UHPC Concrete Mixture Using Fine Sand and Slag Binder
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Solution Overview
Problem
The global demand for construction sand has led to environmental issues due to unregulated mining, and existing alternatives like desert sand are not suitable for producing high-performance concrete due to grain size distribution and packing density limitations.
Innovation Solution
A concrete mixture using fine sands with specific grain size distribution and a binder component comprising Portland cement clinker, blast furnace slag, and calcium sulfate, combined with steel fibers and alluvial or desert sand, to produce high-performance concrete with excellent flexural tensile strength without the need for mechanical crushing or compaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional sand mining is used to meet global construction demand, then sufficient aggregate supply is achieved, but environmental damage and resource depletion occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes waste materials (alluvial sand, desert sand, construction and demolition waste) that would otherwise be discarded, transforming them into valuable concrete aggregates. This approach replaces the need for virgin sand mining while providing sufficient aggregate supply for construction purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention recovers useful materials from waste streams - specifically alluvial sand from watercourses, desert sand from arid regions, and construction and demolition waste - and reintroduces them into the concrete production cycle. This circular approach reduces environmental impact while maintaining aggregate availability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If desert sand is used as an alternative aggregate, then sand mining pressure is reduced, but concrete strength and durability are compromised due to poor grain size distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines desert sand or alluvial sand with other aggregate materials and cementitious binders to create a composite concrete mixture. This merging of materials compensates for the poor grain size distribution of desert sand alone, achieving both environmental benefits and adequate concrete strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite concrete system that integrates desert sand or alluvial sand with cement, water, and potentially other additives. This composite approach allows the weak points of desert sand (poor grading) to be compensated by the complementary properties of other materials in the mixture.
3Quantity of substance
If alluvial sand is used in concrete production, then fine sand availability is improved, but transportation costs and environmental impact from watercourse extraction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables concrete production to utilize locally available alluvial sand resources near construction sites or processing plants. By allowing the system to service itself with locally abundant materials rather than relying on centralized distribution, transportation energy requirements are minimized.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention involves preliminary processing of alluvial sand to separate and classify the fine sand fraction before concrete production. This preliminary action prepares the material in advance, making it ready for use without requiring extensive transportation or on-site processing, thereby reducing energy consumption.
4Strength
If traditional concrete mixtures are used to ensure strength, then structural performance is achieved, but CO2 emissions from cement production increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes readily available, low-cost materials such as alluvial sand, desert sand, and construction waste that require minimal processing. This approach reduces the need for energy-intensive production of specialized materials, thereby lowering CO2 emissions while maintaining concrete performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the compositional parameters of concrete by substituting traditional aggregates with alternative materials like alluvial sand and desert sand. It also modifies the binder composition by incorporating construction and demolition waste, thereby reducing reliance on conventional Portland cement and associated CO2 emissions while preserving structural strength.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution achieves high compressive and flexural tensile strengths in high-performance concrete, reducing environmental impact by utilizing readily available fine sands and minimizing resource extraction, while also being cost-effective and CO2-efficient.
Implementation Method 1
Hardened concrete is a hydraulically hardened mixture made from a fresh concrete mix or fresh concrete mix consisting of a hydraulic binder, at least one aggregate, and mixing water
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a concrete mixture with a special fine sand for the production of concrete components, preferably made of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), and a method for their production, the use of the concrete mixture for the production of concrete components, preferably made of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), and a method for producing a concrete component, preferably made of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), and such a concrete component.