Self-sensing properties of cementless ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) with slag aggregates

Abstract

This research addresses the environmental impact of traditional cement-based construction materials and explores sustainable alternatives. The study aims to explore the mechanical properties, flowability, setting time, and self-sensing performance of cementless ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) by utilizing the electrical properties of electric arc furnace slag (EAF slag) as a replacement for natural aggregates, along with alkali-activated slag as the binding material. Comparative analyses are conducted between cementless UHPC with EAF slag and silica sands, as well as the impact of incorporating carbon fiber. The study reveals that cementless UHPC with EAF slag exhibits improved fluidity and slightly increased setting time compared to UHPC with silica sands, attributed to the spherical shape and ball bearing effect of EAF slag. While the compressive and tensile strength of cementless UHPC with EAF slag is slightly lower than that of UHPC with silica sands, it still meets UHPC standards with strengths of 150 MPa and 8 MPa, respectively. Nonlinear curve fitting accurately quantifies the self-sensing performance, yielding precise simulation results. Importantly, EAF slag-based UHPC exhibits superior self-sensing capabilities, outperforming carbon fiber incorporation. Unlike UHPC with silica sands, which generates substantial noise even with carbon fiber, EAF slag-based UHPC demonstrates effective self-sensing with minimal noise, even in the absence of carbon fiber. This study expands the understanding of self-sensing performance in cementless UHPC by effectively utilizing EAF slag as a replacement for natural aggregates. The results suggest that the valorization of EAF slag has the potential to enhance sustainability and the self-sensing capabilities of cementless UHPC.