Ultra-High-Performance Concrete

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) offers superior properties for structural applications. Existing UHPC design and production methods employ special materials and mixers. This project is developing mix design and fabrication methods for reliable production of UHPC with local materials and facilities. The Phase I project devised material selection criteria, proportioning methods and mixing procedures which enabled production of UHPCs with 30 ksi (200 MPa) compressive strength using common materials and methods. Fiber reinforcement was used to achieve a desired balance of engineering properties. The rate of hydration of UHPC was controlled for practical field thermal curing. A pilot-scale field investigation validated the scalability of UHPC materials and construction methods. The Phase II project will broaden the raw materials selections, refine the mix design and scaled-up production, and establish quality control and nondestructive inspection methods for reliable and cost-effective production of UHPC materials and large structures. Field projects will be implemented in conjunction with numerical analyses in order to validate the scalability of UHPC production, and construction of large UHPC structures. The Phase II project will also develop UHPC material models and structural design procedures, and will quantify the performance, initial and life-cycle cost and sustainability benefits of UHPC structures.