Experimental study on strength gaining characteristics of concrete using Portland Composite Cement

Abstract

This study deals with experimental investigation of strength gaining characteristics of concrete made with Portland Composite Cement (PCC) and Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). Compressive strength of concrete is often considered as a measure to determine the rate of strength gain of concrete with age and different cement composition. Strength developments of five concrete types have been investigated in terms of cement content and curing duration. Experimental observations on 495 specimens reveal that the early age strength of PCC concrete is lower than that of OPC concrete. Based on the test results, lack of proper pozzolanic reaction in the presence of fly ash in PCC concrete strength is lower at early age. The pozzolanic activity of fly ash also contributes to the strength gain at later stages of continuous curing. This study also concludes that drying ambient conditions reduce the strength potential of PCC concrete as the secondary (pozzolanic) reaction fails to contribute to the development of strength.