Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a self-compacting concrete and particularly to a method of preparing the self-compacting concrete using a quaternary blended mixture.
Description of Related Art
[002] Self-compacting Concrete (SCC) has gained significant attention in the construction industry due to its ability to flow easily into complex forms and around congested reinforcement without the need for mechanical vibration. Traditional SCC compositions often include a combination of cementitious materials, aggregates, and additives to achieve desired properties. However, the incorporation of mineral admixtures such as Fly Ash, or Silica Fume in SCC has been known to enhance its strength, durability, and sustainability.
[003] In existing solutions, lightweight aggregates like Expanded Shale, Pumice, and Perlite have been utilized in concrete mixes to reduce overall density and improve thermal insulation. Additionally, superabsorbent polymers have been employed to enhance water retention and improve internal curing in concrete structures.
[004] While these prior art solutions have contributed to advancements in concrete technology, there remains a need for further improvements, particularly in optimizing the composition of the SCC to achieve superior mechanical properties, sustainability, and ease of construction.
[005] There is thus a need for a method of preparing self-compacting concrete that can administer the abovementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a Self-compacting Concrete (SCC). The Self-compacting Concrete (SCC) comprises a Quaternary blended mixture using admixtures selected from a Dolomite powder, a granite slurry powder, Micro-silica, or a combination thereof; and characterize by an Autoclave aerated concrete (AAC) debris substituted as a partial replacement of coarse aggregate in the Quaternary blended mixture.
[007] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a method of preparing Self-compacting Concrete (SCC), comprising: developing a Quaternary blended mixture using admixtures selected from Dolomite powder, granite slurry powder, and Micro-silica; determining mechanical and durability properties of the Quaternary blended mixture; obtaining the Self-compacting Concrete (SCC) by substituting Autoclave aerated concrete (AAC) debris as a partial replacement of coarse aggregate in the Quaternary blended mixture; and evaluating an internal curing of the obtained Self-compacting Concrete (SCC).
[008] Embodiments of the present invention may provide several advantages. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a method of preparing a Self-compacting Concrete (SCC) that pertains to enhanced workability and flowability of a Quaternary blended mixture for allowing for easier placement and consolidation during construction.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a Self-compacting Concrete (SCC) that is lightweight.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide improved mechanical properties of the Self-compacting Concrete (SCC), including higher compressive strength, flexural strength, and durability compared to traditional concrete mixes.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a sustainable solution by utilizing recycled Autoclave aerated concrete (AAC) debris as lightweight aggregates, reducing waste and environmental impact while promoting internal curing and continuous hydration in the SCC. These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0012] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible by utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a self-compacting concrete, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0015] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method for curing self-compacting concrete.
[0016] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0018] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0019] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a self-compacting concrete (SCC) 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the self-compacting concrete 100 may include a specially formulated mix of cementitious materials, aggregates, and additives designed to achieve high flowability without segregation or the need for external compaction. In an embodiment of the present invention, the self-compacting concrete 100 may feature a reduced water-cement ratio compared to conventional concrete mixes for enhancing its strength and durability while maintaining excellent workability.
[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the self-compacting concrete 100 may incorporate a Quaternary blended mixture and an Autoclave aerated concrete (AAC) debris.
[0022] In an embodiment of the present invention, the Quaternary blended mixture may be developed using admixtures selected from a dolomite powder, a granite slurry powder, a micro-silica, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any admixtures including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0023] In an embodiment of the present invention, the Quaternary blended mixture may undergo a process of determining mechanical and durability properties of the Quaternary blended mixture to ensure optimal performance in the resulting Self-compacting Concrete (SCC) 100. In an embodiment of the present invention, the Self-compacting Concrete (SCC) 100 may comprise the Autoclave aerated concrete (AAC) debris as a substitution for the admixtures in the Quaternary blended mixture.
[0024] In an embodiment of the present invention, the Autoclave aerated concrete (AAC) debris may be obtained from construction sites where AAC blocks or panels are used. The AAC debris may be a by-product of AAC manufacturing or construction processes, typically consisting of broken or unused AAC blocks, panels, or scraps. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any source of the AAC debris including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0025] The Autoclave aerated concrete (AAC) debris may work as internal reservoirs of water to promote continuous hydration and improve the curing process. In an embodiment of the present invention, the self-compacting concrete 100 may be suitable for a wide range of applications, including but not limited to precast elements, reinforced structures, architectural finishes, and so forth due to its superior flow characteristics and self-leveling properties. The substitution of the Autoclave aerated concrete (AAC) debris as a partial replacement of coarse aggregate in this Quaternary blended mixture may facilitate the attainment of specific characteristics desired in SCC 100, such as improved workability and strength.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the AAC debris may have a specific gravity of less than 0.9. In another embodiment of the present invention, the AAC debris may have a specific gravity between .9 to 1.5. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover the specific gravity of the AAC debris including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the self-compacting concrete 100 may exhibit a water absorption ranging from 20% to 25%. This characteristic enables the AAC debris to serve as a continuous internal water source within the concrete matrix. Consequently, the self-compacting concrete 100 sustains hydration reactions, contributing to the overall strength and durability of the concrete.
