Faculty Publications
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Item Effect of addition of OPC on Performance characteristics of Self-compacting Alkali activated slag concrete mixes(Institute of Physics Publishing helen.craven@iop.org, 2019) Manjunath, R.; Narasimhan, M.C.An attempt has been made in the present research to develop construction friendly, self-compacting, alkali-activated slag concrete mixes with ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) as the major source of binder material. In an effort to make the concrete mixes more eco-friendly and sustainable, by-products from Iron and Steel Industry such as steel slag sand and Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) slag aggregates, were used as the fine and coarse aggregates respectively. While the total binder content has been varied in the range of 700 - 800 kg/m3 (in increments of 50 kg/m3), all the trial mixes had a constant w/b ratio of 0.40. Different amounts of sodium silicate solutions, with specified amounts of sodium hydroxide flakes dissolved in them, are used as alkaline solutions, with the combined Na2O percentage in them varying between 6% - 8%. Test specimens were cast with mixes which showed enhanced flow-properties as per relevant EFNARC guidelines and were tested for their mechanical strength and durability characteristics. Effect of admixing of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in smaller percentages (2.5% - 10 %, in increments of 2.5%), on the performance characteristics of this novel class of AAC mixes is evaluated. Increased cement contents are found to lead to better flow ability properties and higher strengths values with lower sorptivity values in all the Cement-Admixed, Self-compacting, Alkali-Activated Slag Concrete mixes (CASAASC mixes) tested herein. Studies with a scanning electron microscope have shown more densified morphologies developed, accounting for better performances of these mixes. © 2019 IOP Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Item High temperature performance of self-compacting high-volume fly ash concrete mixes(2011) Amrutha; Nayak, G.; Narasimhan, M.C.; Rajeeva, S.V.Quite often, concrete in structures is likely to get exposed to high temperatures, including an incident of fire. The strength-retention properties of concrete after such an exposure are of great importance in terms of the serviceability of buildings. This paper presents an experimental study on the strength retention and impermeability aspects of a set of self compacting, high-volume fly ash concrete mixes under elevated temperatures. Five selfcompacting concrete mixes with a higher 60% level of cement replacement with fly-ash, are designed and the effects of elevated temperatures, in the range of 200-800 C, on the physical, mechanical and durability properties of these mixes are assessed. The assessment is in terms of the weight losses and the reduction in the compressive strengths of concrete cubes and split tensile strengths of concrete cylinders. The durability characteristics are assessed in terms of RCPT test results on these mixes. Performances of these self compacting concrete mixes (SCC) at elevated temperatures are also compared with two normally-vibrated concrete mixes (NCs) of an equivalent M30 strength grade. Test results indicate that weight of the specimens significantly get reduced with an increase in the level of elevated temperature, with sharp variations beyond 600 C. The experimental results also show that large improvements against chloride-ion penetration and better strength-retention at higher temperatures can be realized with self-compacting high-volume fly-ash concrete mixes additionally admixed with GGBFS and silica fume.Item An experimental investigation on self-compacting alkali activated slag concrete mixes(Elsevier Ltd, 2018) Manjunath, R.; Narasimhan, M.C.In present work, an attempt has been made to develop self-compacting, alkali activated slag concrete mixes, using steel slag sand as fine aggregate and EAF (Electric Arc Furnace) slag as coarse aggregate. The study investigates the properties such as compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and water absorption of these mixes. Development of Self-Compacting Alkali Activated Slag Concrete mixes (hereafter referred to as SCAASC mixes) was made with GGBFS (Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag) as the binder, with its content varying between 700 kg/m3 and 900 kg/m3 of fresh concrete. The net W/B (water to binder) ratio of the mixes was varied between a narrow 0.47 – 0.48 range. The alkaline solutions had Na2O percentages in the range 7 – 9%, but a constant activator modulus was maintained at 1.0 in all the mixes. In order to optimise the number of trial mixes to be tested, Taguchi's design of experiments methodology was adopted. A total of nine mixes were formulated using Taguchi orthogonal L9 array. Results showed the slump flow values for the mixes greater than 700 mm, with their L–Box ratios and V-Funnel values ranging between 0.90 and 0.95 and 9 – 11 s respectively, satisfying the EFNARC guidelines. Results also showed good compressive strengths (65–80 MPa), split-tensile strengths (2–4 MPa) and low water absorption values in the range of (2%–3%). The microstructural studies such as SEM, EDX and XRD analysis were also carried out, showing denser morphologies clearly indicating effective activation of slag by the alkaline solution. © 2018 Elsevier LtdItem Studies on development