The Development of High-Performance Concrete for Transportation Structures in New Jersey

Abstract

A study was performed to develop high-performance concrete (HPC) mixes and specifications for transportation structures using resources that are readily available in New Jersey. A total of 87 mixes with the water-to-cementitious (w/cm) ratio ranging from 0.27 to 0.55, were developed. Both mineral and chemical admixtures—silica fume, fly ash, superplasticizer, and air-entraining agent—were used to improve the mechanical properties and durability of concrete. Out of these 87 mixes, three mixes with different compressive strengths were selected as base mixes. Both the mechanical properties and durability tests were performed on these mixes, which consisted of compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, drying shrinkage, creep, freeze-thaw durability, chloride permeability, and scaling resistance. Moreover, the effect of curing methods (dry, wet burlap, and compound) on the strength and durability of HPC were also investigated. Results show that the strength and durability of HPC could be enhanced with ternary blended mixes.