International Concrete Abstracts Portal

Title: Analysis Of A Jointless Floor With Calcium Sulpho-Aluminate And Portland Cement

Author(s): Adriano Reggia; Sergio Tortelli; Maurizio Marchi; Massimo Borsa and Giovanni A. Plizzari

Publication: Special Publication

Volume: 305

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 45.1-45.10

Keywords: calcium sulpho-aluminate cement; curling; expansion; finite element analysis; friction; jointless concrete floor; restrained shrinkage; shrinkage-compensating concrete; shrinkage cracking

Date: 9/1/2015

Abstract:
Concrete floor on ground represents an important application for concrete use in Italy. Despite their widespread use, a large percentage of concrete floors does not meet the performance requirements in terms of functionality and durability for various reasons; among them, restrained shrinkage cracking and curling represent one of the most important causes of defects. Cracking is mainly due to the drying shrinkage in presence of internal and external restraints, while curling is due to the shrinkage gradient due to the floor thickness. An analytical approach to shrinkage cracking and curling is often overlooked by designers in lieu of the design of contraction joints that allow the cracking of concrete under controlled conditions. Nowadays, the growing needs of concrete floors purchasers in terms of durability and functionality suggests the use of special concretes for flooring. For instance, the use of shrinkage-compensating concretes reduces the number of contraction joints and enhances the concrete slab performances. This study presents the non-linear finite element analysis of a jointless floor made with a shrinkage-compensating concrete obtained with the use of a blend of calcium sulpho-aluminate cement and ordinary Portland cement.