Concrete Pavement Mixture Design and Analysis (MDA): Application of a Portable X-Ray Fluorescence Technique to Assess Concrete Mix Proportions

Thumbnail Image
Date
2012-03-01
Authors
Taylor, Peter
Yurdakul, Ezgi
Major Professor
Advisor
Committee Member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract

Any transportation infrastructure system is inherently concerned with durability and performance issues. The proportioning and uniformity control of concrete mixtures are critical factors that directly affect the longevity and performance of the portland cement concrete pavement systems. At present, the only means available to monitor mix proportions of any given batch are to track batch tickets created at the batch plant. However, this does not take into account potential errors in loading materials into storage silos, calibration errors, and addition of water after dispatch. Therefore, there is a need for a rapid, cost-effective, and reliable field test that estimates the proportions of as-delivered concrete mixtures. In addition, performance based specifications will be more easily implemented if there is a way to readily demonstrate whether any given batch is similar to the proportions already accepted based on laboratory performance testing. The goal of the present research project is to investigate the potential use of a portable x-ray fluorescence (XRF) technique to assess the proportions of concrete mixtures as they are delivered. Tests were conducted on the raw materials, paste and mortar samples using a portable XRF device. There is a reasonable correlation between the actual and calculated mix proportions of the paste samples, but data on mortar samples was less reliable.

Series Number
Journal Issue
Is Version Of
Versions
Series
InTrans Project 09-353; Iowa DOT TPF-5(205); DTFH61-06-H-00011 Work Plan 25
Academic or Administrative Unit
Type
article
Comments
Rights Statement
Copyright
Funding
Subject Categories
DOI
Supplemental Resources
Source
Collections