EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PIGMENT COLORS ON THE MECHANICAL RESISTANCE OF THE POST-REACTIVE CONCRETE (RPC)

Abstract

Despite the large field of use of conventional concrete structures, when talking about apparent concrete, this ends up being censored for its unattractive aspect and low architectural value. In the last years, however, concrete technology stood out due to improvements resulting from the use of new construction techniques and innovative materials. This led to an expansion in the use of special concretes, among which we can mention the reactive powder concrete (RPC), latest ultra-resistant material based on Portland cement developed. Knowing that this type of concrete is, slowly, standing out in certain projects, the present study sought to evaluate the effects of different colors of inorganic pigments applied to RPC, seeking an aesthetic acceptance allied to guarantee excellent mechanical properties. There were made 4 dosages (being them: reference, red, yellow and green), where the pigment percentage employed was 6% for each color. The specimens produced were subjected to wet curing by immersion at room temperature and, when they reach the ages of 7, 14 and 28 days, submitted to the axial compression resistance test. Given the results, it was observed that the red colored concretes stood out both in the axial compression resistance test and in the aesthetic scope, verifying viability in the use of pigments in reactive powder concretes, ensuring both the expected mechanical properties as architectural acceptance in construction.