OPTIMIZATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVOLOPEMNT OF ULTRA HIGH-PERFORMANCE CONCRETE (UHPC)

Abstract

Modern infrastructure heavily relies on concrete, the most widely utilized building material globally, owing to its versatility and affordability. Extensive research in concrete technology has resulted in a diverse array of concrete types suitable for applications ranging from constructing skyscrapers to paving highways. There is a growing demand for concrete composites that can meet stringent criteria for functionality, including high compressive strength, durability, and superior thermal properties. Over the past century, concrete technology has seen significant advancements, with high strength concrete evolving from 30 MPa to over 100 MPa. Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) has emerged as a versatile material with numerous applications in construction. Its exceptional durability suggests the potential for reinforced structural elements that exceed current economic feasibility limits, while also offering low maintenance costs, particularly in challenging and demanding concrete environments. The objective of this research was to create Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) utilizing locally sourced materials. The compressible packing model technique was employed to enhance particle arrangement within ternary materials. Different quantities of materials such as silica fume, limestone, recycled brick powder and glass powder were experimented with in multiple smaller mortar mixtures. Both fresh properties and hardened mix compressive strength were assessed to achieve a blend with superior strength and exceptional workability. The research findings indicate that achieving an ideal mixture is challenging due to the inherent need for compromises in recipe construction, where satisfying all criteria fully is rarely possible. The finalized concrete mix featured a water-to-binder ratio of 0.18 percent, a superplasticizer solid content of 1.25 percent by weight, and a maximum fine aggregate size of 600μm. Consequently, the resulting concretes exhibited compressive strengths surpassing 120 MPa without the addition of fiber reinforcement, while also displaying self-consolidating properties