Comparative Measurements of Thermal Expansion Coefficient for Concrete

Abstract

The linear thermal expansion coefficient, α(T), of concrete containing ground ceramics as partial replacement of Portland cement is studied in the temperature range of 20 °C–800 °C, using the methods of isothermal and linear heating. The α(T) coefficient is evaluated as the temperature derivative of the thermal strain that is measured by a push-rod dilatometer. The pros and cons of the two methods are complementary. While in the isothermal heating method sample temperatures are well established, the linear heating method is much less time demanding and provides a large number of experimental data. The latter is important for a proper evaluation of α(T) as a derivative of the thermal strain as well as for the ability to observe processes that take place in samples as the temperature is changed.