Analyzing Parameters Affecting Strength of Concrete: A study on the high strength concrete mix

Abstract

Development in concrete technology has resulted in concrete strengths as high as 120 MPa being used in civil engineering structures. Concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials in Bhutan since the 1970s. However, there is no precedence on the production and use of such high-strength concrete in our construction industry. The most common grade used is M20 (20 MPa – 28-day strength) with the occasional higher grade concrete used in a few projects. This project aims to study the various factors that affect the strength of concrete and identify the key parameters required for the production of high-strength concrete. The focus of the project is on improving the strength without compromising the workability of concrete. The relationship between the various parameters and their bearing on the strength of concrete is analyzed. A maximum compressive strength of 40 MPa (28-day strength) was achieved during the study. A comparative study on the properties and stress-strain behavior is made. The moment resisting capacity of an RC member with M20 and M40 grades is analyzed.