Parameters Influencing Fluidity of UHPC and Their Effect on Mechanical and Durability Properties
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 32, Issue 10
Abstract
A number of parameters can influence the fluidity of an ultrahigh-performance concrete (UHPC) mix and, hence, its viability for use in construction. These parameters include the carbon content of silica fume, high-range water reducer (HRWR) dosage, water-cement () ratio, and proportion of fine sands used in the mix. However, the relationship between those variables and their effect on the fresh and hardened properties of UHPC is not yet well understood. Using spread as a measure of fluidity, the effects of these variables on the compression strength, direct tensile strength, air voids, chloride ion penetration resistance, and freeze-thaw (F-T) resistance are experimentally investigated. The test results indicate that changing the ratio of the silica sands used can lead to an enhancement in the packing density and a corresponding substantial increase in compressive strength. Increasing the HRWR dose results in a mild reduction in the compressive strength of the mixture but does not adversely affect durability. However, increasing the dosage beyond a limit can lead to fiber segregation, which can adversely affect the mechanical properties. A response surface that ties the water-cement ratio and HRWR dosage to the compressive strength and spread is proposed. The response surface can be used as a design aid to properly design or optimize a UHPC mix.
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Data Availability Statement
All data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the published article.
Acknowledgments
This research was funded in part by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the University of Michigan. The authors acknowledge the MDOT for its financial support and the comments and suggestions made by its research staff and project manager. The opinions expressed in this paper are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the sponsors.
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Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 32 • Issue 10 • October 2020
Copyright
© 2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jul 17, 2019
Accepted: Apr 7, 2020
Published online: Jul 30, 2020
Published in print: Oct 1, 2020
Discussion open until: Dec 30, 2020
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