Factors Affecting Compressive Strength of Early Strength Concrete

Abstract

Experimental study of the effect of chemical admixtures type, steel fibers and Nano-silica on the compressive strength of high early strength concrete is developed in this paper by studying eighteen concrete mixes under compression. The experimental studies were carried out on standard cube with side length is 150 mm. The cubes were exposed to different curing conditions. The cubes have been categorized in four groups; group one to study the effect of adding Nano-Silica (NS). Group two to study the effect of admixtures type and sources. Group three to study the effect of adding steel fiber, and group four to study the effect curing condition. As a result, it is established that, using Nano-silica unfortunately does not enhance the compressive strength. Adding steel fibers enhanced the compressive strength till 20kg/m3, while more than 20kg/m3 reduced the compressive strength. At ages 1 day, 4days and 7days the reduction was 15.6%, 5%, 4%, and 20%, respectively.