Mix design and properties assessment of Ultra-High-Performance Fibre Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC)

A comprehensive investigation into the mechanical properties of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC), considering various influential factors, is imperative in order to obtain fundamental information for its practical utilization. Therefore, this paper reviewed the early-age strength (or setting) development and mechanical properties of hardened UHPFRC. In connection with the latter, the effects of the curing conditions, coarse aggregate, mineral admixtures, fiber properties, specimen size, and strain-rate on the mechanical performance of UHPFRC were specifically investigated. It was obvious that (1) heat treatment accelerates the hydration process, leading to higher strength; (2) a portion of the silica fume can be replaced by fly ash, slag, and rice husk ash in mechanical perspective; (3) the use of deformed (hooked and twisted) or long straight steel fibers improves the mechanical properties at a static rate; and (4) high rate loading provides a noticeable increase in the mechanical properties. Alternatively, there are some disagreements between the results from various ‘size effect’ tests and the effectiveness of using twisted steel fibers at static and high rate loadings. Further research to reduce the production cost of UHPFRC is also addressed in an attempt to make its widespread use more practical.

Mechanical properties of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete: A review

This paper addresses the development of an eco-friendly Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) with efficient cement and mineral admixtures uses are investigated. The modified Andreasen & Andersen particle packing model is utilized to achieve a densely compacted cementitious matrix. Fly ash (FA), ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) and limestone powder (LP) are used to replace cement, and their effects on the properties of the designed UHPC are analyzed. The results show that the influence of FA, GGBS or LP on the early hydration kinetics of the UHPC is very similar during the initial five days, while the hydration rate of the blends with GGBS is mostly accelerated afterwards. Moreover, the mechanical properties of the mixture with GGBS are superior, compared to that with FA or LP at both 28 and 91 days. Due to the very low water amount and relatively large superplasticizer dosage in UHPC, the pozzolanic reaction of FA is significantly retarded. Additionally, the calculations of the embedded CO2 emission demonstrate that the cement and mineral admixtures are efficiently used in the developed UHPC, which reduce its environmental impact compared to other UHPCs found in the literature.

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Development of an eco-friendly Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) with efficient cement and mineral admixtures uses

3D meso-scale fracture modelling and validation of concrete based on in-situ X-ray Computed Tomography images using damage plasticity model

In this study, an extensive literature review has been conducted on the material characterization of UHPC and its potential for large-scale field applicability. The successful production of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) depends on its material ingredients and mixture proportioning, which leads to denser and relatively more homogenous particle packing. A database was compiled from various research and field studies around the world on the mechanical and durability performance of UHPC. It is shown that UHPC provides a viable and long-term solution for improved sustainable construction owing to its ultra-high strength properties, improved fatigue behavior and very low porosity, leading to excellent resistance against aggressive environments. The literature review revealed that the curing regimes and fiber dosage are the main factors that control the mechanical and durability properties of UHPC. Currently, the applications of UHPC in construction are very limited due to its higher initial cost, lack of contractor experience and the absence of widely accepted design provisions. However, sustained research progress in producing UHPC using locally available materials under normal curing conditions should reduce its material cost. Current challenges regarding the implementation of UHPC in full-scale structures are highlighted. This study strives to assist engineers, consultants, contractors and other construction industry stakeholders to better understand the unique characteristics and capabilities of UHPC, which should demystify this resilient and sustainable construction material.

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Ultra-High Performance Concrete: Mechanical Performance, Durability, Sustainability and Implementation Challenges

Experimental test methods to determine the uniaxial tensile and compressive behaviour of ultra high performance fibre reinforced concrete (UHPFRC)

Experimental and numerical studies of size effects of Ultra High Performance Steel Fibre Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) beams

A new test method for investigating punching shear strength in Ultra High Performance Fibre Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) slabs

The influence of normal curing temperature on the compressive strength development and flexural tensile behaviour of UHPFRC with vipulanandan model quantification

G.H. Mahmud

Papers

Experimental test methods to determine the uniaxial tensile and compressive behaviour of ultra high performance fibre reinforced concrete (UHPFRC)

Experimental and numerical studies of size effects of Ultra High Performance Steel Fibre Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) beams

A new test method for investigating punching shear strength in Ultra High Performance Fibre Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) slabs

The influence of normal curing temperature on the compressive strength development and flexural tensile behaviour of UHPFRC with vipulanandan model quantification

Experimental and numerical studies of ultra high performance fibre reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) two-way slabs