[0027] Furthermore, a process of the internal curing may involve a gradual release of water from the AAC debris, contributing to sustained hydration reactions and reduced shrinkage cracks in the SCC 100. Supplementary materials such as Fly Ash, Metakaolin, Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS), or Silica Fume may also be incorporated into the Quaternary blended mixture to further enhance the properties of the SCC 100, ensuring its suitability for various construction applications. During the curing process, internal curing of the obtained SCC 100 may be evaluated to assess its effectiveness in enhancing density and durability. In an embodiment of the present invention, the internal curing of the SCC 100 may be evaluated through a hydration heat evolution monitoring, a pore structure analysis, a chloride ion penetration test, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any test for the evaluation of the internal curing of the SCC 100 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the internal curing of the SCC 100 may be evaluated by monitoring a heat released during a hydration process of the SCC 100. A rate and an intensity of a heat evolution may provide insights into hydration kinetics and an extent of the internal curing, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] In another embodiment of the present invention, the Pore Structure Analysis may involve examining a microscopic structure of the SCC 100 to assess a distribution and connectivity of pores. The internal curing may typically lead to a more uniform and refined pore structure, which contributes to improved density and durability.
[0030] By subjecting the cured concrete to chloride ion penetration tests, a resistance of the SCC 100 to chloride ingress may be determined, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] The self-compacting concrete system 100 described herein offers a sustainable and efficient solution for construction projects that require high-performance concrete with enhanced workability and durability.
[0032] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method 200 of preparing the Self-compacting Concrete (SCC) 100. The method 200 may comprise steps of:
[0033] At step 202, the Self-compacting Concrete (SCC) 100 may be cured by developing the Quaternary blended mixture using the admixtures selected from the Dolomite powder, the granite slurry powder, the Micro-silica, and so forth.
[0034] At step 204, the Self-compacting Concrete (SCC) 100 may be cured by determining the mechanical and durability properties of the Quaternary blended mixture.
[0035] At step 206, the Self-compacting Concrete (SCC) 100 may be cured by obtaining the Self-compacting Concrete (SCC) 100 by substituting the Autoclave aerated concrete (AAC) debris as the partial replacement of the coarse aggregate in the Quaternary blended mixture.
[0036] At step 208, the Self-compacting Concrete (SCC) 100 may be cured by evaluating the internal curing of the obtained Self-compacting Concrete (SCC) 100. Further, the dosage of Autoclave aerated concrete (AAC) debris may be optimized in the Quaternary blended mixture to maintain the mechanical properties while promoting the internal curing.
[0037] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0038] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A Self-compacting Concrete (SCC) (100), comprising:
a Quaternary blended mixture using admixtures selected from a Dolomite powder, a granite slurry powder, Micro-silica, or a combination thereof; and characterize by
an Autoclave aerated concrete (AAC) debris substituted as a partial replacement of coarse aggregate in the Quaternary blended mixture.
2. The Self-compacting Concrete (SCC) (100), as claimed in claim 1, wherein a specific gravity of the Autoclave aerated concrete (AAC) debris is less than 0.9.
3. The Self-compacting Concrete (SCC) (100), as claimed in claim 1, wherein a water absorption of the Autoclave aerated concrete (AAC) debris ranges from 20% to 25% for providing a continuous internal water source for hydration.
4. The Self-compacting Concrete (SCC) (100), as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Autoclave aerated concrete (AAC) debris is sourced from demolished or unused AAC blocks, panels, or construction scraps.
5. The Self-compacting Concrete (SCC) (100), as claimed in claim 1, wherein the obtained Self-compacting Concrete (SCC) (100) is internally cured and is evaluated through a hydration heat evolution monitoring, a pore structure analysis, chloride ion penetration tests, or a combination thereof.
6. The Self-compacting Concrete (SCC) (100), as claimed in claim 5, wherein a process of the internal curing of the SCC (100) involves a gradual release of water from the AAC debris for sustaining hydration reactions and reducing shrinkage cracks.
7. The Self-compacting Concrete (SCC) (100), as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Quaternary blended mixture further comprises Supplementary materials selected from Fly Ash, Metakaolin, Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS), Silica Fume or a combination thereof.
8. A method (200) of preparing a Self-compacting Concrete (SCC) (100), comprising:
developing a Quaternary blended mixture using admixtures selected from a Dolomite powder, a granite slurry powder, Micro-silica, or a combination thereof;
determining mechanical and durability properties of the Quaternary blended mixture;
obtaining the Self-compacting Concrete (SCC) (100) by substituting Autoclave aerated concrete (AAC) debris as a partial replacement of coarse aggregate in the Quaternary blended mixture; and
evaluating an internal curing of the obtained Self-compacting Concrete (SCC) (100).
9. The method (200) as claimed in claim 8, comprising a step of optimizing a dosage of the Autoclave aerated concrete (AAC) debris in the Quaternary blended mixture to maintain mechanical properties while promoting internal curing.
Date: May 22, 2024
Place: Noida

Dr. Keerti Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
(IN/PA-1529)