Development of a Light Weight Reactive Powder Concrete

Abstract

Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC) is an ultra-high-strength, high ductility and low porosity cementitious material. RPC properties are improved by pressing fresh RPC samples, which can increase its specific weight as high as 3000 kg/m³. However, high specific weight may be a shortcoming, where weight saving is important. Following to this review, a set of tests on RPC samples with high silica fume contents were carried out in a laboratory. The results show that although high silica fume content increases the compressive strength, however it decreases the density. It is concluded that by means of silica fume it is possible to produce high strength RPC with a specific weight as low as 1900 kg/m³. This Light Weight Reactive Powder Concrete (LWRPC) could be used in areas where substantial weight savings can be realized and where some of the remarkable characteristics of the material can be fully utilized.