Dynamic- and Static-Elastic Moduli and Strength Properties of Early-Age Portland Cement Concrete Pavement Mixtures

Abstract

This paper investigates the development of compressive strength (fc′), flexural strength (fr), and static elastic modulus (Ec) in relation to the dynamic modulus (Ed) for portland concrete cement (PCC) pavement and patch mixtures. The study in this paper was motivated by the need to establish the less commonly known fr−Ed relationship in comparison with the more established fc′−Ed models. A total of 399 cylinders and 144 beams were cast and cured under laboratory (23°C) and cold (7.22°C) regimes. Experiments were conducted at concrete ages ranging from 12 h to 28 days. Cylinder specimens were subjected to fc′, Ec, and transverse dynamic modulus (EdcT) tests. Beam specimens were subjected to fr, transverse (EdpT), and longitudinal (EdpL) dynamic modulus tests. Early opening to traffic (EOT) concrete strength criteria were accurately predicted as most fc′ and fr estimates fell within 10% of relative error when respectively using EdcT and EdpT. Overall, the normalized development of fc′−EdcT and fr−EdpT relationships reveals distinct growth trends as fr developed at a higher power factor.