Effect of ground granulated blast furnace slag on time-dependent tensile strength of concrete

The paper presents the experimental investigations into the effect of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) on the time-dependent tensile strength of concrete. The splitting and flexural tensile strength of concrete was determined at the ages of 3, 7, 28, 56, 90, 150 and 180 days using the cylindrical and prism specimens respectively for plain and GGBFS concrete. The amount of cement replacement by GGBFS was 0%, 40% and 60% on the weight basis. The maximum curing age was kept as 28 days. The results showed that the splitting and flexural tensile strength of concrete containing GGBFS has been found lower than the plain concrete at all ages and for all mixes. The tensile strength of 40 percent replacement has been found higher than the 60 percent at all ages and for all mixes. The rate of gain of splitting and flexural tensile strength of 40 percent GGBFS concrete is found higher than the plain concrete and 60 percent GGBFS concrete at the ages varying from 28 to 180 days. The experimental results of time-dependent tensile strength of concrete are compared with the available models. New models for the prediction of time-dependent splitting and flexural tensile strength of concrete containing GGBFS are proposed. The present experimental and analytical study will be helpful for the designers to know the time-dependent tensile properties of GGBFS concrete to meet the design requirements of liquid retaining reinforced and pre-stressed concrete structures.