Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is a new type of concrete developed by selecting the particle sizes and gradation in the nano- and micro-scales targeting the highest possible packing. The resulting concrete with very high density is called UHPC. UHPC has very low permeability and hence it is very highly durable compared to traditional or high performance concrete (HPC). Micro reinforcement of UHPC by random distributed steel-synthetic fibers results in superior mechanical properties such as very high compressive and tensile strengths, high ductility, and high fatigue resistance. The material selection and early age curing processes, use of fiber reinforcement, and very high quality in production resulted in a very high initial cost of UHPC structures. In order to enable the mass production and cost effective use of the material, performance based design and optimization of UHPC structural members are required. This study is part of an NRC Canada research project to develop innovative, cost effective, and sustainable bridge structural systems using UHPC and other innovative materials. In this study, the estimation of shear and flexural capacities using the available approaches of international design guidelines of UHPC structures are comprehensively compared to a proposed truss models, linear and nonlinear finite element models. Several design trials intended to allow for an optimized use of the materials and a maximum load capacity was conducted for simply supported beams with one or two external loads, and having rectangular or I cross sections. Linear and non-linear finite element models are developed and their results were compared to the available international design recommendations. Truss models are proposed to simplify the stress analysis in the shear zone of the prestressed UHPC beams. It is found that prestressed UHPC I-beam section gives the highest possible load capacity with minimum use of materials. The study shows that for the case of no stirrups, massive flexure and shear cracks initiate and propagate suddenly where a diagonal shear crack is fully developed and sudden collapse may expected. The proposed truss model gives very good match to nonlinear finite element analysis results for almost all the truss members. The results are significantly improved when additional struts are considered for both cases of beams with or without shear reinforcement. The study shows the importance of future experimental investigatinons to calibrate the proposed models.

Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is a new type of concrete developed by selecting the particle sizes and gradation in the nano- and micro-scales targeting the highest possible packing. The resulting concrete with very high density is called UHPC. UHPC has very low permeability and hence it is very highly durable compared to traditional or high performance concrete (HPC). Micro reinforcement of UHPC by random distributed steel-synthetic fibers results in superior mechanical properties such as very high compressive and tensile strengths, high ductility, and high fatigue resistance. The material selection and early age curing processes, use of fiber reinforcement, and very high quality in production resulted in a very high initial cost of UHPC structures. In order to enable the mass production and cost effective use of the material, performance based design and optimization of UHPC structural members are required. This study is part of an NRC Canada research project to develop innovative, cost effective, and sustainable bridge structural systems using UHPC and other innovative materials. In this study, the estimation of shear and flexural capacities using the available approaches of international design guidelines of UHPC structures are comprehensively compared to a proposed truss models, linear and nonlinear finite element models. Several design trials intended to allow for an optimized use of the materials and a maximum load capacity was conducted for simply supported beams with one or two external loads, and having rectangular or I cross sections. Linear and non-linear finite element models are developed and their results were compared to the available international design recommendations. Truss models are proposed to simplify the stress analysis in the shear zone of the prestressed UHPC beams. It is found that prestressed UHPC I-beam section gives the highest possible load capacity with minimum use of materials. The study shows that for the case of no stirrups, massive flexure and shear cracks initiate and propagate suddenly where a diagonal shear crack is fully developed and sudden collapse may expected. The proposed truss model gives very good match to nonlinear finite element analysis results for almost all the truss members. The results are significantly improved when additional struts are considered for both cases of beams with or without shear reinforcement. The study shows the importance of future experimental investigatinons to calibrate the proposed models.

Modern day structures are reaching higher, spanning longer and undergoing new design methods. In addition to regular loads, it is becoming increasingly important to consider the potential risks of intentional and accidental explosions on structures. In the case of reinforced concrete buildings, critical elements such as beams and columns must de designed with sufficient strength and ductility to mitigate against the effects of blast loads to safekeep the public and prevent progressive structural collapse. Recent advancements in structural materials have led to the development of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) with high compressive strength, tensile resistance, toughness and energy absorption capacity, properties which are ideal for blast protection of structures. Combining UHPC with high-performance steels, such as and high strength reinforcement is another potential solution to enhance the blast resilience of structures. This experimental and analytical research program investigates the advantages of combining high performance materials to increase the blast capacity of reinforced concrete beams. The experimental program includes tests on 21 beam specimens, fourteen of which are subjected to extreme blast loading using the University of Ottawa shock-tube, with seven companion specimens tested statically. Parameters investigated include: effect of concrete type (NSC vs. UHPC), effect of steel reinforcement type (NSR vs. HSR), effect of longitudinal reinforcement ratio, effect of fiber type/content and effect of transverse reinforcement on structural performance under static and dynamic loads. The experimental study includes three series having specified material combinations as follows: series 1 (NSC & NSR), series 2 (UHPC & NSR) and series 3 (UHPC & HSR). Each dynamically tested beam specimen is subjected to gradually increasing blast shockwaves until reaching failure. Performance assessment criteria included; maximum and residual displacements, overall blast resistance and resistance to secondary fragmentation. Results show that the specimens detailed with UHPC can resist greater blast loads with reduced mid-span displacement and debris generation when compared to beams built with conventional concrete. The combination of UHPC and high strength reinforcement further enhances blast performance and delays failure as both high strength materials balance themselves for optimum efficiency. Similarly, for specimens subjected to static loading, the use of UHPC increased the maximum load resisted by the beams, although failure mode alters from concrete crushing to rebar rupture. The combination of UHPC and high strength reinforcement further heightens beam resistance, at the expense of reduced specimen ductility. The analytical component of this thesis presents an analysis program called UO Resistance which is capable of predicting structural element resistance curves and conducting a dynamic inelastic single degree of freedom (SDOF) analysis of members subjected to blast loads. Resistance curves generated using UO Resistance were compared to data obtained through static testing and were found to effectively predict specimen response. Similarly, dynamic analysis methods implemented in UO Resistance prove to be effective at predicting specimen response under blast load. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of various modeling parameters on the static and SDOF dynamic predictions of specimen response.

