Properties of hardened

concrete
Strength
• depends on w/c ratio
• w/c  0.25 for full hydration of cement
• strong in compression, weak in
tension
• Compressive strength
– 150f x 300 mm or 100f x200 mm cylinders
– 150 mm cubes or 100 mm cubes (1.25x cyl)
• Tensile strength
– Approx 0.1 x compressive strength
– cannot be measured directly
» Indirect tensile strength
» Flexural tensile strength (usually higher)
 COMPRESSION TESING
MACHINE

AS 1012.9
FLEXURAL TESTING

AS1012.8.2
Flexural mould
FLEXURAL TESTING

AS1012.8.2
Flexural testing
EFFECT OF NOT
CURING
 Properties of hardened
concrete
Shrinkage
• increases with w/c ratio, cement
content
Creep
• is an important factor in pre-stressed
concrete
• Leads to shorting of columns and
walls with time
• creep can be reduced by
•  strength concrete
•  volume of cement paste
• larger aggregates
 Properties of hardened
concrete
Elasticity
• used for computing deflections
Ec = w1.5 0.043fc
n = 0.1 - 0.3

Thermal properties
• slight gain in strength up to
100°C
• reduction in mortar strength
above 400 °C
 MODULUS OF
ELASTICITY
AS 1012.17
Test rig
 TYPICAL
SHRINKAGE CRACKS
Drying shrinkage cracks
 Properties of hardened
concrete
Durability
specifications focus on the following
• Corrosion of reinforcement
• increases with chloride content
• abrasion of floors and pavements
• abrasion resistance increases with strength
• degradation by freezing and thawing
• degradation by wetting and drying
• precipitation of dissolved chemicals
• creation of thermal gradients
• greater availability of oxygen
• improved by
• higher concrete strength
• longer curing time
• increasing the cover to reinforcement
• air entrainment
EFFECT OF NO
DURABILITY
• Corrosion of Steel
EFFECT OF NO
DURABILITY
 Properties of hardened
concrete
• Permeability
– Important in water retaining
structures.
– Water penetration can lead to
• corrosion of reinforcement
• spalling of concrete as the water
expands as it freezes to form ice.