Abstract
In this study, an extensive literature review has been conducted on the material characterization of UHPC and its potential for large-scale field applicability. The successful production of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) depends on its material ingredients and mixture proportioning, which leads to denser and relatively more homogenous particle packing. A database was compiled from various research and field studies around the world on the mechanical and durability performance of UHPC. It is shown that UHPC provides a viable and long-term solution for improved sustainable construction owing to its ultra-high strength properties, improved fatigue behavior and very low porosity, leading to excellent resistance against aggressive environments. The literature review revealed that the curing regimes and fiber dosage are the main factors that control the mechanical and durability properties of UHPC. Currently, the applications of UHPC in construction are very limited due to its higher initial cost, lack of contractor experience and the absence of widely accepted design provisions. However, sustained research progress in producing UHPC using locally available materials under normal curing conditions should reduce its material cost. Current challenges regarding the implementation of UHPC in full-scale structures are highlighted. This study strives to assist engineers, consultants, contractors and other construction industry stakeholders to better understand the unique characteristics and capabilities of UHPC, which should demystify this resilient and sustainable construction material.
Highlights
Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is a novel construction material exhibiting enhanced mechanical and durability properties, which can lead to economical construction through reducing the cross-sections of structural members with associated materials savings and lower installation and labor costs (Tang 2004)
5.3.4 Effect of End Supports It was observed that UHPC beam specimens tested under high frictional support exhibited 30–60 % higher flexural capacity, depending on the fiber dosage, compared to that of similar beam specimens tested under low frictional support (Wille and Parra-Montesinos 2012)
In another study conducted by Schmidt and Fehling (2005), a carbonation depth of 1.5 mm (0.060 in) after 3 years was found for UHPC, which is approximately 2.5 and 4.5 times less than that in HPC and normal-strength concrete (NSC), respectively
Summary
Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is a novel construction material exhibiting enhanced mechanical and durability properties, which can lead to economical construction through reducing the cross-sections of structural members with associated materials savings and lower installation and labor costs (Tang 2004). The relatively high initial cost of UHPC has restricted its wider use in the construction industry. Ongoing research and investigations are filling knowledge gaps in order to commence innovative UHPC having reduced initial cost. The development and wide acceptance of an UHPC design code provisions should encourage stakeholders in the construction industry to implement large scale applications. This becomes even more relevant with the more recent push by organizations such as the American Concrete Institute, which identified using high-strength steel reinforcement in concrete as a top research priority. 1)Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan. 2)Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Western University, London, ON, Canada 1)Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan. 2)Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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