Influence of cement and aggregate type on steam-cured concrete – an experimental study

The effects of aggregate and cement type on the properties of steam-cured concrete were explored. Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and high early strength cement (HESC) were used as binders, and recycled and natural aggregates were used as inert mineral filler aggregates in the concrete. The developed concretes exhibited adequate levels of compressive strength after steam curing. Depending on the type of coarse and fine aggregates utilised, the concretes incorporating OPC developed 42–72% of their design strength after 1 d; the range was 52–83% for concretes made with HESC. At all ages, the HESC concretes had about 10% greater strength than the OPC concretes. Abrasion and skid resistance parameters were also determined. Although the concretes incorporating HESC and recycled aggregates had lower mechanical strength, the abrasion and skid resistance parameters were superior to the other mixtures, meaning they could be usefully utilised in pavement structures, flooring and slabs. With proper mixture proportioning, adequate strength can be achieved.