Sunday, March 29, 2026 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Gatwick
The objective of this session is to provide an update on the research performed in the area of concrete vibration. The session will focus on two topics: the effect of mix design parameters on the vibration of slipformed concrete, and the effect of aggregate parameters on the vibration of pavement concrete.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Learn the importance of aggregate gradation on the transfer of vibration energy;
(2) Highlight measurement techniques and test methods to assess the response of concrete to vibration;
(3) Highlight the important effect of other factors, such as w/c and paste volume on the adequacy of vibration;
(4) Cover how a paradigm shift is needed in the concrete industry: Mix design and vibration parameters need to be matched for successful concrete pavement construction.
Effect of Mixture Design on the Consolidation Efficiency of Slip-formed Concrete Under Internal Vibration
Presented By: Lisa Burris
Affiliation: Ohio State University
Description: Consolidation, which minimizes voids and enables bond with reinforcement, is essential for the production of durable slip-formed concrete structures. Due to the high stiffness required of the concrete mixtures used in slip-formed parapets, consolidation requires the application of vibration. Despite the recognized significance of vibration, the influence of a mixture's composition on the transmission of vibrational energy remains inadequately understood. This study investigates how three factors (sand content, water-to-cement (w/c) ratio, and paste volume (PV)) affect the propagation of vibrational energy and the efficiency of consolidation in internally vibrated slip-formed concrete. Vibration energy transfer was tracked across mixtures using an embedded accelerometer, and post-vibration air-void analysis was used to assess the quality of consolidation. The results reveal that increased fine sand content slows the transfer of energy and generates higher void content. Moderate PV was ideal for ensuring rapid energy transfer and consolidation, while excessive paste caused segregation. The w/c ratio showed a nonlinear effect, with moderate values providing the optimal balance between energy transmission, workability, and resistance to segregation. These findings highlight the role of mixture rheology (the flow behavior of fresh concrete) as a critical mediator in how vibrational energy interacts with the mix and may enable the development of recommended mixture design limits for slip-formed paving applications.
Role of Aggregate Proportioning on the Consolidation of Concrete
Presented By: Tyler Ley
Affiliation: Oklahoma State University
Description: The study examines how aggregate proportioning affects the transfer of vibrational energy through fresh concrete during consolidation. Mixtures were designed using the Tarantula Curve to evaluate the influence of coarse-to-intermediate aggregate ratios and fine sand contents at a fixed paste volume. To assess the consolidation response, the Quake test and the FAA Box Test were used. Results show that aggregate gradation has a significant impact on how vibration energy is transmitted and dampened. Mixtures with optimized aggregate proportioning transferred energy more efficiently, leading to better consolidation. The findings improve understanding of how aggregate proportioning governs vibration response and can be used to design concrete mixtures that consolidate more effectively in the field.