Reactive Powder Concrete: Composition, Mechanical Properties, and Structural Applications : A Review
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This paper reviews the composition, mechanical properties, and structural applications of Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC), an advanced cementitious material that represents a major leap in concrete technology. Unlike conventional concrete, RPC contains no coarse aggregates. Instead, it relies on a carefully engineered mixture of cement, silica fume, fine sand, superplasticizers, and steel fibers to achieve an ultra-dense microstructure. The result is exceptional mechanical performance, with compressive strengths ranging from 170 to 800 MPa, depending on the curing method and mix design. The review of previous studies reveals that heat treatment significantly enhances strength, with curing at 90°C raising compressive strength from 120 MPa to 180 MPa. Adding steel fibers at volume fractions of 1–2% improves splitting tensile strength by up to 39%, flexural strength by 29%, and impact resistance by nearly 150%. Interestingly, some researchers successfully incorporated crushed coarse aggregate into RPC without reducing compressive strength, contradicting early assumptions that coarse aggregate must be eliminated. Structural applications, including beams, T-beams, and bridge decks, demonstrate superior load capacity, ductility, and crack control. However, RPC remains expensive, requires high cement content, and often needs special curing conditions, limiting its widespread use. This review concludes that while RPC is an outstanding material for high-performance applications, further research is needed to reduce costs and validate long-term durability under real-world conditions.
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