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Prediction of concrete initial setting time in field conditions through multivariate regression analysis

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Abstract

Construction of large concrete structures usually requires pouring multiple batches of concrete mixes along 1 day, which creates setting irregularities that increase the potential of crack development within pours. For the case of bridge decks, it is recommended that the initial concrete material should stay plastic over the entire casting operation of a poured bridge segment. Uniform setting of multiple batches is possible if setting times could be predicted and controlled in field conditions. In this study, more than 70 different Class K concrete mixes were manufactured and cast in field conditions, which provided material characteristics along with environmental data that were used to predict concrete initial setting times through multivariate regression analysis. Two prediction models were achieved, corresponding to the addition of set retarding and set accelerating admixtures, respectively. Validating field tests demonstrated that good predictions of concrete initial setting times can be accomplished with 2% error, when accurate field weather forecasts are available. This work also demonstrates the use of the prediction relations, with the objective of achieving uniform thermo-mechanical properties of a pouring sequence in the field.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge the West Virginia Department of Transportation for sponsoring this research work. The continuous support of the Engineering Division and in particular Mr. Jimmy Wriston the project monitor, the Materials Division and Research Division is greatly appreciated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, West Virginia University, P.O. Box 6103, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA

    Mourad Y. Riad, Eduardo Sosa & Gergis William

  2. Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, West Virginia University, P.O. Box 6106, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA

    Samir Shoukry

Authors
  1. Mourad Y. Riad
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  2. Samir Shoukry
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  3. Eduardo Sosa
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  4. Gergis William
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Correspondence to Mourad Y. Riad.

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Riad, M.Y., Shoukry, S., Sosa, E. et al. Prediction of concrete initial setting time in field conditions through multivariate regression analysis. Mater Struct 44, 1063–1077 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-010-9684-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-010-9684-7

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