Title: Abrasion Resistance of Roller Compacted Concrete

Author(s): Antonio Nanni

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 86

Issue: 6

Appears on pages(s): 559-565

Keywords: abrasion resistance; abrasion tests; compressive strength; concretes; fiber-reinforced concretes; roller compacted concretes; pavements; tests; Materials Research

DOI: 10.14359/2206

Date: 11/1/1989

Abstract:
Abrasion resistance is a fundamental property of concrete when used in pavements, even though it is seldom addressed in job specifications. A common assumption is that concrete abrasion (a surface property) is guaranteed when compressive strength (a bulk property) is acceptable. This correlation is reasonable but not always correct. The lack of direct monitoring of abrasion resistance is also a consequence of the lack of a unique, universally accepted testing procedure. This paper presents experimental results obtained with a selected standard method (ASTM C779, Procedure C: Ball Bearings). Concrete mix proportions and construction technique used for specimen preparation are relative to roller compacted concrete technology. It is found that the adopted testing procedure is simple and reliable. Field-cut samples fare better than laboratory-made samples, confirming the notion that surface properties are distinct from bulk properties. The very surface layer of samples reinforced with steel or synthetic fiber does not behave differently from that of plain matrix samples. Poor curing has more impact on quality of the concrete surface than on compressive strength.