Project Information
Link to Latest Report: Final Report
Particle Packing and Mix Design Spreadsheet: Particle Packing Spreadsheet
Background:
Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is cementitious composite material with high compression strength (greater than 21 ksi), high tensile strength (greater than 1 ksi), and sustained post-cracking tensile strength. Proprietary UHPC mixes offer consistent quality and material properties, but come at a premium compared to the cost of the individual components of the mix. Non-proprietary UHPC mixes have been previously investigated by several state DOTs and FHWA, but are dependent on the type and quality of locally available materials.
The proposed study by FIU is part of a larger overall project including all five of the ABC-UTC partner universities. The main objective of this proposed study is to develop a non-proprietary UHPC mix design, labeled “ABC-UTC Non-Proprietary UHPC Mix,” made with local materials that can achieve the necessary mechanical properties and durability for use in bridge components, repair, and connections. The starting point for this mix will be non-proprietary UHPC mixes previously developed by the University of Oklahoma (OU). The ABC-UTC has partner universities covering most of the country, so the applicability of the previously developed mix design in different regions will be assessed or a set of regionally applicable non-proprietary UHPC mixes will be developed. One additional variable that will be considered during mix development is fiber content and fiber type.
The OU team will coordinate the overall effort of researchers at the five ABC-UTC partner universities to investigate material properties, bond strength, shear strength, and full-scale structural performance of the “ABC-UTC Non-Proprietary UHPC Mix” developed by the partner universities working together. Information and materials will be shared between the partner universities to investigate the repeatability of the proposed mix design. The combined efforts of the partner universities will lead to more significant results than could be obtained by any of the institutions working individually.
The study proposed by FIU will focus on evaluating the material properties of the “ABC-UTC Non-Proprietary UHPC Mix” and provide necessary information and materials to OU for the development of a “Guide for ABC-UTC Non-Proprietary UHPC.” FIU will also contribute to the planned technology transfer workshop at the 2019 International ABC Conference in Miami.
Objective:
The main objective of this proposed study is to develop a non-proprietary UHPC mix design, labeled “ABC-UTC Non-Proprietary UHPC Mix,” made with local materials that can achieve the necessary mechanical properties and durability for use in bridge components, repair, and connections.
Scope:
The research objectives will be accomplished through the following work plan. All research tasks will be conducted in collaboration with the other ABC-UTC universities.
- Task 1 – Literature Review
- The objective of the first task is to obtain previously proposed non-proprietary UHPC mix designs and review previously completed research on non-proprietary UHPC performance.
- Task 2 – Mechanical Testing and Customization of Non-Proprietary Mix
- The objective of this task will be to determine the effects of (1) UHPC constituent materials locally available to each partner university and (2) fiber content on the behavior of the “ABC-UTC Non-Proprietary UHPC Mix.”
- Task 3 – UHPC Durability Property Testing
- In addition to the mechanical testing conducted in Task 2, the durability of the developed UHPC mixes will be tested using freeze/thaw testing (if equipment can be obtained) and rapid chloride ion permeability.
- Task 4 – Technology Transfer Workshop
- A technology transfer workshop will be held as part of the 2019 International ABC Conference in Miami to share the performance, observations, and recommendations for the “ABC-UTC Non-Proprietary UHPC Mix.”
- Task 5 – Final Report
- A final report will be developed to summarize the research conducted by FIU and results from the testing done at FIU.
- Task 6 – “Guide for ABC-UTC Non-Proprietary UHPC”
- A “Guide for ABC-UTC Non-Proprietary UHPC” will be developed incorporating the research results from all partner universities. OU will coordinate the development of this guide and all partner universities will contribute relevant sections.
Research Team:
Principal Investigator: Dr. David Garber
Research Assistant: Esmail Shahrokhinasab
Previous Progress Reports: