Assessing drying shrinkage and water permeability of reactive powder concrete produced in Hong Kong

Reactive powder concrete (RPC) is coarse aggregate-free which differs from that of the ordinary concrete. Instead, fine powders such as quartz sand and crushed quartz, with particle sizes ranging from 45 to 600 μm are used. In fact, it is rather a mortar than a concrete mixture because of the lack of coarse aggregate. The mechanical property performance of RPC has been investigated by the previous researchers. However, the performance on drying shrinkage and water permeability is of paucity in the literatures. This paper examines the influences of water-to-binder ratio and superplasticizer dosage on the drying shrinkage and water permeability of RPC. Recommendations for reducing drying shrinkage and water permeability of RPC are also discussed.

► This manuscript discusses an innovative construction and building materials, Reactive powder concrete (RPC), which is coarse aggregate free concrete.
► RPC is normally with poor deformation and durability performance as of paucity in the literatures.
► This paper examines the influences of water-to-binder ratio and superplasticizer dosage on the drying shrinkage and water permeability of RPC.