Durability properties of modified ultra-high performance concrete with varying cement content and curing regime

Abstract

Cement based fibre reinforced composite material has made advancements into Ultra-High Performance Concrete. Concrete is the most widely used man made material used in construction. Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC) gives better mechanical and durability properties. Mechanical and durability properties of UHPC can be influenced by various types of curing treatments and amount of cement used. This research focuses on the effect of cement content and different types of curing conditions in strengthening Ultra-high performance concrete. Initially the amount of cement content used in strengthening UHPC was varied from 10 to 25%. Subsequently the compressive strength and durability behaviour of various mixes as per ASTM codal provisions was found after 28 days of heat, steam and normal curing. The temperature maintained was 200°c for heat curing and 90°c for steam curing for about 24 h. The main objective to this study is focused on the mechanical and durability behavior of UHPC. Test results show that a maximum compressive strength of 180.9 MPa is attained with accelerated curing regime, which denotes a 30% incremental in compressive strength attainment. In 28 days of sulphate attack, it is found that the thickness of the concrete increases from 0.2% to 1% in steam curing when compared to other two curing regimes.