Tailoring Binder Composition and Gra dation for Early-Age Strength Enhancement and Crack Resistance in Tunnel-Lining Concrete

SHI Wen-guang; SHANG Hong-bin; YI Xiao-jun; ZHAO Gang; YAN Jun-nan; ZHANG Chao; ZHU Wen; ZHANG Tong-sheng

doi:10.11988/ckyyb.20250795

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Journal of Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute ›› 0 DOI: 10.11988/ckyyb.20250795

Tailoring Binder Composition and Gra dation for Early-Age Strength Enhancement and Crack Resistance in Tunnel-Lining Concrete

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Abstract

The lining of hydraulic tunnels is a thin-walled, strongly constrained structure and its concrete is prone to shrinkage cracking at early age, which affects its durability. Although the incorporation of traditional mineral admixtures can reduce shrinkage deformation, it delays the development of early strength and cannot effectively improve the crack resistance of concrete. In this study, ultrafine mineral powder was introduced to optimize the composition and particle gradation of cementitious materials, and its effects on the paste's working performance, as well as concrete's mechanical properties and crack resistance, were investigated. The test results show that the 3-d compressive strength of concrete increases by 6.9%, and the splitting tensile strength increases by 18.0%. After 7 days of drying, the risk coefficient of cracking decreased by more than 9 %, the thickness of liquid film decreased by 6.3%, the thickness of interfacial transition zone decreased by 30%, the microscopic elastic modulus increased by 10%, and the crack resistance was significantly improved. In this study, the early strength and crack resistance of concrete were improved simultaneously by optimizing the physical filling effect and activity regulation of cementitious materials, which provided theoretical bases and technical support for the engineering practice of hydraulic tunnels.

Key words

water conveyance tunnel / lining concrete / ultra-fine slag / crack resistance / particle gradation

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SHI Wen-guang , SHANG Hong-bin , YI Xiao-jun , et al . Tailoring Binder Composition and Gra dation for Early-Age Strength Enhancement and Crack Resistance in Tunnel-Lining Concrete[J]. Journal of Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute. 0 https://doi.org/10.11988/ckyyb.20250795

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