Pavement Quality Concrete (PQC) Tests.

by

Pavement Quality Concrete (PQC) is a type of concrete designed specifically for road pavement applications. Various tests are conducted to ensure that PQC meets the required specifications and standards for strength, durability, and other relevant properties. Here are some common tests conducted on Pavement Quality Concrete:

Compressive Strength Test:

  • Purpose: To determine the compressive strength of PQC.
  • Procedure: Cylindrical or cube specimens are cast and cured, and then subjected to compressive loading until failure.
  • Standard: ASTM C39 or relevant national standards.

Flexural Strength Test:

  • Purpose: To assess the flexural strength of PQC.
  • Procedure: Beam specimens are cast and subjected to a flexural load until failure.
  • Standard: ASTM C78 or relevant national standards.

Split Tensile Strength Test:

  • Purpose: To determine the split tensile strength of cylindrical PQC specimens.
  • Procedure: Cylindrical specimens are subjected to a diametral load until failure.
  • Standard: ASTM C496 or relevant national standards.

Slump Test:

  • Purpose: To measure the consistency and workability of fresh PQC.
  • Procedure: A slump cone is filled with concrete, and the cone is lifted to measure the slump of the mix.
  • Standard: ASTM C143 or relevant national standards.

Compaction Factor Test:

  • Purpose: To assess the workability of PQC by measuring the compaction factor.
  • Procedure: The concrete is placed in a standard mold, and the compaction factor is calculated based on the volume before and after compaction.
  • Standard: ASTM C125 or relevant national standards.

Density Test:

  • Purpose: To determine the density of PQC.
  • Procedure: The mass and volume of a concrete sample are measured to calculate the density.
  • Standard: ASTM C138 or relevant national standards.

Water Absorption Test:

  • Purpose: To measure the water absorption capacity of PQC.
  • Procedure: The weight of a dry specimen is measured, and then the specimen is immersed in water. After a specified time, the weight is measured again.
  • Standard: ASTM C642 or relevant national standards.

Permeability Test:

  • Purpose: To assess the permeability of PQC, which is crucial for durability.
  • Procedure: Various methods, such as the constant head or falling head permeability tests, may be used.
  • Standard: ASTM D5084 or relevant national standards.

Abrasion Resistance Test:

  • Purpose: To evaluate the resistance of PQC to abrasion.
  • Procedure: The abrasion resistance can be assessed using methods like the Los Angeles Abrasion Test.
  • Standard: ASTM C131 or relevant national standards.

These tests help ensure that Pavement Quality Concrete meets the required specifications and performs well under traffic loads and environmental conditions. It’s important to follow the relevant standards and specifications specified by engineering and transportation authorities in the region where the PQC is being used.

Leave a Comment