance of concrete, in particular the quality of the granulate cimentary adhesion.

This experimental study focused on the effect of W/C ratio (0.25, 0.30, 0.35), the effect of replacing a part of cement by silica fume (SF) (8%), the effect of fraction of aggregate on properties of fresh and hardened concrete, the effect of different environment conversation like drinking water and sea water on compressive strength and the study of absorption of water and softening using the mix design method of the University of Sherbrooke combined with the Dreux-Gorisse method which gives good results.

At the end of our work, the examination of the results obtained made it possible to establish the correlations between the formulations studied and the physicomechanical characteristics of the concrete compositions (HSC25, HSC16, HSC8). The results of this study show that the use of three granular classifications (DMAX8, DMAX16 and DMAX25) and three report W/C (0.25, 0.30 and 0.35) in two different conservation environment (drinking water and sea water) give HSCs, HSC25 with an W/C = 0.25 ratio has reached the largest mechanical strength of 90 MPa for different environments of conservation. For selecting aggregates, it is necessary to know their intrinsic properties, these properties influence the strength of concrete. In general, there is a slight decrease in the compressive resistance of the specimens stored in seawater, it can be said that the conservation life has not had effect on the resistance (28 days). The effect of aggressive environment can appear in the long term.

Mixed design and concrete fabrication with a 28-day compressive strength of up to 68 MPa or more of 90 MPa can now be possible used in Jiel (Algeria), and it should no longer be considered to be used only in an experimental domain. Addition of SF in concrete showed good development of strength between 7 and 28 days, depending on the design of the mix.

Concrete containing 8% SF with W/B of 0.25 has higher compressive strength than the other concretes, and concretes with SF are more resistant than concretes without SF, so it is possible to have concrete with a compressive strength of 82 MPa for W/C 0.25 without SF. Like as a result, we can avoid the use of SF to affect the strength of concrete at compressive strength of 68 MPa, and a slump of 21 cm, because the SF is the most expensive ingredient used in the composition of concrete and is therefore very important economically. One of the main factors of production of HSC above 90 MPa is use of aggregate DMAX25, which is stronger with W/B of 0.25 and 0.30.

This mixtures leads to a very dense microstructure and low porosity and produces increased permeability of HSC and is able to resist the penetration of aggressive agents. This combination has a positive effect on the economy of concrete.

The combination of the Dreux-Gorisse method with the Sherbrook method is very beneficial for determining the percentage of aggregates used, and the use of coarse aggregates of Jijel to obtain HSC with 90 MPa and 16 cm of workability.

The aim of this paper is to make lightweight high-performance concrete (LWHPC) with high economic performance from existing materials on the Algerian market. Concrete with high values with regard to following properties: mechanical, physical, rheological and durability. Because of the implementation of some basic scientific principles on the technology of LWHPC, this study is part of the valuation of local materials to manufacture LWHPC with several enhanced features such as mechanical, physical chemical, rheological and durability in the first place and with regard to the economic aspect in the second place.

The experimental study focused on the compatibility of cement/superplasticizer, the effect of water/cement ratio (W/C 0.22, 0.25, 0.30), the effect of replacing a part of cement by silica fume (8 per cent), the effect of combined replacement of a part of cement by silica fume (8 per cent) and natural pozzolan (10 per cent, 15 per cent, 25 per cent) and the effect of fraction of aggregate on properties of fresh and hardened concrete using the mix design method of the University of Sherbrooke, which is easy to realize and gives good results.

The results obtained allow to conclude that it is possible to manufacture LWHPC with good mechanical and physical properties in the authors’ town with available materials on the Algerian market. The mix design and manufacture of concrete with a compressive strength at 28 days reaching 56 MPa or more than 72 MPa is now possible in Biskra (Algeria), and it must no longer be used only in the experimental field. The addition of silica fume in concrete showed good strength development between the ages of 7 and 28 days depending on the mix design; concrete containing 8 per cent silica fume with a W/B (water/binder) of 0.25 has a compressive strength higher than other concretes, and concrete with silica fume is stronger than concrete without silica fume, so we can have concrete with a compressive strength of 62 MPa for W/C of 0.25 without silica fume. Then, one can avoid the use of silica fume to a resistance of concrete to the compressive strength of 62 MPa and a slump of 21 cm, as silica fume is the most expensive ingredient in the composition of the concrete and is very important economically. A main factor in producing high-strength concrete above 72 MPa is to use less reactive natural pozzolan (such as silica fume) in combination with silica fume and a W/B low of 0.25 and 0.30. The combination of silica fume and natural pozzolan in mixtures resulted in a very dense microstructure and low porosity and produced an enhanced permeability of concrete of high strength, as with resistance to the penetration of aggressive agents; thus, an economical concrete was obtained using this combination.

The study of the influence of cementitious materials on concrete strength gain was carried out. Other features of LWHPC such as creep, cracking, shrinkage, resistance to sulphate attack, corrosion resistance, fire resistance and durability should be also studied, because there are cases where another feature is most important for the designer or owner than the compressive strength at 28 days. Further studies should include a range of variables to change mixtures significantly and determine defined applications of LWHPC to produce more efficient and economical concretes. It is important to gather information on LWHPC to push forward the formulation of characteristics for pozzolan concrete for the building industry.

