Study Group Discussion on Concrete 09 Sept 2002 Secretary : Leung Sai Ho

Normal Question

1. Why concrete is used?

This question is transformed into a question on the advantage and disadvantage of
concrete.
Advantage:
(a) Relatively maintenance free when compared with other material such as steel
(b) Readily Available
(c) Cheap
(d) Design well-established
(e) Easy to be mould into desired shape
(f) Make use of waste (e.g. PFA, recycled aggregate, etc)
(g) Relatively skill un-intensive
(h) Pre-cast unit is under well control
Disadvantage:
(a) Relatively low strength to weight ratio
(b) Time limit on application once mixed (or batching plant is required on site)
(c) Formwork required
(d) Curing required (Strength has to be developed)
(e) Cracks cannot be totally eliminated => visually impaired

2. How to decide the grade of concrete to be used in a design?

(a) For special design, e.g. marine, water-retaining, etc., has specific
requirements
(b) Balance between higher grade (smaller section) and cost
(c) Market available grading (tailor-made vs usual available)
(d) Special care / treatment (e.g. CSF, PFA)
(e) Exposure Condition e.g. BS8110 Part I Table 3.4

3. Cost of Concrete
Common range (by Franco): $500 to $700
Study Group agreed value $800 plus/minus $100
Basic cost from plant $400 to $600 (by Eva)
China = $300

4. Substitution of Concrete
Sewage : FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic)
Structural : Steel
Study Group Discussion on Concrete 09 Sept 2002 Secretary : Leung Sai Ho

Marine : Timber
Non-structural : Brick

5. Common defects of Concrete and Preventive Action

Common Defects:
(a) Cracks: Thermal, Shrinkage, Flexural, Direct Tension, Plastic Settlement,
AAR, etc.
(b) Honeycombs / Voids
(c) Cold Joint
(d) Insufficient cover
(e) Segregation
Preventive Action
(a) Cracks
(1) Place sufficient reinforcement against cracking
(2) Well-graded aggregate
(3) Lower temperature
(4) Proper curing
(5) For AAR cracks, control Na-equivalent salt content in the mix
(b) Honeycombs / Voids
(1) Sufficient compaction: Poker vibrator / External vibrator for steel
formwork
(2) Reinforcement should not be congested
(c) Cold-joint
(1) Proper arrangement of Construction Joint
(2) Proper sequence in casting concrete
(d) Insufficient cover
(1) Sufficient spacer
(2) Frequent inspection
(e) Segregation
(1) Avoid over-compaction
(2) Well-graded aggregate

Side-tricked Question

1. What is the use of filter layer behind rubble-mount seawall?

Not for Drainage but for separation.
Study Group Discussion on Concrete 09 Sept 2002 Secretary : Leung Sai Ho

2. Why standard mix not commonly use?

Standard mix is too conservative.

3. Why kicker of Retaining Wall is at the point of greatest moment and shear?
Kicker at there is unavoidable.

Side-tricked information

Theoretical min. free water / cement ratio = 0.18

Practically achievable w / c ratio = 0.23
Usual w /c ratio design range = 0.3 to 0.65
Marine works w / c ratio = 0.38
High strength concrete = 60 to 100 MPa
Laboratory high strength concrete = 200 MPa
Usual grade of concrete = 30/20 or 40/20
Mass concrete/Blinding of water-retaining structure (BS8007 requirement) = 20/20
Blinding layer = 10/20
Marine / Prestress concrete = 45/20
Water-retaining structure = 35A/20 or 40/20
Common concrete plant: 嘉華, Pioneer, Ready-mix, 中國建設, Anderson