The effect of pre-setting pressure applied flexural strength and fracture toughness of reactive powder concrete during the setting phase

In this study, the effect of pre-setting pressure on reactive powder concrete (RPC) was examined. The fresh (plastic) concrete samples were filled in a specified beam mould and six different pre-setting pressure values (control-without pressure, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 MPa) were applied. Flexural strength was improved by 34% with very low amounts (5 MPa) of pre-setting pressure. Also, toughness was increased more than thrice. In this study, the maximum flexural strength of 36.4 MPa and toughness of 116.960 N m were obtained under 25 MPa pre-setting pressure. Volume of sample was decreased 7.9% by pre-setting pressure.

► We examine the effect of pre-setting pressure on reactive powder concrete.
► We apply a specified beam mould and six different pre-setting pressures.
► Flexural strength improves 34% with 5 MPa pre-setting pressure.
► Fracture toughness and energy increases more than thrice.
► We obtain the maximum flexure strength of 36.4 MPa under 25 MPa pre-setting pressure.