Modelling of Packing Density for Particle Composites Design

Effective packing of solid particles is one of the main topics in the field of ceramics, powder metallurgy and concrete technology. In these material sectors it is necessary to maximise or optimise the packing density of particles. Therefore, it is necessary to obtain the ability not even to measure the packing density effectively but especially to predict it and affect it with sufficient accuracy. Despite of large experiences in field of metallurgy and ceramics technology, it is still relatively difficult to predict packing density in the concrete technology. Prediction is based on de Larrard linear packing theory expanded by third parameter including wedging effect of particles to the form of 3-parameter packing model. In this paper the model is calibrated for fillers using in Particle composites technology with respect to their granulometry, mainly aimed on UHPC technology. Calibration is based on correlation with experimentally determined values of packing density of model particles mixtures. Successful optimization of particular system composition in concrete technology then could lead not even to decrease of final price but it has also a beneficial influence mainly on mechanical properties and durability of final product.