DETERMINATION OF ELASTIC MODULUS FOR DESIGN OF CONCRETE PAVEMENT IN LAOS

Compressive strength, elastic modulus

Abstract

This paper investigates the modulus of elasticity of concrete through an experimental study. The primary objective is to analyze the relationship between concrete strength and its modulus of rupture, providing valuable insights for structural design and material selection in civil engineering. A total of 18 concrete specimens were tested, with three samples selected from each of six different strength grades: 15MPa, 20MPa, 25MPa, 30MPa, 35MPa, and 40MPa. To ensure uniformity and accuracy in results, all samples were cured for 28 days, allowing the concrete to fully harden before testing.
The experimental findings revealed the following modulus of rupture values for each concrete grade: 15MPa concrete: 18,123.20MPa, 20MPa concrete: 19,920.90MPa, 25MPa concrete: 25,531.07MPa, 30MPa concrete: 30,169.73MPa, 35MPa concrete: 32,416.54MPa, and 40MPa concrete: 34,512.43MPa.
The results indicate that the modulus of rupture generally increases with the concrete’s compressive strength, though the rate of increase appears to diminish at higher strength levels. This trend suggests that while higher-strength concrete exhibits improved flexural performance, the gains become less significant beyond a certain threshold. These findings are crucial for optimizing concrete mix designs, ensuring structural integrity, and enhancing cost-effectiveness in construction projects.
All tests were conducted in compliance with AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) and ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards to ensure precision and consistency. The study’s outcomes contribute to a deeper understanding of concrete behavior under flexural stress, aiding engineers in making informed decisions for infrastructure development and construction applications.