of high performance, self-compacting alkali activated slag concrete mixes using industrial wastes(Elsevier Ltd, 2019) Manjunath, R.; Narasimhan, M.C.; Umesh, K.M.; Kumar, S.; Bala Bharathi, U.K.In the present study, development of a class of High Performance Alkali Activated Slag Concrete mixes (hereafter referred to as HPAASC mixes) is discussed. These mixes are developed using three industrial wastes from Iron and Steel industry. While Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) was used as the main binder, in the development of these HPAASC mixes, steel slag sand and Electric Arc Furnace slag (EAF slag) have been employed in the fine aggregate and coarse aggregate fractions of them. Higher flow characteristics, as those of self-compacting concrete mixes, as well as enhanced mechanical strength properties of these mixes are discussed in detail. The alkaline solutions used consist mixtures of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate solutions, with a constant activator modulus (ratio of SiO2/Na2O) of one maintained in them. Taguchi’ design of experiments methodology was used to reduce the experimental efforts. The formulation of all the mixes developed herein was based on Taguchi's L-9 orthogonal array. Flow and strength properties of a set of nine mixes were used for performance evaluation purposes in an initial, calibration phase. Strength prediction equations were derived based on such results, the predictive capability of which were then assessed and ascertained with actual results of experiments on the next six new mixes, in the prediction phase. Test results indicated a higher flowability values for all the mixes (with slump flows greater than 700 mm), good filling and passing abilities, all satisfying the EFNARC (European Federation of Specialist Construction Chemicals and Concrete Systems) recommendations for SCC mixes. Higher compressive strengths (65–90 MPa), split-tensile strengths (4.8–5.3 MPa), flexural strengths (6.5–7 MPa), and Modulus of Elasticity (30.4–36.2 GPa) were observed along with lower water absorption values (2.1–2.7%) for all the HPAASC mixes tested herein. Microstructure studies were conducted on samples from the fractured surfaces of test specimens from different mixes, using advanced SEM, EDX and XRD analyses and the results are discussed. © 2018 Elsevier LtdItem Studies on high performance alkali activated slag concrete mixes subjected to aggressive environments and sustained elevated temperatures(Elsevier Ltd, 2019) Manjunath, R.; Narasimhan, M.C.; Umesha, K.M.In contemporary constructions, there is a continuous drive for enhancing the performances of concrete mixes, both green and as well as on hardened state. Again there are simultaneous efforts to take full advantage of all the various fast-track, state-of-art construction technologies, leading to early completion of efficient, economical and eco-friendly infrastructure projects. The present authors have developed a new class of high performance self-compacting, alkali activated slag concrete mixes (HPAASC) using three industrial by-products, all obtained from iron and steel industry and have evaluated them for their strength properties. While these HPAASC mixes have higher compressive strengths (about 70–90 MPa) and reasonable split-tensile and flexural strengths, they are also self-compacting in nature. In the present paper, the durability performance of this class of mixes on long-term exposure to aggressive environments like acids, sulphates and chlorides is discussed. Strength deteriorations of the standard test specimens subjected to 5% concentrated sulphuric acid solution and so also in 10% magnesium sulphate solution were monitored for a period of one year. The impermeability of the mixes against chloride-ions was evaluated using both Bulk diffusion test (BDT) and the Rapid chloride penetration test (RCPT). Further these mixes were also evaluated for their performance on exposure to sustained elevated temperatures in the range of 200–800 °C. All the specimens were further analysed for their microstructural studies. Results in the present study indicate that, all the HPAASC mixes exhibit better resistances to aggressive environments and sustained elevated temperatures as compared to the OPC-based reference concrete mix. © 2019 Elsevier LtdItem Effects of fiber addition on performance of high-performance alkali activated slag concrete mixes: An experimental evaluation(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2022) Manjunath, R.; Narasimhan, M.C.; Kumar, S.There is an ever-increasing awareness on issues connected with emission of high amounts of greenhouse gases from various industries, including that from the concrete construction industry. Performances of alternative binder systems including geopolymers and alkali activated slag concretes are being investigated in this context. There is again a continuous drive to enhance their performances, both when green and on getting hardened and so also, simultaneous efforts are being made to take advantage of all the various fast-track, state-of-art construction technologies, leading to efficient, eco-friendly and economical infrastructure projects. The present authors have developed and evaluated a new set of such alkali activated slag concrete mixes having self-compacting property, along with higher mechanical properties (hereafter referred to as HPAASC mixes) using three industrial by-products, all obtained from iron and steel industry. While these HPAASC mixes have higher compressive strengths (in the range of 70–90 MPa), reasonable split and flexural strengths and are self-compacting, they continue to be brittle just as other high strength concrete mixes. In order to improve their cracking behaviour during failure, either under mechanical loads or on exposure to higher temperatures, addition of increasing amounts of steel fibers in HPAASC mixes is contemplated. Hence in the present study, the attempt is to study the effect of incorporation of fibers (within a small range of 0.4 ? 