Title:
Experimental Study to Determine the Compressive Stress Block Shape for Belitic Calcium Sulfoaluminate Concrete (Prepublished)
Author(s):
Gabriel R. Johnson, Elizabeth S. M. Poblete, and Cameron D. Murray
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
belitic calcium sulfoaluminate cement; flexural compression; flexural design parameters; rapid-setting cement; stress-strain relationship; ultimate strain
DOI:
10.14359/51746814
Date:
5/14/2025
Abstract:
To use alternative cements such as belitic calcium sulfoaluminate (BCSA) cement for structural concrete, perhaps the most important consideration is ensuring that the rectangular stress block parameters used in flexural strength design are still applicable. This article describes a complex experimental study consisting of flexural-compression specimens loaded to replicate the compression side of the stress distribution in a reinforced concrete beam. From these coupled compression-flexural tests, the shape of the stress distribution in a BCSA cement concrete specimen can be derived and used to develop equivalent rectangular stress distribution parameters. BCSA cement concrete and portland cement concrete (PCC) unreinforced flexural compression specimens with various water-cement ratios (w/c) were fabricated and tested at varying ages. The results from the BCSA cement concrete flexural compression specimens were compared with PCC tests, extensive historical PCC data, and design code values. The current code equations approximating the rectangular stress block were found to be equivalent or conservative for BCSA cement concrete flexural members within the strength range of 54 to 85 MPa (7.8 to 12.4 ksi). This should give designers confidence in using this cement for structural concrete.