Impact on the Setting Time and Strength of Concrete while using a Coloring Agent
Location
CSU 203
Start Date
9-4-2012 4:00 PM
End Date
9-4-2012 5:00 PM
Student's Major
Mechanical and Civil Engineering
Student's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Mentor's Name
Farhad Reza
Mentor's Department
Mechanical and Civil Engineering
Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Description
Concrete has been one of the most important materials used in constructing the built environment since ancient times. It is widely used to build foundations, architectural structures, roads, pavements, walls, bridges, pipes, runways and even concrete canoes. Traditionally, concrete structures have a dull gray color but in recent years there has been an increased use of colored concrete for architecture or as safety measures such as colored concrete crosswalks for pedestrians. The addition of a coloring pigment can affect properties of the concrete mixture and a poor understanding of this effect can result in low quality non-durable products.
The objective of this research was to study the effect of adding a coloring agent in a concrete mixture on its setting time at different ambient temperatures, slump, air-entrainment and compressive strength. The process to determine the setting time followed the ASTM standard C403 for penetration resistance. Compressive strength tests were performed on concrete cylinders at 7days, 14 days and 28 days. The temperatures for the setting time tests were 40o F, 70o F and 100o F to simulate conditions for winter, fall and summer temperatures. The colored concrete exhibited faster setting time and less compressive strength than the reference concrete. Results of the project will be beneficial to designers and contractors to determine the length of time that can be allowed for a colored concrete mixture from the time it is initially mixed to the time it is placed and finished. The results can also be predictors of its long- term performance.
Impact on the Setting Time and Strength of Concrete while using a Coloring Agent
CSU 203
Concrete has been one of the most important materials used in constructing the built environment since ancient times. It is widely used to build foundations, architectural structures, roads, pavements, walls, bridges, pipes, runways and even concrete canoes. Traditionally, concrete structures have a dull gray color but in recent years there has been an increased use of colored concrete for architecture or as safety measures such as colored concrete crosswalks for pedestrians. The addition of a coloring pigment can affect properties of the concrete mixture and a poor understanding of this effect can result in low quality non-durable products.
The objective of this research was to study the effect of adding a coloring agent in a concrete mixture on its setting time at different ambient temperatures, slump, air-entrainment and compressive strength. The process to determine the setting time followed the ASTM standard C403 for penetration resistance. Compressive strength tests were performed on concrete cylinders at 7days, 14 days and 28 days. The temperatures for the setting time tests were 40o F, 70o F and 100o F to simulate conditions for winter, fall and summer temperatures. The colored concrete exhibited faster setting time and less compressive strength than the reference concrete. Results of the project will be beneficial to designers and contractors to determine the length of time that can be allowed for a colored concrete mixture from the time it is initially mixed to the time it is placed and finished. The results can also be predictors of its long- term performance.
Recommended Citation
Ashif, Khondoker. "Impact on the Setting Time and Strength of Concrete while using a Coloring Agent." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 9, 2012.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2012/oral-session-14/4