0.8%) in the new class of high-performance, fibre reinforced. Self-compacting alkali-activated slag concrete mixes–(referred to as HFSASC hereafter). The present study evaluates the properties such as flow ability, compressive strength and flexural toughness performances for these mixes. Results in the present study indicate that, while all the HFSASC mixes exhibit satisfactory passing and flowing abilities specified as per EFNARC standards for self-compacting mixes, they exhibit enhanced toughness characteristics too. © 2020 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.Item Flexural and fracture performance of fiber reinforced self compacting alkali activated concrete– A DOE approach(Elsevier B.V., 2024) Prakash, G.B.; Prashanth, M.H.; Narasimhan, M.C.; Mahendra, K.; Das, A.K.Owing to their much-reduced carbon footprint and lower embodied energy, compared to conventional Portland Cement (OPC-based) Concrete mixes, Alkali Activated Concrete (AAC) mixes represent a pivotal advancement towards achieving sustainability goals. The fracture properties were investigated using Three-Point Bending Tests (3-PBT) under the mode I failure mechanism. This study utilises Taguchi analysis to analyse and optimise Self-Compacting Alkali-Activated Concrete (SAAC), focusing mainly on its flexural strength and fracture characteristics. An L-16 orthogonal array of experiments with three input parameters − replacement of Blast Furnace Slag (BFS) with Fly ash (FA) (0 %, 30 %, 40 %, and 50 %), Steel Fibers (SF) volume content (0 %, 0.25 %, 0.5 % and 0.75 %) and Notch to Depth (a0/d) ratio (0.2,0.3,0.4 and 0.5), at four levels each, was adopted. The Work of Fracture Method (WFM) and Double K Fracture Criterion (DKFC) were utilised to determine the Fracture Energy (GF) and fracture toughness, respectively. The results obtained from all the sixteen mixes showed that the F0-S0.75-N0.5 mix demonstrated better values in several parameters, such as flexural strength of 7.82 MPa,KICini of 0.928 MPa√m, KICuns of 6.99 MPa√m and KICini/ KICuns of 0.133. A maximum GF of 2350 N/m was obtained with F50-S0.75-N0.2 mix. However, all the inferior values of these parameters were observed with F50-S0-N0.5 mix, which recorded a flexural strength of 4.90 MPa, KICini of 0.612 MPa√m,KICuns of 1.16 MPa√m, KICini/ KICuns of 0.528 and GF of 125 N/m. Through Taguchi analysis, the optimal combination for flexural strength was identified as FA 0 %, SF 0.75 %, and a0/d 0.5 and for both Initial Fracture Toughness (KICini) and Unstable Fracture Toughness (KICuns) at FA 0 %, SF 0.75 % and a0/d 0.4. For both the ratio of initial to unstable fracture toughness (KICini/ KICuns) and fracture energy (GF), the optimum combination was FA 0 %, SF 0.75 % and a0/d 0.2. Furthermore, the results indicate that FA significantly influences KICini, while SF predominantly affects all other parameters. The predictive performance of the regression equations demonstrates good agreement with experimental outcomes. © 2024 Elsevier LtdItem Experimental investigation and optimization of one-part alkali-activated self-compacting concrete mixes(Elsevier Ltd, 2024) Mahendra, K.; Narasimhan, M.C.; Prakash, G.B.; Das, A.K.Emphasizing the growing importance of sustainability, alkali-activated materials (AAMs) have emerged as a revolutionary alternative for cement in the construction sector. This study delves into the fresh, mechanical, and microstructural properties of One-Part Alkali-activated Self-compacting Concrete (OPASC) mixes. While mixtures of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS) and Fly Ash (FA) were utilized as the precursors, powdered sodium metasilicate was employed to function as the activator. To streamline experimental design and reduce the economic demands of extensive testing, the Taguchi-Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) was utilized to identify optimal multi-response parameter levels. This method considered binder content (B) within a range of 700–800 kg/m³, water-to-binder (W/B) ratios between 0.38 and 0.42, and Na2O percentages from 5 % to 7 % as key input variables. Results indicated that the designed mixes recorded workability values satisfying the EFNARC guidelines, compressive strengths greater than 60 MPa, split-tensile strengths in the range of 3.5–4.6 MPa, and flexural strengths varying between 5.5 and 7.2 MPa. The mix parameters for the optimal mix, with the highest mean grey relational grade, were identified from the Taguchi-GRPA approach as B = 750 kg/m3, W/B = 0.4, and N = 6 %. Microstructural analysis revealed the formation of C/N-A-S-H type gels, which are instrumental in developing a compact matrix enhancing the mechanical properties. A good agreement between actual experimental results obtained for a different set of verification mixes with those predicted by regression-equations confirmed the potency of the Taguchi-GRA approach in optimizing the OPASC mix parameters. © 2024 The Authors