I.

Lightweight Concrete

28-day compressive strength of 17 MPa (2500 psi) and an air-dried unit weight
of less than 1850 kg/m3
Decision to use is based on economics of structure
- tradeoff between extra cost for lightweight concrete and reduced dead
weight
Lightweight aggregates are used.
- Highly absorptive and can make determination of a water-cement ratio
problematical
- Tend to segregate by floating to the surface.
- Therefore a minimum slump mix, with air entraining, is used to
mitigate this effect
- Nonstructural applications include Styrofoam "aggregates" used for
insulation

II. Heavyweight Concrete

Radiation shielding in nuclear power plants, medical units, and atomic

research test facilities
Produced by the use of heavy aggregates
- Natural or man-made
- Examples include barite, magnetite, hematite, geothite, illmenite, and
ferrophophorus
Specific gravity ranges from 3.4 to 6.5
Workability can be problematic due to heavier mass.
- Use of a higher proportion of sand can help.
- Problem can also be avoided by pre-placing aggregate, then filling the
voids with cement grout.

III. High-Strength Concrete

Contains normal-weight aggregate, fc' > 6,000 psi, up to 12,000 psi
Produced by using low w/c ratio.
- Superplasticizers is used to regain workability
Primary use: skyscrapers
Benefits: Reduced member size give more space and less weight
Compressive strength have been documented at 12,000 psi and greater
Costs in general, is determined by the amount of cement used in the mix
IV. High Workability Concrete
Accomplished with High Range Water Reducers (Superplasticizers or HRWR's)
Must meet or exceed ASTM 494 "Specifications for Chemical Admixtures for
Concrete.
Benefits:
1. Rapid strength gain due to reduced W/C ratio
- Earlier stripping and reuse of formwork
- Earlier structural use of concrete
2. Improved workability
- Flows around reinforcing steel better
- Reduce "Honeycomb" in structure
- Reduce "Rub out" finishing, which is very labor intensive

- Improves appearance
3. Also due to the reduced W/C ratio
- Shrinkage cracking reduced
- Lower permeability, which increase durability
V. Fiber-Reinforced Concrete
Use of Reinforcing Fibers
Secondary reinforcement of PC concrete
Steel reinforcing fibers were predominantly used since the 80's
Nylon
Polypropylene
Other materials
Polypropylene predominant today due to it is resistant to corrosion
Benefits:
- Reduce cracking due to intrinsic stress
- Reduce permeability
- Greater impact, abrasion, shatter, and fatigue resistance
- Provide support and cohesiveness on inclines
> Tested and approved by regulatory agencies
VI. Shrinkage Compensating Concrete
Shrinkage can also be compensated with specific cements:
Type K
Type M
Type S
Contain some sort of aluminate
Contain additional calcium sulfate
These
two chemicals react to form the mineral "entringite" or
(Ca6[Al(OH)6]2*24H20[(SO4)3*1-1/2 H20). This is expansive and creates internal
compressive stresses.
VII. Roller-Compacted Concrete (RCC)
Properties:
Developed based on the unique requirements for mass concrete used for dam
construction
No slump concrete
Relaxed gradation requirements
Water content selected for construction considerations rather than strength
Handling and uses:
Hauled by dump trucks, spread by bulldozers, and compacted with vibration
compactors
Dams and large paved areas
Advantages:
1. Economical (low cement content)

2. Minimal form work (layer construction method)

3. Reduced need for external cooling of the structure (low cement factor
limits the heat of hydration)
4. Lower placement costs (high capacity equipment and rapid placement
rates)
5. Shorter construction period
6. Material costs are 1/3 that of conventional concrete
VIII. High-Performance Concrete (HPC)
Properties:
Ease of placement and compaction
Long-term mechanical properties
Early-age strength
Toughness
Volume stability
Extended life in severe environments
Accomplished by:
Altering aggregate gradation
Admixtures
Improving mixing and placement practices
As more knowledge is gained, HPC will be used more frequently.
Conclusion
The engineer must be aware of all of the types of concrete available. A project may
have specific requirements where the use of a special mix may reduce costs
considerably. Full knowledge of any mix must be attained before implementation.