The relationship of mix proportions and mechanical properties of high strength concrete

Abstract

High strength concrete is commonly used in the construction of high rise buildings. However, many engineers are sceptical about using high strength concrete partly due to the lack of understanding of its mechanical properties and mix proportions. This research presents the investigation of the relationship of mechanical properties and mix proportion of high strength concrete. The findings can help local engineers and contractors to equip themselves with sufficient knowledge on the mix proportions and properties of high strength concrete. The data of mix proportions and mechanical properties of high strength concrete were collected from the existing literature and experimental test. The data is presented graphically. The relationships of mechanical properties of high strength concrete with watercementitious ratio, cement content and fine-coarse aggregate ratio were studied. The analysis indicates that the mechanical properties, which are compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, elastic modulus and modulus of rupture of high strength concrete decrease with an increase of water-cementitious ratio. It is also found that the mechanical properties of high strength concrete increase with an increase in cement content but decrease with an increase in fine-coarse aggregate ratio. For the experimental data, generally it shows the same relationship of mechanical properties and mix proportions with data obtained from available literature. In addition, there are expressions proposed in literature and standards which are suitable for prediction ofthe values of mechanical properties of high strength concrete.