Title: High-Strength Concrete in Japan: History and Progress

Author(s): Shigeyoshi Nagataki

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 167

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 1-26

Keywords: Blast furnace slag; bridges (structures); buildings; concretes; gypsum; high-strength concretes; precast concrete; silica fume; superplasticizers.

DOI: 10.14359/6279

Date: 3/1/1997

Abstract:
In Japan high strength concrete was first achieved as early as the 1930s. Yoshida reported in 1930 that high strength concrete with 28-day compressive strength of 102 MPa was obtained. This result was obtained by a combination of pressing and vibrating processes without the use of any chemical and mineral admixtures. This method has been applied for production of high strength segments. In the 196Os, superplasticizers were developed in Japan and West Germany which were very effective chemical admixtures to decrease the water content in concrete. With the use of superplasticizers, it became possible to decrease the water to cement ratio while maintaining the workability of the concrete. This technique was applied very widely and many bridges, high-rise buildings, precast concrete members have been produced. In the 197Os, the combined use of superplasticizers and ultra-fine materials such as silica fume, finely ground blast furnace slag or anhydrous gypsum based additives were studied and has been applied to concrete structures until today. Finally, super high strength concrete greater than 120 MPa in compressive strength was achieved with selected materials and special techniques and this kind of concrete has been applied in other industries instead of in the construction industry. This paper summarizes the history and progress of the development of high strength concrete in Japan.