Modified Pavement Quality Concrete as Material Alternative to Concrete Applied Regularly on Airfield Pavements

The work presents test results of two series of hardened cement concrete intended for airfield pavements. Concrete types designed on the basis of regularly used materials were included in the first series. Granite, quartzite, basalt aggregate, gravel and amphibolite aggregate were used in concrete mixes. Cement CEM I 42,5, fine aggregate (washed sand), water, admixtures (air entraining agent and plasticizer) were also included in the mix composition. Basic parameters for the designed mixes (consistency class and air contents) were specified. The influence of aggregate type on parameters of hardened concretes was assessed. Concrete compressive strength, fracturing strength were analysed. The analysis was conducted during diversified research periods in order to assess the joint influence of aggregate type and the length of curing on the change of concrete parameters. In case of the second series, the material alternative based on the modification of concrete composition of the first series using ceramic modifier was discussed. The applied additive was described and the influence thereof on the change of parameters of mixes and hardened concretes was assessed. According to the obtained parameters of mixes and hardened concrete it was proved that the used modifier in the form of dust has significant impact on the analysed parameters. Increased mechanical (compressive strength, fracture strength) and physical parameters of concrete were proved. Curing concretes were also analysed during diversified research periods. Favourable influence of the suggested modifier on the changes of internal structure of cement concrete was proved. Changes in cement matrix structure, contact layers between cement matrix and grains of aggregate and modifier and porosity characteristics were observed. The analysis of different microstructure of modified concrete and the obtained parameters of hardened modified concrete proved the purposefulness of using the ceramic modifier in the composition of concrete mixes intended for airfield pavements.