Self-stress development of expansive concrete under axisymmetric confinement

Uses for expansive cements have extended beyond off setting the drying shrinkage of concrete to include improved rock anchor and pile performance, as an alternative connection in tubular frames, and to replace blasting in open pit mining operations. Unfortunately, design rules for estimating the appropriate dosage of expansive cement are not available. This paper presents analytical solutions for estimating the expansion and self-stress developed in radially confined expansive concrete cylinders. Expansion is modelled using a thermal analogy which requires only one parameter to define behaviour. A simple laboratory procedure for determining this parameter is outlined. Predictions from the model are compared with laboratory experiments.