Dual-Layered Concrete (DC): A Novel Approach for Concrete Structures

Concrete is renowned for its versatility, comprising a mixture of cement, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, and water. The quality control and precise mix design significantly influence its properties. Any deviation from these requirements can alter the characteristics of the concrete. Extensive efforts are consistently made within the construction industry to minimize such variations. This study focuses on investigating the design and construction of a Dual-layer Concrete (DC) specimen. The inner core is engineered to enhance mechanical properties, while the outer mantle is designed to improve durability. A steel mesh serves as a barrier between these two layers. The primary objective is to evaluate the mechanical characteristics of the specimen, prepared in three distinct concrete grades: M30, M35, and M40. Tests including compressive, split tensile, and flexural strength were conducted, comparing the mechanical properties of conventional concrete with the dual-layered variant. Additionally, the impact of mix richness on the mechanical properties of dual-layered concrete is assessed. The findings of this study aim to offer valuable insights into optimizing the composition and performance of dual-layer concrete structures, thereby enhancing mechanical integrity in various construction applications.