Determination of optimized mix design and curing conditions of reactive powder concrete (RPC)

•The efficiency of combined steam, heat and autoclave cure conditions were compared.•The adequate quantities of ingredient was determined through optimized mix design.•The compressive strength of RPC reached up to 233 MPa through optimized parameters.•Combination of optimized mix design and curing method enhanced fc′ about 174 percent.•The proposed procedure is an empirical endeavor that can be put to practical use in projects.

Employing such microstructural modification approaches including elimination of coarse particles and utilization of fine silica powders and micro-scale particles such as silica fume (SF) introduce the reactive powder concrete (RPC) as new-arrival generation of cement based materials with superior mechanical properties due to their ultra-dense microstructure. The present study investigates the compressive strength of non-steel microfiber reinforced RPC by utilizing different mix designs under various curing conditions to determine the optimal practical conditions and parameters that would lead to maximum RPC compressive strength. Results revealed that the eight-step procedure employed in this study considerably enhanced the compressive strength of the specimens about 174% as evidenced by the rise in from 85 MPa (28 days) to 233 MPa (13 days). Furthermore, different cure treatment plans were applied and results showed the combined cure treatment, including 3 days of autoclave cure treatment at 125 °C followed by 7 days of heat cure treatment at 220 °C represented more effective performance due to resulted superior mechanical properties at a minimum curing time.