A Comprehensive Investigation into the Influence of Prolonged Mixing on the Properties of Concrete Incorporating Different Types of Portland Cement

Abstract:

Prolonged concrete mixing can occur due to transportation delays or logistical issues on construction sites, potentially affecting the material's properties. This study investigates the effects of extended mixing times on concrete's fresh and hardened properties utilizing four different types of Portland cement: PC-32, PC-40, PC-RS-32, and PC-LF. An experimental program involved materials characterization, concrete mix design, and systematic testing procedures. Fresh concrete properties, including slump, temperature, specific mass, and air content, were evaluated hourly for up to 8 hours of mixing. Hardened concrete tests encompassed electrical resistivity, dynamic modulus of elasticity, and compressive strength measurements. Prolonged mixing led to a significant loss of slump and plasticity, particularly for PC-LF cement. Specific mass and apparent density decreased with mixing time, while electrical resistivity declined hourly, indicating increased porosity and susceptibility to chemical attacks. The dynamic modulus of elasticity remained relatively constant, except for PC-LF cement. Compressive strength was maintained or slightly increased up to 7 hours but decreased for PC-32 and PC-LF cements at 8 hours. The study demonstrates the feasibility of prolonged mixing for up to 8 hours with proper precautions. The choice of cement type played a crucial role, with PC-40 cement exhibiting the best overall performance. Further research is recommended to investigate durability aspects, porosity characteristics, and methods to maintain workability during extended mixing times.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volume 1183)
• Pages: 73-84
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-YHSLo3
• Online since: March 2025
• Authors: Dhipan Aravind Singaravel, Nandhagopal Boopathi, Silambarasan Rajendran, Ratchagaraja Dhairiyasamy*
• Keywords: Concrete Durability, Fresh Concrete Properties, Hardened Concrete Properties, Portland Cement Types, Prolonged Mixing

References

[1] Li F, Shen W, Yuan Q, Hu X, Li Z, Shi C 2022 An overview on the effect of pumping on concrete properties. Cem Concr Compos 129:

[2] Tao Y, Zhang Y, De Schutter G, Van Tittelboom K 2024 Interfacial bonding of 3D printable concrete with chemically reactive coating for automatic repair. Developments in the Built Environment 17:

DOI: 10.1016/j.dibe.2024.100333

[3] Russo N, Lollini F 2022 Effect of carbonated recycled coarse aggregates on the mechanical and durability properties of concrete. Journal of Building Engineering 51:

DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2022.104290

[4] Kim J, Kim N 2023 Exploring the role of thermal activation of cement exposed to the external environment on the improvement of concrete properties. Journal of Materials Research and Technology 24:2868–2878

DOI: 10.1016/j.jmrt.2023.03.195

[5] Meraz MM, Sobuz MHR, Mim NJ, Ali A, Islam MS, Safayet MA, et al 2023 Using rice husk ash to imitate the properties of silica fume in high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (HPFRC): A comprehensive durability and life-cycle evaluation. Journal of Building Engineering 76:

DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2023.107219

[6] Zhu J, Kang J, Liu Z 2023 Resource recycling and carbon sequestration by carbonizing concrete washing wastewater of ready-mix concrete plant. Constr Build Mater 392:

DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.131916

[7] Parsons LA, Nwaubani SO 2024 Mechanical and durability performance of concrete made using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic from waste-EEE as a partial replacement of the coarse aggregate. Journal of Building Engineering 85:108635

DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2024.108635

[8] Mahdi S, Xie T, Venkatesan S, Gravina RJ 2023 Mechanical characterisation and small-scale life-cycle assessment of polypropylene macro-fibre blended recycled cardboard concrete. Constr Build Mater 409:

DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.133902

[9] Patil S, Ramesh B, Sathish T, Saravanan A, Almujibah H, Panchal H, et al 2024 Evaluation and optimization of mechanical properties of laterized concrete containing fly ash and steel fiber using Taguchi robust design method. Alexandria Engineering Journal

DOI: 10.1016/j.aej.2023.12.009

[10] He X, Ma Q, Su Y, Zheng Z, Tan H, Peng K, et al 2022 Humid hardened concrete waste treated by multiple wet-grinding and its reuse in concrete. Constr Build Mater 350:

DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.128485

[11] Jaji MB, van Zijl GPAG, Babafemi AJ 2023 Slag-modified metakaolin-based geopolymer for 3D concrete printing application: Evaluating fresh and hardened properties. Clean Eng Technol 15:

DOI: 10.1016/j.clet.2023.100665

[12] Rocha JHA, Toledo Filho RD 2024 Microstructure, hydration process, and compressive strength assessment of ternary mixtures containing Portland cement, recycled concrete powder, and metakaolin. J Clean Prod 434:

DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.140085

[13] Momeen Ul Islam M, Li J, Roychand R, Saberian M 2023 Investigation of durability properties for structural lightweight concrete with discarded vehicle tire rubbers: A study for the complete replacement of conventional coarse aggregates. Constr Build Mater 369:

DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.130634

[14] Subramanian S, Davis R, Thomas BS 2024 Full-scale static behaviour of prestressed geopolymer concrete sleepers reinforced with steel fibres. Constr Build Mater 412:

DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.134693

[15] El-Hallak M, El-Hassan H, El-Dieb A, Alzamly A 2024 Synergic effect of metal-organic frameworks and process parameters on the properties of concrete subjected to accelerated carbonation. Constr Build Mater 414:

DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.135016

[16] Hasan NMS, Shaurdho NMN, Basit MA, Paul SC, Sobuz MHR, Miah MJ 2023 Assessment of the rheological and mechanical properties of palmyra fruit mesocarp fibre reinforced eco-friendly concrete. Constr Build Mater 407:

DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.133530

[17] Dao XH, Bui PT, Ogawa Y, Kawai K 2024 Effect of the strength grade of parent concrete on the performance of recycled aggregate treated by cement-fly ash slurry under prolonged soaking duration. Constr Build Mater 411:134528

DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.134528

[18] Sayed Mohammad Akid A, Hossain S, Imtiaz Uddin Munshi M, Elahi MMA, Habibur Rahman Sobuz M, Tam VWY, et al 2023 Assessing the influence of fly ash and polypropylene fiber on fresh, mechanical and durability properties of concrete. Journal of King Saud University - Engineering Sciences 35:474–484

DOI: 10.1016/j.jksues.2021.06.005

[19] Chu Y, Guo LP, Dai GZ, Wu JD, Lyu BC, Fei XP, et al 2024 Effects of the early curing regime on the properties and pore structure of concrete in an environment with high altitudes and low atmospheric pressures. Journal of Building Engineering 82:

DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2023.108195

[20] Hari R, Mini KM 2023 Mechanical and durability properties of basalt-steel wool hybrid fibre reinforced pervious concrete – A Box Behnken approach. Journal of Building Engineering 70:

DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2023.106307