Properties of high performance concrete containing fine-ground ceramics as supplementary cementitious material

This paper presents experimental work regarding the basic physical characteristics, mechanical and fracture-mechanics properties, durability characteristics, hydric and thermal properties of high performance concrete (HPC) with up to 60% of Portland cement replaced by fine-ground ceramics. Experimental results show that the amount of the ceramics in the mix is limited mainly by the resistance against de-icing salts which is found satisfactory only up to the cement replacement level of 10%. The mechanical and water transport properties are not significantly impaired by ceramic additions of up to 20%, whereas the effective fracture toughness, specific fracture energy, and chemical resistance (to MgCl2, NH4Cl, Na2SO4, HCl) are effectively maintained up to 40%. The frost resistance, water vapor transport and storage parameters and thermal properties are not significantly impaired even up to a 60% replacement level.