Microstructural analysis of RPC (Reactive Powder Concrete)

• Published in: Cement and concrete research Vol. 25; no. 7; pp. 1491 - 1500
• Main Authors: Cheyrezy, Marcel, Maret, Vincent, Frouin, Laurent
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier Ltd 01-10-1995; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Buildings. Public works; Concretes. Mortars. Grouts; Exact sciences and technology; Materials; Miscellaneous; Water cement ratio; Heat treatment; Hydration; Mechanical properties; Durability; High temperature; X ray diffraction; Powder; Mercury porosimetry; Cement; Silica fume; Water content; Concrete; Porosity
• ISSN: 0008-8846; 1873-3948
• DOI: 10.1016/0008-8846(95)00143-Z

Reactive Powder Concretes (RPC) are characterized by high silica fume content and very low water to cement ratio. Granulometry and heat treatment were optimized to obtain excellent mechanical and durability properties. The study of several RPC compositions by Mercury Porosimetry, Thermogravimetric Analysis and X-ray diffraction made it possible to better understand their microstructural properties depending on their heat treatment. Influence of temperature on hydration and pozzolanic reaction were examined. For high temperature, the presence of a crystal hydrate, xonotlite, was observed. Mercury Porosimetry also showed that a minimum porosity could be obtained with selected heat treatment.