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Surface settlement of cementitious-based materials determined by oedometer testing

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Abstract

The oedometer test is commonly used in soil mechanics to evaluate consolidation of clays and other compressible soils. A research project was undertaken to evaluate the suitability of such test to assess surface settlement of freshly mixed cementitious-based materials. Three series of concrete-equivalent-mortar (CEM) mixtures made with different cement contents, water-to-cementitious materials ratio (w/cm), silica fume, and viscosity-modifying admixture (VMA) were tested. Validation of test results was performed by casting concrete mixtures in a PVC column having 600-mm height and 200-mm diameter. Test results have shown that CEM settlements determined using the oedometer test as well as concrete settlements determined using the 600-mm PVC column are affected quite similarly by the mixture composition. For example, for given consistency, settlement decreases with the increase in cement content, decrease in w/cm, and incorporation of increased concentrations of silica fume or VMA. Statistical analysis was then performed to propose regression models for predicting maximum settlement of concrete through the determination of CEM characteristics.

Résumé

L’essai oedométrique est normalement utilisé en mécanique des sols pour évaluer la consolidation des argiles et autres sols compressible. Ce projet de recherche est entrepris pour déterminer si cet essai est convenable pour évaluer le tassement de surface des mélanges frais à base cimentaires. Trois séries de mortier-béton-équivalent (MBE) réalisées avec différent teneur en ciment, rapport eau/ciment (E/C), fumée de silice, et agent de viscosité (AV) ont été testées. Les résultats obtenus ont été validés sur des bétons coulés dans des tubes en PVC ayant 600 mm de hauteur et 200 mm de diamètre. Les résultats ont montrés que les tassements des MBE mesurés avec l’oedomètre ainsi que les tassements des bétons mesurés avec le tube de 600-mm de hauteur sont affectés similairement par la composition du mélange. Par exemple, pour une consistance donnée, le tassement maximal diminue avec l’augmentation du ciment, la diminution de E/C, et l’incorporation de la fumée de silice ou l’AV. Une étude statistique a été menée pour établir des modèles afin de prédire le tassement des bétons suite à l’évaluation des caractéristiques des MBE.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge the financial support of the National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS)—Lebanon represented by Dr. Hasan Charif.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Holderchem Building Chemicals S.A.L., Baabda, Lebanon

    Joseph J. Assaad

  2. Department of Civil Engineering, Notre Dame University, Zouk Mosbeh, Lebanon

    Joseph J. Assaad & Jacques Harb

Authors
  1. Joseph J. Assaad
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  2. Jacques Harb
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Correspondence to Joseph J. Assaad.

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Assaad, J.J., Harb, J. Surface settlement of cementitious-based materials determined by oedometer testing. Mater Struct 44, 845–856 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-010-9671-z

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