Title:
Rheological Properties of UHPC
Author(s):
Weina Meng
Publication:
Web Session
Volume:
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
3/28/2021
Abstract:
In North America, ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) was successfully applied into bridge elements. However, most studies on UHPC have focused on achieving mechanical properties and durability, and limited studies have elucidated workability (i.e., rheological properties and flowability) aspects of UHPC. It is recognized that the major problem of UHPC is the difficulties in handling due to significant workability reduction (or increase in yield stress and viscosity) during construction. Ultra-high performance normally could not be achieved because of the required rheology of UHPC does not met. In addition, the uniformity (i.e., dispersion) and alignment (orientation) of fibers, which can significantly influence the tensile properties of structural element is controlled the rheology of concrete matrix. Design and control the rheology of UHPC become the key for application of UHPC into practice. The main objective of this paper is to demonstrate how the ingredients will be critical in the development of UHPC. First, an overview of various materials (i.e., supplementary cementitious materials, nanomaterials, sand, chemical admixtures, and fibers) that can be implemented in ultra-high performance is presented. Then the main required rheology of UHPC and strategies of rheology control for different applications, such as repair of infrastructure and new construction of structural elements, are analyzed with respect to required performances. Finally, modeling technologies, including computation fluid dynamics approach, discrete element method, and machine learning, are discussed to assist the prediction and design of UHPC with adapted rheology.