Investigation of the Water Absorption Capacity of Roller Compacted Concrete Exposed to High Temperature

This study explores the influence of high-temperature exposure on the water absorption capacity of Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC), a material commonly used in durable and cost-effective infrastructure. To determine the optimal mixture, five RCC mixes with varying water-to-cement (w/c) ratios from 0.35 to 0.47 were prepared, with 0.41 identified as optimal. Specimens produced with this ratio were exposed to 300°C, 600°C, and 900°C, while control samples were maintained at 25°C. Water absorption was measured according to ASTM C642. Results revealed a notable increase in absorption with temperature: 42% at 300°C, 183% at 600°C, and 298% at 900°C. These increases are attributed to thermal damage, including the decomposition of calcium hydroxide, micro structural deterioration, and aggregate disintegration. The findings demonstrate that high temperatures significantly reduce RCC’s resistance to moisture ingress, posing a threat to long-term durability. This research enhances the understanding of RCC’s thermal performance and provides valuable guidance for designing concrete mixtures better suited to environments with extreme heat exposure.