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By adding annealed plain carbon steel fibers and stainless steel fibers into Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC), we have increased UHPC’s toughness through optimized thermal processing and alloy selection of steel fiber reinforcements. Currently, steel fiber reinforcements used in UHPCs are extremely brittle and have limited energy dissipation mainly through debonding due to matrix crumbling with some pullout. Implementing optimized heat treatments and selecting proper alternative alloys can drastically improve the post-yield carrying capacity of UHPCs for static and dynamic applications through plastic deformations, phase transformations, and fiber pullout. By using a phase transformable stainless steel, the ultimate flexural strength increased from 32.0 MPa to 42.5 MPa (33%) and decreased the post-impact or residual projectile velocity measurements an average of 31.5 m/s for 2.54 cm and 5.08 cm thick dynamic impact panels.

Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) is an evolving structural material that has attracted interest in the civil engineering industry recently. Currently, it is being used mainly for highway infrastructure in the US and also being explored for various other applications. The existing design guides on UHPC in countries like Japan, Australia and France are not as detailed as the concrete or steel guides. Most of the sections made of UHPC are slender due to its superior mechanical properties which are expected to simplify construction. Being an expensive material to use, making slender sections also helps to minimize the overall cost of the structure and makes it competitive with that of high strength steel and prestressed concrete. It has also been demonstrated to have very high compressive strength and considerable tensile strength. To begin with, an introduction on UHPC and its current applications around the world is presented, followed by a review of the existing design guides on UHPC. The importance as well as the methodology to measure fracture energy of concrete with factors to be considered for fiber reinforced concrete is discussed in detail. The main motive of this research is to introduce a creative modeling concept which served as the theoretical basis for the development of a computer program called Lattice 3D. The program is a modeling tool for engineers studying the behavior of UHPC, and in the future will be developed into a finite element protocol for analyzing complex structures made of UHPC. Parametric studies on lattice models of thin simply supported plates in compression and three-point bending of beams have been demonstrated in this research. Experimental tests conducted on briquette specimens under uniaxial tension are also discussed. / Master of Science

UHPC (ultra-high performance concrete) is a relatively new type of concrete that exhibits mechanical properties that are far superior to those of conventional concrete and in some cases rival those of steel. The main characteristics that distinguish UHPC from conventional reinforced concrete are the improved compressive strength, the tensile strength, the addition of steel fibers, and the resistance to corrosion and degradation. The mechanical properties of UHPC allow for smaller, thinner, lighter sections to be designed while strength is maintained or improved. The use of UHPC has been limited to a few structural applications due to the high cost of the materials and the lack of established design guidelines. A proposed material model based on material and finite element models has served as the foundation of this research effort. The model was used to minimize the dimension of an optimum section in order to limit the material usage and maximize the performance. In the model, the top flange served as the riding surface and contained no reinforcing steel to resist shear. The lack of steel reinforcement allowed for the possibility of a punching shear failure to occur from the application of a point load such as a wheel tire patch load. The model and optimized section served as the foundation for this research, the characterization of punching shear capacity of thin UHPC plates. A total of 12 UHPC slabs were tested to failure to determine the boundary between a flexural failure and a punching shear failure. The variables considered were the slab thickness and loading plate dimensions. The results of the testing were compared to existing models for punching shears and other failure modes, with varying success. The test results aided in the development of a design equation for the prediction of punching shear in UHPC slabs. After evaluation of the test results, recommendations are made as to which model predicts the punching shear capacity of UHPC slabs and the minimum slab thickness required to prevent a punching shear failure. / Master of Science

