Study on the Manufacturing of High-Strength, Water-Resistant Concrete for the Underground Structures of High-Rise Buildings in Ho Chi Minh City

Abstract

The paper presents the results of research on the development of high-strength, watertight concrete aimed at improving compressive strength, crack resistance, and impermeability for the construction of underground and multi-story facilities, especially in Ho Chi Minh City. Five concrete mix designs were prepared according to ACI 211.4R-08, combining blended Portland cement PCB40, Duyen Hai thermal power fly ash, silica fume SF-90, and dispersed polypropylene fibers. Workability, mechanical properties, and impermeability of the concrete were evaluated according to current Vietnamese standards. Experimental results show that the concrete achieved an average 28-day compressive strength of 63.5–73.6 MPa, flexural tensile strength of 7.40–8.02 MPa, and an average elastic modulus above 37.4 GPa. Water absorption was below 8 %, and impermeability reached grades W12–W19 according to TCVN 3116:2022. The concrete mix exhibited good workability, with a slump of 19.0–22.0 cm, remained stable over time, and showed no segregation, suitable for practical field construction. The results confirm that high-strength, watertight concrete is a sustainable and effective solution for underground infrastructure in Ho Chi Minh City, while also reducing cement consumption, utilizing industrial by-products, and promoting environmentally friendly construction materials.