Cementless ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) using CaO-activated GGBFS and calcium formate as an accelerator

Abstract

This study proposes an innovative approach to develop cementless ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) by activating ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) without an alkaline-activating solution. To develop cementless UHPC, calcium oxide (CaO) (5% by weight) was used to activate GGBFS, and calcium formate (CF) was used as an accelerator at concentrations ranging from 0 to 6 wt%. The results showed that CF significantly improved the mechanical properties until 5 wt% and all the samples, including CF, exhibited a compressive strength of over 150 MPa. Uniaxial tensile tests revealed strain-hardening behavior, similar to typical cement-based UHPC. The addition of CF led to an increase in hydration products and pore size refinement, resulting in improved mechanical properties. The life cycle assessment results indicated that the developed UHPC mixture had nearly 70% lower CO2 emission than cement-based UHPC. The experimental results highlight the potential of this method for sustainable UHPC development.