Ultra-High Performance Concrete: Mechanical Performance, Durability, Sustainability and Implementation Challenges

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 ultrahigh 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.

Effects of Different Lightweight Functional Fillers for Use in Cementitious Composites

“…2. PVA fibers were also incorporated into the mix to enhance the flexural performance of the composites (Abbas et al 2016). The PVA fibers used were 39 lm (diameter) 9 15 mm (length).…”

Effect of Fiber Hybridization on Durability Related Properties of Ultra-High Performance Concrete

“…The air content in UHPC was 1% owing to using superplasticizer in the amount of 20 kg/m 3 , and a water/binder (w/b) ratio equal to 0.17 (Pierard and Cauberg 2009). A higher w/b ratio and higher superplasticizer dosage led to an increased air content (Abbas et al 2016). On the other hand, special mixing technology under lowered air pressure reduces the air content (Dils and De Schutter 2015).…”

Pull-Out Behaviour of Hooked End Steel Fibres Embedded in Ultra-high Performance Mortar with Various W/B Ratios

“…The densification of interfacial transition zone (ITZ) (Chan and Li 1997) by (a) increasing the fineness of materials particles (Wille and Naaman 2013), (b) reducing water/binder ratio (W/B) (Beglarigale and Yazıcı 2015;Beygi et al 2013;Markovic 2006), (c) using pozzolanic materials such silica fume and quartz powder (Shaikh et al 2016;Abbas et al 2016;Chan and Chu 2004), (d) optimising surface properties through chemical treatment to increase adhesion or enhance surface roughness (Wille and Naaman 2013) and use of deformed fibres, such as corrugated fibre and hooked end fibre is a very efficient in improving bond properties and mechanical properties due to mechanical anchorage (Wu et al 2016;Wille and Naaman 2012). One of the most recommended methods to investigate the bond characteristics is through single fibre pullout test (Laranjeira de Oliveira 2010).…”