Montesdeoca, Oscar Fabricio ; Michael Leming, Committee Member,Sami Rizkalla, Committee Chair,Paul Zia, Committee Member,Montesdeoca, Oscar Fabricio ; Michael Leming ; Committee Member ; Sami Rizkalla ; Committee Chair ; Paul Zia ; Committee Member
Grancreteâ„¢ is a novel cementitious material originally developed at Argonne National Laboratories and consist of a family of magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) products. The objective of this thesis is to examine the basic characteristics of one type of Grancrete named Grancrete HFR (High Fire Resistant) which is basically a Fiber-Reinforced Magnesium Potassium Phospho-Silicate Cement. The research program included a comprehensive experimental program to evaluate the fundamental properties of the fresh mixture of Grancrete HFR paste, the mechanical properties of the hardened Grancrete HFR paste, and the bond characteristics of Grancrete HFR paste to selected construction materials.The reaction of Grancrete HFR powder and water is exothermic. Test results indicate that the setting time of Grancrete HFR paste is less than 10 minutes, and the pH level of the fresh paste is close to 7. Typical values of Compressive Strength of the paste at 28 days range between 6,000 to 10,000 psi, and more than 50% of this strength was achieved within the first 24 hours of air curing. The measured ultimate strain ranges between 0.006 and 0.008. The Modulus of Elasticity is between 1650 and 1950 ksi. The Modulus of Rupture is approximately 1,100 psi and can be achieved after 3 days of air curing. Water absorption is less than 2%. The linear shrinkage is around 0.30%. Grancrete HFR has excellent bond strengths with itself, concrete and steel.