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ASTRACT: The very high strength, enhanced ductility and long-term durability of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) makes it an ideal material to be used for building structures in the future. The non-heat treated UHPC requires less quality control than heat treated UHPC, which makes it more relevant to be applied in South Africa. This research focuses on developing non-heat treated UHPC with locally available materials, with the exception of short, straight, high strength steel fibre. While UHPC mix design guidelines have been proposed, ingredient materials available locally, but which do not necessarily comply with recommended property ranges, may be compensated for by particular strategies. The local ingredient materials are compared based on their mineralogy, specific surface area, particle size and grading by researchers who successful developed non-heat treat UHPC. The majority of local materials were found not that ideal for UHPC. Under such circumstances, following the general UHPC mix design, it is difficult to reach the same designated strength as those achieved by the other researchers. One of the problems for non-heat treated UHPC is its large shrinkage caused by very low water to cement ratio. A new mix design philosophy is developed for UHPC by making use of steel fibre to improve its compressive strength. Instead of avoiding the large shrinkage, this method uses shrinkage to improve the bond between steel fibre and matrix through the mechanism of shrinkage induced clamping pressure. Subsequently, the mechanism of bridging effect of steel fibre is used to confine shrinkage evolvement in UHPC. Through such a mix design philosophy, the steel fibres are pre-stressed inside UHPC so that it both improves the compressive strength and ductility. A UHPC strength of 168 MPa is achieve in this research. After the UHPC has successfully been developed, factors that can affect UHPC strength are tested. It is found that the environmental temperature of UHPC, cement composition and specimen cover during the moulded period significantly influence UHPC strength by approximately 24%. It is also found that after two days of de-moulding, the UHPC exposed to the air, achieved similar strength as that cured in water, which is helpful for future industrial application.

The concrete technology has during the last century changed dramatically where the concept of high strength concrete has gone from 30MPa to well over 100MPa. UHPC has many areas of application and is used more and more frequently in all manner of structures. It is also a suitable concrete in areas and environments that are demanding and harsh for the concrete due to its overall excellent durability properties which suggest lifespans of reinforced structure elements that far exceeds what is economically available to design for today with a low cost of maintenance. The aim of this research was to produce Ultra High-Performance Concrete using mostly locally available materials. Tests were made on the binary materials where the particle packing was optimized through the Punkte method. A series of smaller mortar mixes was made where the effect of different proportions of i.e. silica fume, flyash, superplasticizer had on the concrete mix. The fresh and hardened properties of the mix as mini cone flow, slump flow, density, compressive strength and flexural strength was evaluated to obtain a mix which exhibited the properties sought for, high strength and good workability. The results showed that it is difficult to find an optimum mixture since the design of a recipe always has compromises and rarely all criteria’s can be met fully. The concrete produced had a W to C ratio between 0,21, 20wt% of silica fume, 4,5wt% of superplasticizer and max filler size of 1mm. Some mixes of the concrete were also produced with flyash replacement and with steel fibers. This resulted in concretes exhibiting compressive strength over 140MPa, flexural strength of 18MPa without fiber reinforcement and with self-consolidating properties. The replacement of cement with 30wt% of flyash resulted in better workability and long term(1year) compressive strength almost equaled the concrete without flyash replacement.

Recent attacks and accidental explosions have demonstrated the necessity of ensuring the blast resistance of critical buildings and infrastructure in Canada such as federal and provincial offices, military buildings and embassies. Of particular importance is the blast resistance of ground-story columns in buildings which must be properly detailed to provide the necessary strength and ductility to prevent progressive collapse. There exists a need to explore the use of innovative materials that can simultaneously improve the performance of such columns, while also allowing for a relaxation of required detailing to ease construction. Advancements in concrete material science have led to the development of ultra-high performance fiber reinforced concretes (UHPFRC) which show superior mechanical properties when compared to conventional concrete, such as increased compressive strength, tensile resistance and toughness. These enhanced properties make UHPFRC an attractive material for use in the blast design of reinforced concrete columns. This thesis presents the results of a research program examining the performance of UHPFRC columns under simulated blast loads. As part of the experimental program twelve half-scale UHPFRC specimens, six built with regular grade steel reinforcement and six built with steel high-strength steel reinforcement, are tested under blast loading using the University of Ottawa shock tube. The specimens were designed according to CSA A23.3 standard requirements for both seismic and non-seismic regions, using various fibre types, fibre amounts and longitudinal reinforcement ratios, allowing for an investigation of various design parameters on blast behaviour. The results demonstrate that the use of UHPFRC improves the blast performance of columns by reducing displacements, increasing resistance and enhancing damage tolerance. The results also indicate that fiber content, fiber properties, seismic detailing, longitudinal reinforcement ratio and longitudinal reinforcement strength are factors which can affect the behaviour and failure mode of UHPFRC columns. As part of the analytical study the response of the UHPFRC columns is predicted using dynamic inelastic analysis. The dynamic responses of the columns are predicted by generating dynamic load-deformation resistance functions for UHPFRC and conducting single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) analysis using software RC-Blast.