Use of Modified Andreassen Curve in Optimizing Mixes

Particle packing optimization is a philosophy that has evolved over the years. Its use in concrete proportioning has helped in creating denser and stronger mixes. Numerous packing theories and models have evolved over the course of time to optimize the concrete. Out of which the Modified Andreassen curve has found its practical application in optimizing high-performance concrete. The main objective of the study was to study different particle packing theories and their effects on the mortar mixes and to design the most optimized material which gives the maximum strength. In this paper, the use of quartz sand and Modified Andreassen packing theory has been adopted for the concrete proportioning. This paper also deals with the changes in density and compressive strength in concrete after the application of the Modified Andreassen curve. The EMMA software whose algorithm is based on the Modified Andreassen curve is used for proportioning the concrete. In addition, the effects of admixture dosage on strength have been discussed in the paper. An attempt has been made to create an Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) by applying Modified Andreassen Curve and using quartz aggregates. For this a thorough literature review was done, a precast site where the high strength concrete was required was identified and the various tests were conducted on the site itself. The results obtained from this study are quite interesting as 16 % cement was replaced by metakaoline and silica fume and phenomenol strength of 96.18 MPa. HIGHLIGHTS Particle packing optimization is a philosophy that has evolved over the years The main objective of the study was to study different particle packing theories and their effects on the mortar mixes and to design the most optimized material which gives the maximum strength Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) was created by applying Modified Andreassen Curve and using quartz aggregates. For this a thorough literature review was done, a precast site where the high strength concrete was required was identified and the various tests were conducted on the site itself. The results obtained from this study are quite interesting as 16 % cement was replaced by metakaoline and silica fume and phenomenol strength of 96.18 MPa was achieved GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT