Shear Strength of Concrete Beams made with Belitic Calcium Sulfoaluminate Cement

Author

Caleb W. Chesnut, University of Arkansas, FayettevilleFollow

Date of Graduation

12-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Civil Engineering

Advisor/Mentor

Cameron Murray

Committee Member

Micah Hale

Second Committee Member

Eric Fernstrom

Keywords

Alternative Cement, Compressive strength, Concrete, Concrete construction, Materials, Shear

Abstract

The need for a cleaner alternative to portland cement (PC) concrete has led to increasing interest in alternatives to PC. Structural properties of most of these alternative cements are still an open research topic. One promising alternative cement is belitic calcium sulfoaluminate (BCSA) cement. The study presented in this paper investigated the shear strength, long term compressive strength, and carbonation in BCSA cement and PC concrete beams. A total of twelve eight-foot long beams were made; eight BCSA cement concrete beams and four PC concrete beams to be tested at various ages depending on cement type. Two beams of each cement type were tested in shear at each age. The BCSA cement concrete beams were tested at three hours, one day, twenty-eight days, and one year. The PC concrete beams were tested at twenty-eight days and one year. The four one-year beams were stored outside until they were tested, and the remaining eight beams were stored in a lab environment. Cross-sections were cut out of the one-year beams and the pH was tested to determine carbonation depths. Three cylindrical cores were cut out of each one-year beam and a compressive strength test was performed per ASTM C24 [1]. BCSA cement concrete beams behaved similarly and had similar shear strength when compared to PC concrete beams. Code estimated shear strengths of BCSA cement concrete beams were more conservative than those for PC concrete beams. No visible carbonation was detected in either BCSA cement concrete or PC concrete beams. Compressive strengths of the cores showed increased strengths over time in BCSA cement concrete, similar to PC concrete.

Citation

Chesnut, C. W. (2021). Shear Strength of Concrete Beams made with Belitic Calcium Sulfoaluminate Cement. Graduate Theses and Dissertations Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/4391