Abstract:
Manufacturers of building materials strive to optimize the three basic concrete properties—
strength, durability, and shrinkage deformation, of which the focus is generally on the durability
in the structure when designing and monitoring the poured concrete. Studying concretes’ structural performance and the change in their characteristics over time enables the solution of many
important issues associated with the design of reliable, durable, and cost-effective buildings and
structures. This article presents studies aimed at improving the physical, technical, and operational
characteristics of cement concrete and reducing cement consumption in heavy concretes through the
use of complex modifiers and volumetric fiber reinforcement. Four concrete compositions of widely
recognized grades were developed, of which samples were molded and tested for compressive and
flexural strength, frost resistance, volumetric water absorption, and density. Test results confirmed
the possibility of binder (cement) economy up to 18% and increasing frost resistance up to W300
when using microsilica, reduction in volumetric water absorption of up to 40% when using both
microsilica and hyperplasticizer, and increasing flexural strength by over 30% when using polymer
fiber. The developed compositions passed the industrial tests, and were successfully introduced in
the production process of the operating reinforced concrete products’ manufacturer.
