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Title: Functional Characteristics of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete Comprising Various Fibers

Author(s): Jun Wang and Yail J. Kim

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 117

Issue: 5

Appears on pages(s): 179-191

Keywords: functionality; material characteristics; maturity; rapid chloride penetration; shrinkage; ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC)

DOI: 10.14359/51725978

Date: 9/1/2020

Abstract:
This paper presents the characteristics of a cost-effective ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) made of locally available constituents. The implications of steel and synthetic fibers on the shrinkage, maturity, and chloride permeability of the silica-based concrete are of interest. To implement assorted standard test methods, UHPC cylinders and prisms are cast and instrumented. The interaction between the fibers and cement paste affects the shrinkage of UHPC. Owing to the absence of coarse aggregate, the applicability of existing shrinkage models for ordinary concrete is not satisfactory; accordingly, a new expression is proposed. The early-age hydration of cement (less than 1 day) generates thermal energy, depending upon fiber type, which raises the temperature of the concrete. The load-carrying capacity of UHPC mixed with steel fibers is higher than that of UHPC with synthetic fibers. The maturity of UHPC is contingent upon fiber configuration; specifically, plain and steel-fiber-mixed UHPC cylinders show a superior early-age strength gain to those with synthetic fibers. For the Nurse-Saul and the Arrhenius maturity approaches (time temperature factor and equivalent age, respectively), regression equations are fitted. The flow of electric current and the resistivity of UHPC are favorable due to the densely formulated grain structure, leading to the improvement of durability when used for structural application. The diffusion coefficient of UHPC increases as the mixed fibers create interfacial gaps in the cement paste.