The LWHPC can be used to obtain high modules of elasticity and high durability in special structures such as marine structures, superstructures, parking, areas for aircraft/airplane runways, bridges, tunnels and industrial buildings (nuclear power stations).

The novel finding of the paper is the use of crystallized slag aggregates and natural pozzolan aggregates to obtain LWHPC.

This paper aims to investigate the extrudability (flow-ability and shape-stability) of concrete mixtures by using contour crafting (CC) as an automated construction process.

Several experiments have been performed for flow-ability and shape-stability of concrete mixtures. Experimental results were compared to understand significant factors and their interactions. After developing the empirical model for flow-ability, the model was validated.

The experimental investigation of varied combination of concrete components developed a mixture within constrains of the CC nozzle and improved the quality of the extruded part.

Several experimental samples were fabricated using CC, and the derived empirical model was validated after more than 700 h of work.

This paper presents the effects of replacing fine aggregate (FA) with waste foundry sand (WFS) in natural aggregate and construction waste aggregate concrete specimens without and with superplasticizer (SP), silica fume (SF) and fiber (F) to solve the disposal problems of various wastes along with saving the environment. This study aims to investigate the effect of construction waste, WFS along with additives on the stress-strain behavior and development of compressive strength with age.

The various concrete specimen were prepared in mix proportion of 1: 2: 4 (cement (C): sand: coarse aggregate). The water-cement ratio of 0.5 (decreased by 10% for samples containing SP) to grading 1: 2: 4 under air-dry condition was adopted in the preparation of concrete specimens. The compressive strength of various concrete specimen were noticed for 3, 7 and 28 days by applying load through universal testing machine.

Upon adding construction and demolition waste aggregates, the compressive strength of concrete after 28 days was comparable to that of the control concrete specimen. An enhancement in the value of compressive strength is perceived when FA is replaced with WFS to the extent of 10%, 20% and 30%. If both construction and demolition waste aggregate and WFS replacing FA are used, the compressive strength increases. When FA is interchanged with WFS in natural aggregate or construction demolition waste aggregate concrete including usage of SF or F, the compressive strength improves significantly. Further, when construction and demolition waste aggregate and WFS replacing FA including SP are used, the compressive strength improves marginally compared to that of control specimen. The rate of strength development with age is observed to follow similar trend as in control concrete specimen. Therefore, construction and demolition waste and or WFS can be used effectively in concrete confirming an improvement in strength.

The utilization of these wastes in concrete will resolve the problem of their disposal and save the environment.

This study aims to investigate the properties of mortar made from a bottom ash substitute as a sustainable construction material. It is believed that the use of cement in concrete construction contributes to the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which has been a consistent increase in recent years. The utilization of bottom ash waste is expected to reduce pollution associated with cement production.

Bottom ash is used as replacement materials for cement and fine aggregate in the manufacture of mortar. Bottom ash substituted for cement of 10%, 20% and 30% of the total weight of the binder, whereas bottom ash substituted for the fine aggregate of 30%, 40% and 50% of the total weight of the sand. Binder properties were determined using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray. Meanwhile, the fresh properties (slump flow) and hardened properties were determined (compressive strength and mass density). In the hardened properties test, two types of curing were used: water and sealed curing.

The compressive strength of mortar decreased as the amount of bottom ash as cement replacement. However, the compressive strength increased when bottom ash was used as aggregate replacement. Additionally, bottom ash was sufficient as a substitute for fine aggregate than as a substitute for cement.

This research presents test results that are more straightforward to apply in the construction site.

By its high fluidity, great deformability and rheological stability, the self-compacting mortar (SCM) is capable of ensuring the ability to be easily implemented without vibration. However, its formulation requires a large volume of fine materials with a high dosage of cement, which is necessary to ensure adequate workability and mechanical strengths, which is necessary to allow its flow. Current environmental considerations encourage reducing the production of cement, it is essential to use additions to replace the cement, because of their great availability and their moderate price. On another side, their use contributes to an economic sort to solve the problems related to the environment.

The formulations and characteristics of SCM made with two types of mineralogical sources (silica and limestone) were investigated. Different materials were used separately and in binary combinations; silica river sand (SRS), limestone quarry sand (LQS), silica fillers (SF) and limestone fillers (LF). The formulation starts with the self-compacting pastes (SCPs) then the SCMs at the SRS and the LQS whose the cement is partially replaced by volume contents of SF and LF with 15%, 30% and 45%.

The results obtained prove that the incorporation of LQS instead of SRS has a negative effect on the fluidity and deformability and a positive effect on the mechanical strengths of SCM. In addition, the incorporation of the SF and LF reduces the need for water and the saturation dose of superplasticizer in the pastes. Thus, the addition of the SF and LF in specific voluminal contents (15% SF and 30% LF) in the binder can have a beneficial effect on the parameters of the workability and the mechanical strengths of SCM. These results are very interesting to aspects such as technological, economic and environmental.

Influence of the different type of sands and fillers in improvements the properties of SCM made from various mineralogical sources.